Pre-shot routine for a perfect golf swing

LET’S GO! With just two words, we can develop a complete routine for playing a shot. The aim of this article is not to explain the importance of routines or how to activate our subconscious mind, as there is already plenty of information available on these subjects. Instead, I propose a structured routine (of my own creation) based on the letters of these words, and I invite you to try it out and share your results.

Keys to a good pre-shot routine

First, stand behind the ball and perform a simple action such as adjusting your cap, placing the tee and ball (if you are on the tee box), putting on your glove, etc. At the same time, say “LET’S GO!” to yourself as a way of getting mentally ready. The next steps are:

Evaluate the factors before the swing

V: laser vision. This involves carefully analyzing the shot you want to play. To do this (while standing behind the ball, as mentioned above), evaluate all the relevant factors: the distance to the flag or target, obstacles, wind direction, an intermediate target between the ball and your final target, etc.

The aim is to gather all the information you need to determine the type of shot you want to play as part of your strategy.

Think about the stages of the swing

A: adaptation. Now that you know the shot you want to play, choose the appropriate club from your bag. Still standing behind the ball, take a couple of practice swings, reproducing the movement you want to make when hitting the ball. This helps prepare your muscles and allows you to relax. You can also take a deep breath in and breathe out during the backswing and downswing, respectively.

Prepare your mind for a clean swing

MO: monitoring. Address the ball and avoid thinking about technique from this point on. Look again at your chosen target and focus solely on visualizing the flight of the ball in detail. This is the time to recall positive sensations and images of successful shots you have played in the past. You can also make a few waggles, but always focus on visualization rather than technical aspects. This step should not take long.

Make a smooth swing

S: Swing

…and enjoy a good shot. Remember that there is no single magic routine that works for every golfer, and you may need to adapt it to your own pace and style of play. Enjoy your golf!