PRACTICE WITH PURPOSE The tendency for most golfers when they go to a driving range is to build up to a swing that focuses on distance rather than accuracy. When practicing at the range, develop more self discipline by visualizing actual fairways and greens. Play several holes of different length in your mind that will use most of the clubs in your bag from driver to wedge. For example, imagine you are playing a tough par five that you have played before and visualize the boundaries of the fairway by using the yardage markers or trees on the range. Hit your driver, then hit your three wood (or long iron) and then an eight iron to the green. Play the holes until you can reach all the greens in regulation. This will encourage you to maintain a swing tempo that allows you to hit these imaginary targets more consistently and ultimately improve your game. BUILDING RHYTHM Try not to focus too much on the ball and the head of the club in the forward swing. This can cause you to hit at the ball and actually decelerate or lift up through the ball. Instead, focus more on the path of the grip end of the club and the timing of the uncocking of your wrists as you execute the forward swing. Focusing too much on the ball can also cause you to tense up and hit behind the ball or top the ball. When practicing, pretend that the ball is not there and that you are simply brushing the ground with the club head and the ball just gets in the way. To do this consistently, you need to concentrate on keeping your knees, hips and shoulders stable throughout the backswing, the forward swing and the follow through. MAKING A CHANGE Once you and your coach have agreed on a change to your swing, making the change can involve more work and take more time than you think. It really depends on how big the change is and how effective your practise sessions are. Ask yourself the following questions - How much of a desire do I have to make the change? - Do I practise often enough to give it a chance? - Do I understand the reason and the benefit of the change? - Can I feel the difference between the new way and the old way? - Am I only focusing on one change at a time? - Am I thinking too much about good ball contact or the ball flight? Some good practise techniques involve: Shutting your eyes to feel the change. Doing mirror work to see and feel the change. Swinging in slow motion. Taking a full swing at half speed. Teeing up the ball for a better chance at contact. Check in with your coach to measure your progress. Above all be persistent, patient and maintain a positive attitude.