We live in a world of hype that plays up tantalizing dramas that get our adrenaline rushing. Whether is it golf, sports. news, advertisements, or politics, we are bombarded with sensationalism daily to get our attention. To play golf at your highest potential requires a different paradigm. A mental key for peak performance is the relaxation of your mind and body so they are entrained.
Entraining your mind and body means being in synch or in balance of both parts. Synchronization means that things are working at the same time. Your EKG and EEG frequencies must match to be “in the zone”. To do this you need to free your mind by relaxing, and allow the perfect timing to happen.
As a tennis professional I taught college students how to play tennis. One of the teaching methods I used was to videotape each student’s ground strokes and serve. Invariably when I played the tape back, the students’ initial reactions would be that they don’t swing that way. The image in their minds didn’t match their strokes.
Watching golfers take a practice swing and then swing at the ball, I am reminded of this difference. The practice swing is usually the product of relaxation. The actual swing is the product of trying to control the ball by “hitting” it with force. If the result is playable, the golfer will usually rationalize that the swing was a good one and continue with the same process. If the result is not a good one, the golfer will try and change his/her swing thoughts.
Balance is a mental key to a smooth, solid swing
Since our minds rationalize that we are doing what we desire, here are some suggestions to “see” and “feel” what you are actually doing:
1. Is your grip relaxed enough to allow the club to make the necessary motions? The shorter the club, the more relaxed your grip needs to be.
2. Have someone use your phone to video your practice swing and then video the actual swing hitting the ball. Are the two swings different?
3. Notice the difference between the follow-through on your practice swing and actual swing. Were you in balance on the follow-through, or did you fall forward or backward?
4. Swing with your eyes closed to “feel” your swing. Then tee up a ball. With your eyes closed, hit the ball with a 7-iron. Did you allow your subconscious mind to hit the ball, or did you tense up and try not to miss it?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you can improve your golf game by relaxing your mind and body by taking deep abdominal breaths before every golf shot. For more information on deep breathing to relax, log on to www.pmi4.com Archived Newsletter November 2005. Also available are self-hypnosis CDs at www.pmi4.com/cart
Play “In the Zone” With Joan
Be sure to check the PMI website and Blog for previous mental golf tips.
For more in-depth information about how to play “in the zone” call Joan for a complimentary 15-minute personal consultation.
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