Go Over the Drink, Not into It

I regularly link you to a piece of writing I've examine in those posts because I assume they will assist and I think the source of the pointers must be identified.

Today I'm linking you to 2 distinct but associated articles -- each brief -- that I assume build on one another but that you won't have put together on your very own because they are in unique locations.

The articles are both at the Golf Digest site. One is by teacher Rick Smith about hitting shots over water and the other is about calming your nerves under pressure by former professional football player Lewis Howes.

Smith says that maximum weekend gamers tend to get fearful when faced with a shot over water. (Did you know that? Talk about an underestimation!) As a end result they tighten their grip at the membership and come to be making a completely quick backswing, which then translates right into a awkward stab on the ball and an nerve-racking splash.

His solution is to reflect onconsideration on making a smooth stroke returned and keeping your palms and frame in sync on the manner thru. He additionally warns towards trying to assist the ball up, as you'll hit it fat in any other case scoop it. Both will placed you within the water.

But saying "Don't get tight while you swing" is lots simpler than really staying loose, is not it? That's where the Howes article comes in. He has a four-step manner for alleviating the pressure:

1. Visualize. Take a deep breath, close your eyes and try to see the shot you want to hit. That helps you focus on the job at hand.
2. Breathe. You already took a deep breath, so why not take a few more? Howes suggests at least ten deep breaths; this helps you make sure that you're alert and your muscles have lots of oxygen to work with.
3. Be grateful. See this shot as a great opportunity to accomplish something wonderful. Lots of players actually wish they had this shot!
4. Remember that you're in control. You make the shot, not your playing partners. You take the club back, you make the stroke and you choose when you make the stroke. (Well, within reason. Don't stand around for ten minutes, but wait till you're ready.)

Now, when you're faced with a shot over water, you have a clear goal -- make a smooth swing -- and a short routine to help you get loose. Shots like this aren't that difficult if you know how to prepare for them... and now you do.