When a pro breaks through and has a great year on tour or wins their first tournament, they are often asked, “What is the difference now? What did you do to break through.” When a top college or amateur comes out on tour, they are often asked, “What is the big difference between being on the tour vs. playing in college?” In many cases the answer to the these questions is the same – “learning how to practice more effectively!”
In many cases, this will not mean exactly the same to each player. Some might say, I now practice longer, or I practice the short game more or I hit more irons, etc. But there are at least three things that the pros do on the range everytime they are there. To them, they almost don’t even know they do it – it becomes so natural. They might do more than this, but these three little things work, and they work for everyone.
- 1. Alignment or Aim
They make sure they are aligned properly before they hit each shot. Whether they have a club or aiming stick at their feet, or someone behind them to double check, they pay close attention to where they are aimed…Nothing will screw up a swing faster than bad alignment.
- 2. Changing the Target – Frequently
Watch the pros at the range if you can go to a tournament – they change their target frequently. Don’t hit more than 10 balls at the same target. Move to targets all over the range in a practice session, and do some of it with the same club, Hit 3 7irons to right target, 3 to a left target and 3 to one in the middle…….Move it around frequently.
- 3. No Rapid Fire Range Sessions
The pros tend to hit 3 or 4 balls at most in a row. Then they step back, double check alignment, find a new target, wipe off a grip, do a drill away from the ball, etc. This also gives you a minute to think about what you are doing…..Fight the urge and avoid the “rapid fire” range session.
About the Author
Greg Lumsden
Greg is the founder of Scratch and an avid golfer.
August 1, 2011 at 6:51 pm
Well said, especially about changing the target. What I tend to see with students is they fall in love with one target with one club, and practice to that target all the time. These golfers tend to struggle “taking it to the course” because on the course the target/club selection is changing shot by shot. The more a player can simulate on-course play on the driving range the more successful they will be when they actually hit the links.