Off-Season Training
Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:57:12
Many of us living in the northern climates have this time of year to practice our golf indoors. It is interesting how much you can do to help improve your game for that long awaited first game of the season. The question that is posed by many is what and how to practice during this indoor time. Let me give some suggestions for your consideration. First of all, this is an excellent time to practice your grip, alignment and posture. You can do this by using mirrors and tapelines or clubs on the floor. However, it is also time to mentally practice your game for the upcoming season. You should first assess the parts of your game that you are doing well and the parts of your game that you need to improve. There is an article written in 1927 by Bobby Jones in which Mr. Jones agreed to write a series of short instructional articles for the newspaper when he was only 25 years old. He had just won both the British and US Opens in the previous year. The gist of the article concerned the mental game. Jones posed the question regarding what he considered the greatest area of importance of preparation prior to entering a big event. His conclusion was to properly practice the mental game. He contended that the golf stroke requires a high degree of coordination of mind and muscle. He also stated that if you trust your instincts and do not think too much during the execution of the shot that your muscles would respond correctly if you have put the requisite training to hone those golfing muscles. I will end with a quote from his article. "There remains only to allow the muscles to go through the motions they have made numerous times before. Call it habit or the control of the subconscious mind or what you will. I am firmly convinced that this other man will play the shot for you if you only let him. Any nervousness, indecision or fear of consequences will interfere with his work and your shot will be ruined." I wish all of you the best in developing the ability to think less and trust more when executing your shots this year.
Until next time. Enjoy your golf,
Dr. Richard Gordin
