The Positive Mental Imagery 4 C’s mental training program focuses on improving the areas that cause golfers the most problems; Lack of Consistency, Lack of Control, Lack of Concentration, Lack of Confidence.
How can I control my mind so I will be more consistent in my play?ttp://www.positivementalimagery.com/news_letters/vol4_ed8-consistency.php
To produce more consistent shots, practice trusting your swing, and also practice making your mental preparation more consistent. One of the most important mental tools is your pre-shot routine. Would you want to fly with a pilot who didn’t check out all of his instruments before he started the plane down the runway? Of course, not. In the same way it is important that you have a pre-flight checklist to prepare your mind to give the proper instruction to your golf swing. The pre-shot checklist prepares you to let go of conscious thoughts so you can to put your swing into a smooth automatic flight pattern.
Your pre-shot routine is the map that gives direction to your brain about the shot you are going to hit. For your swing to be the same, your routine prior to swinging must be the same every time. Successful golfers train their minds to do the same routine in sequence over and over until it becomes a habit. On the golf course they can then activate the sequence by a trigger or swing key to start the process.
It is likely you prepare for your shots differently on the range and on the golf course, but expect the same results. On the wide-open range, most golfers are not concerned with the mental discipline that is required for scoring. Then on the golf course, the score becomes the focus and the wonderful tempo and relaxed swing is left on the range.
Practice the way you play. Train your brain by using your pre-shot routine with every shot on the range until it becomes a habit. If your practice routine and your on-course play routine are the same, your results will be similar.
Another thing to consider is your alignment and set-up. If you set up incorrectly, even a great swing won’t produce a good shot. Every shot on the course is hit from a new position, which is very different from hitting from the same spot on the range. On the range, put parallel clubs down on the ground to give your mind a visual image of the target line. Always pick a target for each shot so you will get feedback on how you are doing. To repeat your good shots anchor them in your subconscious mind with the wonderful inside feeling of hitting a solid shot.
Play “In the Zone” With Joan
Log on to the PMI website and Blog for additional mental golf tips.
If this article is helpful to you, and you want to learn more, call Joan for a complimentary 15-minute consultation about improving your mental game. She can be reached by phone at 828-696-2547, or leave a comment below.
Self-empowering hypnosis mental golf CDs are available at www.pmi4.com/cart
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