Developing a good golf set up

A good pre-shot routine consists of anything that helps you develop proper swing technique, while ensuring that you are mentally prepared to take the shot. A couple of methods that many golfers employ are, stepping back from the ball to take a look at your target, or stopping to check that you are aligned properly. Many golfers rush their shot, stepping right up to the ball and swinging away. A good pre-shot routine forces you to slow down, envision yourself hitting your target and, double check your stance and alignment.

The mechanics of a good set up

 

Obviously, one of the most important parts of a proper set up, is a proper stance and ball position. There is no perfect stance that works for every golfer. The important thing is that, through much practice, you find the perfect stance and ball position for you. What the pre-shot routine can do for you mechanically, is help to ensure that you get into your proper stance, by approaching every shot the same way every time. Many experts suggest setting your club head behind the ball first, then setting your front foot in its proper position, and finally setting the back foot at an appropriate width apart and properly aligned with the front foot. Whatever routine you develop, if you go through the same routine for every shot, getting into the correct stance and position becomes instinct and you no longer have to think about it.

Having and using the same pre-shot routine

 
Golf can be a very mentally challenging game. There is so much to think about on every shot. If you let your mind take over, you can fall apart very quickly during a round. That is why it is important to develop and use the same pre-shot routine with every shot you take. Not only does it eliminate a lot of the mental clutter that goes through your head, but over time you will develop muscle memory, consistently swinging your golf clubs the same way every time. You may even want to write down the steps of a pre-shot routine that your are comfortable with and carry it in your golf bag until it becomes second nature to you.

What to do if you get distracted

 

The best way to handle distractions during your golf game, is to eliminate them. The word to remember here is focus. If you focus on your set up and pre-shot routine, you can block out distractions, both internal and external, and focus solely on the shot you are about to take.

The game of golf is both the most gratifying and most frustrating game there is. By developing a solid pre-shot routine, you can eliminate many of the mental lapses and distractions that often frustrate even the most accomplished golfers.