Maximising practice time

DESPITE our best intentions, inevitably we don’t manage to fit in all the practice that we’d like to. Therefore, it is very important that we maximise the value of the practice time we do get. Let’s discuss how you could make the most of a 30-minute chipping practice for example.

*Technique Work (10 mins) In this part of your practice, the outcome of the shot doesn’t matter. You should be ensuring that each element of your set up is perfect. Put your clubs down on the ground to help you stand parallel to the target line and monitor your ball position.

Work hard to make every practice swing brush the grass and accelerate smoothly through to a balanced finish. We know that leaning back and flicking our wrists at the ball is a very instinctive approach to chipping, but we also know it doesn’t work. Trust the science and commit 100 per cent to each shot.

*Feel and Control (10 mins) Switch your focus from form to feel. For example, mark your desired landing area with an ‘X’ and try to land a ball on that spot.
 
Note how the ball reacts when it lands when using different clubs. Another great ‘feel’ drill is to chip a ball onto the green approximately 15 feet in front of you.

Try to land your next ball on top of the first ball and repeat until there is no green left. This will help you learn how the length of your swing influences the distance the ball flies.

*Competition and Accountability (10 mins): Work hard to ensure that each shot you hit means something. Draw a three foot circle around the hole and challenge yourself to get five balls in a row into the circle before you leave.

If you get four in a row and then miss the fifth one, you have to start again. This helps to create a little competitive pressure in your practice that will prepare you for the real thing when it matters.

Even if you only have a short period of time, you can still carry out some very worthwhile practice if you make a plan and stick to it.

Split your time into segments and have a very distinct focus for each one.

End your practice with a little competition and challenge yourself to get better and mentally stronger!

For more information on this topic or to find out more about the golf coaching services offered at Awali Golf Club, call 39761873. Good luck and happy golfing!