Have you ever wondered how you can hit shots like a pro during practice then struggle to break ninety? All golfers, regardless of skill, have experienced this wild difference between playing and practice.
What happens to all the “good stuff” during the ten-minute walk from the practice range to the first tee?
It is easy to answer: On the practice range you have been trying fix effects (i.e. Swing mechanics are not the cause.
Feelings and mechanics go hand in hand.
You can only hit good shots at the range if you are able to do so. Re-creating these shots requires that you have the right feel.
There are three key points or checkpoints to every consistent swing.
First, the impact position. For a right-handed golfer, the left hand is opposite the inner left thigh at impact. This is the second position of the backswing. In a complete backswing, the player’s back is facing the target. When the palms are at the waist in the downswing, the final checkpoint is reached. At this point, a line through the shaft of the club is pointing at the ball.
Are you familiar with the axiom “only perfect practice makes perfect?” The phrase sounds logical, but how do we achieve perfect practice? Perfect practice is achieved when you repeat these positions on a consistent basis.
You can develop muscle memory by repeatedly reenacting key positions with the associated feel. To improve swing mechanics, you must have your own unique feeling.
Common misconception: The rate of improvement is not related to the time spent at the driving range. Many golfers complain about how they are playing less after they have practiced.
The three positions above might seem too simple for a golfer who is well versed in swing mechanics.
The above positions can be seen if you look at frame-by-frame photographs of some of your favorite players. To help recreate the positions, players may have adopted idiosyncrasies such as varying grips, stances, takeaway lengths, and backswing lengths.
In the off-season is the best time to develop new muscle memories.
Mind and muscles need time to accept fresh ideas and “forget” comfortable patterns. To help visualize and develop your unique feelings, you can use a full length mirror. You can practice the positions in three different ways as you gain comfort.
Next, we will examine the biggest factor that can affect your ability to build muscle memory.
Thank you for reading.