Mental Game · Lesson
A Five-Step Pre-Shot Routine
Part of our mental game programs for nerves and pressure, no routine, losing it after bad shots. Build a program with it
A steady routine helps you aim, calms nerves and resets you after mistakes. Here's a simple one. Behind the ball, pick your target, picture the shot, choose your club and take a practice swing. Walk in from the side. Set the clubface first, aimed at the target. Then your feet and shoulders. Take one last look and go. Don't wait. Hold your finish until the ball lands. Practice it on the range. Start planning while others play.
Step by step
- Behind the ball: target, picture, club, practice swing.
- Walk in from the side.
- Clubface first, then body.
- One last look and go.
- Hold your finish.
Why it works
A fixed sequence gives your mind the same job before every swing, so you spend less time on doubts and tension. Setting the clubface at the target first, then lining up your feet and shoulders to it, gives you a reliable aim. Going soon after your last look keeps you from overthinking, and holding your finish shows you whether you stayed balanced.
Common mistakes
- You skip the routine after a bad shot and rush the next one.Run all five steps every time, especially after a miss, so the routine resets you.
- You line up your feet first and then fit the clubface to them.Set the clubface at your target first, then place your feet and shoulders to match it.
- You stand over the ball for a long time before swinging.Take one last look at the target and start the swing right away.
How you'll know it's working
- Your shots start closer to the line you picked, because your aim is set from behind the ball.
- You can hold your finish in balance until the ball lands.
- The routine takes about the same time on every shot, and you feel calmer over the ball.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practice the five steps with no ball, or with one easy short club, until the order feels automatic.
Harder: Use the full routine on the course or in a practice game where each shot counts, and keep it the same after a poor shot.
Common questions
How long should a pre-shot routine take?
Keep it short and the same every time. Most of the thinking happens behind the ball, and once you walk in you should go without waiting.
Should I take a practice swing before every shot?
Yes, in this routine you take it behind the ball after you choose your club. It lets you feel the swing you want before you step in to address the ball.
