Most golfers get better over time, especially if they have the right training, the right gear, and enough time on the greens. However, achieving consistency is something that even the professionals struggle with. There are many factors that can throw you off your game and leave you wondering if this is really the sport for you.
Changing Conditions
There are so many factors that influence a single swing, it can be hard to keep track of them all. Have you ever wondered why some professionals always play well on familiar courses? It’s not just because they know the layout and length of each hole, they have also grown accustomed to the conditions.
Every time you hit the ball, you have multiple club options, different wind speeds, and different temperatures that can influence where the ball will go. Consistency comes with knowing the conditions and applying changes where necessary.
The Brain and the Body
The brain is in control of every movement you make, whether playing golf or the top 5 Aussie pokies games. This means that your emotion cans affect the way you swing through subtle muscle contractions.
The role of a swing or stroke coach is not to teach your brain how to play. Their aim is to get you to trust your movements and not think about them when you hit the ball. You almost have to detach yourself from thought once you have chosen your club and lined up your shot.
Stress and Arousal Levels
It has long been believed that there is an optimum level of arousal needed for sports to ensure peak performance. This extends to golf in some way, as small doses of adrenalin can keep you focused.
However, the majority of players operate on elevated stress levels that usually have a negative impact on their game. This point is brought into focus when you are sitting in the bunker and you fluff your first shot. Stress levels rise, muscles contract, focus waivers and a viscous cycle begins.
Focusing Methods
Many professional athletes utilize focusing methods to maintain consistency. This is most noticeable with sports like Tennis – before a serve, Rugby – before a penalty kick, or Basketball – before a free throw is taken. It may be something simple like the number of steps taken to get to the ball, touching your head, or even the way your breath.
With golf, instituting focusing methods will create brain links that can directly influence your body. When you step towards the ball, touch the ground or lift your club in some way, your brain can calm your body and prepare you for your shot.
Controlling Your Thoughts
At the end of the day, golf is as much a mental game as a physical one. If you are able to control your thoughts, you will begin to achieve constancy. Practising mindfulness techniques, meditation, and breathing exercises can radically improve your mental state both on and off the course.
Don’t let negative thoughts work their way into your head when you play. When you do find yourself obsessing over something, try using a focusing technique and let the thought slide out of your mind.
