Pre-Shot Routine

[TmacG]

So I am just wondering if you have a planned out preshot routine or if you are just the type to stand up and hit it. Personally I go up to the ball, take two practice swings then step back behind the ball. I then look at my target and focus on it. I then spin my club and look at the target as I step up to the ball. I look at the ball, look at the target once more and then swing. It doesnt take any longer than 15 seconds. So what are your routines if any?

TmacG

[cbadics]

tee shot or iron shot in the fairway:

look at target and plan shot in my head. then approach ball and make 2-3 practice swings. during practice swings i take note of where the club struck the ground and then i immediately move my feet up the corresponding distance to the ball. and then i take my swing concentrating to make it exactly the same as practice swings.

chip shots around the green:

i don't have a pre-shot routine. usually upwards of 5-10 practice swings. i try visualizing the shot before and after practice swings. maybe i need a more defined pre-shot routine as my chipping has been terrible this year. in my defense i've been trying to chip with 50* (tight lies) or 60* (fluffy lies) whereas last year i did all chipping with my 56*. i'm still adjusting.

[david_dicks]

Mine's similar to yours. Only I walk up to the ball and take only one practice swing. Then I step back behind it and pick an intermediate target on the ground. Then I step back up to the ball, sole my club first (except driver, I never sole it), then a look to the target, a look to the intermediate target and fire away.

[bjdrivers]

I tee my ball up (if on the tee), walk behind the ball, take 1 practice swing, (slow, smooth swing for tempo) then find an immediate target that is along my intended line. I then take my grip, (David Leadbetter strongly advises taking your grip BEFORE taking your stance, I agree) approach the ball from the left, set my feet, take 2 waggles, aim the clubface at my immediate target, and fire.

[Horseballs]

Pace off the yardage if under 200 yards.
Envision the shot I want in my head.
Mentally rehearse scripture.
Put on swing jacket.
Make 11 practice swings, each one making a divot.
Remove swing jacket.
Un-velcro and re-velcro my glove twice.
Sign the cross.
Set up to the ball.
Exhale dramatically.
Aim.
Waggle for 20 seconds.
Back off.
Repeat.
Hit the ball.
Remark that I'm normally a great ballstriker to no one in particular.

All of this takes just under 10 seconds.

[bjdrivers]

Pace off the yardage if under 200 yards.
Envision the shot I want in my head.
Mentally rehearse scripture.
Put on swing jacket.
Make 11 practice swings, each one making a divot.
Remove swing jacket.
Un-velcro and re-velcro my glove twice.
Sign the cross.
Set up to the ball.
Exhale dramatically.
Aim.
Waggle for 20 seconds.
Back off.
Repeat.
Hit the ball.
Remark that I'm normally a great ballstriker to no one in particular.

All of this takes just under 10 seconds.

For some reason, I think he's being serious in this post.

[pingman360]

take two swings... walk behind the ball... get a intermediate target... picture the shot... tkae a deep breath and go...

[cbadics]

Pace off the yardage if under 200 yards.
Envision the shot I want in my head.
Mentally rehearse scripture.
Put on swing jacket.
Make 11 practice swings, each one making a divot.
Remove swing jacket.
Un-velcro and re-velcro my glove twice.
Sign the cross.
Set up to the ball.
Exhale dramatically.
Aim.
Waggle for 20 seconds.
Back off.
Repeat.
Hit the ball.
Remark that I'm normally a great ballstriker to no one in particular.

All of this takes just under 10 seconds.

horseballs are you really Sergio posting incognito? do you also spit into the cup after you miss a 50ft putt for a triple bog?

[Horseballs]

My real one...

Any regular shot...

Stand directly behind the ball, pick out a spot about 2 feet in front of the ball, point my club at the spot, line feet up parallel, one waggle, hit.

Punches, half shots, hooks, and fades...

Add one mini, slow motion, baseball height swing that exagerates what I'm trying to do.

[Cleveland Gunmetal]

lol....

I'm more of a just get up and hit it. I'm working on better posture and narrowing my stance a little (to promote better weight transfer) so sometimes I make sure that's what I want.. I used to take practice swings but now I don't. I don't see the point, especially if play is moving right along (now if I had to wait 20 minutes for the choppers ahead of me then yeah, I'll take a couple swings to loosen back up). I should probably get better at picturing a shot, etc. because I too often look at the flag instead of the green when hitting approach shots (then short side myself badly) but I always get annoyed when I play with guys like that who take forever to hit the damn ball then top it 20 yards. Then the madness starts all over again. I guess it depends what kind of round I'm playing... a match I'd take more time, just kickin' it I'll just hit the ball.

[cbadics]

this post is actually a helpful golf post for me! (am i in the right forum???)

One thing i don't do is pick and intermediate target when driving the ball or hitting iron shots. I'll have to try that based on everybody's recommendations. Do you pick an intermediate target when chipping too?

[SeldomInTheSlot]

As long as I have on one of my tight fitting shirts I feel confident enough in myself that I forego a golf related pre-shot routine in favor of little tee box or middle of the fairway muscle flexing. In the future I will also be adding the 'usually a great ball striker' mutter. Thanks for the tip, Cubes.

[bjdrivers]

this post is actually a helpful golf post for me! (am i in the right forum???)

One thing i don't do is pick and intermediate target when driving the ball or hitting iron shots. I'll have to try that based on everybody's recommendations. Do you pick an intermediate target when chipping too?

I don't. Around the greens, I walk up behind the ball, visualize the shot I need to play to get the ball close, then select the club that will do that for me. Then I pick the spot where I want the ball to land and focus on that spot when I address the ball.

[Horseballs]

I don't. Around the greens, I walk up behind the ball, visualize the shot I need to play to get the ball close, then select the club that will do that for me. Then I pick the spot where I want the ball to land and focus on that spot when I address the ball.

I pick an immediate target on every shot, including putts.
Just wait for Omen's response. That will be the correct and most loud answer.

[Horseballs]

As long as I have on one of my tight fitting shirts I feel confident enough in myself that I forego a golf related pre-shot routine in favor of little tee box or middle of the fairway muscle flexing. In the future I will also be adding the 'usually a great ball striker' mutter. Thanks for the tip, Cubes.

You are welcome. It will take at least 10 shots off what you tell people you normally shoot.

[Omen2]

i stand behind the ball and pick a general target.... at address i focus on grip and posture....then i give a little forward press and go.


SHOULD GORILLAS HAVE A PRESHOT ROUTINE: NO.....how effective could one be, i mean bj just learned how to walk around the course without using his knuckles so to have him focusing on intermediate targets might be a little much..... GOOD COCO....now go paint

[pingman360]

i dontpick an intermediate target but rather pick a spot to chip over... kinda like putting...