Practice swings are a vital component in our golf games. They help us to make changes when we are learning a new skill. On the golf course, they are a rehearsal for the upcoming shot. If not done for any other reason, they allow us to relieve the tension that builds between shots. I frequently hear from my students that they have a great practice swing but can't repeat the same swing with the ball. It is a universal problem for all golfers; the ball seems to cast a spell that prohibits them from making a good and efficient swing. This happens for two reasons.

One, when we take a practice swing we are doing just that, swinging. It is a fluid motion that swings out there, towards the target. When the ball is placed before us (ball swing), the ball itself becomes the target and our major concern becomes hitting that, the ball. The brain translates hitting that into a downward blow that goes crashing onto the top or side of the ball, the ground, or just about anywhere but the most efficient place.

Two, there is now a result by which to criticize and judge ourselves. A lack of confidence takes over, tension creeps in, and that fluid practice swing becomes quick and uncertain. The end result is a bad shot. Proof that indeed, we can't perform the same swing with the ball. The following is a drill to help alleviate this scenario.

Practice Swing / Ball Swing Drill
Focus on a particular element of your swing on which you are working; perhaps your takeaway or shoulder turn. Make a practice swing; concentrate on that one area only. Feel it, envision how it looks, become totally aware of what is happening in that one area. When you believe you've made your best swing and you know exactly how it feels, tag it a number 10, meaning it is perfect. Then repeat the swing with the ball. You are now hitting the ball, but all of your attention is still focused on that one area. Do not think about the ball or the result, only about that part of your swing on which you are working.

After completing the ball swing, by using a scale of 1 to 10, determine how close your ball swing was to your practice swing. This is no time for self-criticism, be totally objective. If it was a 5, then go back to your practice swing until you feel a 10. Then swing with the ball. You must place your total awareness on the particular element of the swing on which you are working. Keep repeating the drill until your ball swing feels the same as your practice swing, a number 10. Then repeat it over and over until it becomes natural. In order to make this drill effective, it is crucial that you be disciplined enough to keep your attention focused on the swing and not the result. During this process, you must give up your concerns about the outcome and be willing to take the risk of hitting the worst golf shot imaginable. How can you expect to repeat the swing when it counts, if you don't really know how it feels to begin with?

This drill helps to close the gap between the practice swing and the ball swing. Along with gaining an awareness of what your swing really feels like, you are sending a signal to your brain that says I can do this with the ball. With time and practice, you will no longer look down at the ball and allow it to cast a spell over you. Then you'll be in control of your swing and will be ready to take your game to the next level. Have Fun!

© Melissa Whitmire 2000