Concentration is a skill that you can develop as well as any professional. Concentration is not thinking. It is not an analytical process where you think about what is going on, what has happened in the past or what will happen in the future. When you are concentrating, the past and future thoughts disappear and you are experiencing the process of creating your golf shot in the present. It happens when you focus your attention on one image, object, experience or line of thought as it is taking place. Your pre-shot routine prepares you to concentrate in the moment.
In sports, concentration is more difficult because it is done under pressure. Pressure causes anxiety and anxiety is a distraction. Internal or external distractions keep golfers from playing at their peak performance levels. Anyone who is playing to their peak potential is perfectly focused.
The human mind processes thousands of bits of sensory information every second so it is no wonder that we have trouble focusing on one shot at a time. A lot of golfers believe they have to concentrate on the game for four or more hours. Actually it is a good thing to relax and joke with your golf partners between shots and focus only when it is your turn.
“Discipline and concentration are a matter of being interested.” ~ Tom Kite
As you approach your ball, begin to change your outer focus of attention to creating the shot you are about to hit by using your senses of feel and imagery. Imagine that you are wearing blinders and can only see and feel the execution of the upcoming shot.
Analyze the wind, yardage, type of shot, target and club selection. Be totally committed to the club and shot you have selected. Narrow your focus further by standing behind the ball, connecting clearly with the target and visualizing the flight of the ball to the target. Finish narrowing your focus by feeling the swing, either by swinging the club or mentally imagining it in your mind. If you have practiced your swing using a swing-thought or swing-cue, activate it to initiate your swing.
Concentration is the art of allowing yourself to become interested. Allow yourself to become enraptured with what you are doing.
When you are watching an engrossing movie, your attention is focused on the action. In the same way, planning a golf shot can be just as engrossing. Focus your full attention along with your full intention on what you want to happen. Stay committed to your mental and physical routines. This will keep you calm, in control, and focused on hitting one shot at a time.
Play “in the zone” with Joan
Entrain Your Heart & Mind for Peak Performances
Increase your ability to concentrate and stay in the moment by listening to the PMI compact disc “Concentration for Consistent Golf” in the privacy of your own home. Available now at www.pmi4.com/cart
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