A Few Keys to Efficient Practice

Whether it's in baseball, hockey, soccer, tennis or anymovements in these sports to help your golf game.
other sports that involves a ball, there is a feeling ofFor instance, the way you shift your weight on a tennis
immense satisfaction and pride that comes from hittingbackhand shot is very similar to the bodyweight
the ball solidly. Nowhere does this apply more than intransfer on a golf shot. Use the tennis experience to
golf, where the small ball goes where it wants onrememberwhat you need to do on the links.
anything but a solid shot.When you're hitting a lot of balls in one session,
If you want to hit the ball solidly on a consistent basis,remember to take a break between swings. You will
the only way is through practice and more practice.avoid mental and physical exhaustion and can use the
Though you may not think so, the best time to practicetime to process what you've learned or accomplished.
is right after a round. Everything that didn't work forRemember, you're not out there to hit a thousand
you during the round is fresh in your mind, and yourshots, rather a few beautiful ones. Hitting 20-30 balls at
body and mind are ready to go. Failure to worka time is sufficient practice, especially if the majority of
consistently on the shots that regularly give you thethese are struck on the sweet spot of the clubface.
most trouble means your game won't soon improve.To hit a more accurate shot and promote better
The key to maximizing your efficiency in practice iscontact, pull out your favorite iron and try this exercise:
creating 'real' situations. Ideally, you would mirror whattake two tees and stick them in the ground a couple
happened in your round and employ your best swings.of inches apart. (You can also use two balls.) Try
Also work on hitting balls from every bad lie you can(air)swinging your iron through the tees without hitting
think of. Obviously, it's extra important to practice if youthem. Start with partial swings and work your way up
haven't played for a while.to full swings as you get better at avoiding the tees.
Boost your game further by visualizing a round of golfSoon you will be hitting the ball more solidly.
during lunch or breaks, on your way to or home fromIt may sound corny, but don't forget the feeling of a
work, etc. Imagine taking many good swings and hittinggood shot. Memorize it and internalize it, then practice it
a great shot each time. See your entire body flowing inand you will soon be able to produce it consistently. It's
unison through each shot, completely tension-free. Thisvery easy to lose the feeling of a great shot because
isn't useless preparation. You are increasing yourthere are so many variables that went into hit, from
muscle memory and preparing them for the nexthand position, proper grip and good pre-swing body
round.alignment to the right ball position, clubface impact and
If you enjoy other sports, you can transferfollow-through.