Recently on one of my LinkedIn Forums the subject of swing thoughts came up. The key question being asked: What do you think about when you swing the golf club?
Answers varied all over the place… read a quick sample of some of the more interesting responses below: (And don’t miss what 16 year old Lexi Thompson thinks about when she swings. She just shattered the LPGA record for youngest player to ever win an LPGA event: the Navistar Classic!
TURN ON THE CAMERA IN YOUR LEFT EAR (right-handers). Step out of your self-concerned body’s tension and into your mind’s eye. See the ball flight that you choose to produce and BELIEVE that you will produce it. Seeing is believing and visualizing is producing. You can’t make it happen. You have to let it happen. -K.W.
Studies (outside of golf) have demonstrated that when the subject attempted to think about or consciously direct a stored motor activity ( one they can do without thinking about it), the performance of that activity deteriorates. The only way to not think about swing thoughts or golf swing is to actually think about something else. The optimal time for shot execution is 7-10 seconds from the time you begin your walk to the ball to completing your swing. Any more time than that over the ball and you may as well “stick a fork in you, cause you are done.” -K.M.
The less thought we have about a swing the better our body performs. I have one thought to start the swing which is to turn my right shoulder. Once I have done this I let everything happen. Works for me. I never take a practice swing or practice putt – Don’t want to waste any good swings! -M.P.
I think the best advice is to have no “think” at all! In their latest book Play Your Best Golf Now: Discover VISION54’s 8 Essential Playing Skills
What do you think about when you swing?
Every time I go golfing footzyrolls are a must! They are perfect to change into and don’t take space at all.
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I have about 15 things going through my head….not good! I’m going to try to go with just one swing shot next time and see what happens.
You and me both! Simple and easy in both thought and body is the secret if you ask me.
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A few last tips.
Try to avoid hitting your ball OB.
Keep ball in fairway.
No double bogies or three putts.
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Good luck to all you golfing girls!! Don’t forget to watch the finals of the LADIES 2011 Solheim Cup on Sunday. It’s on the Golf Channel starting about 5:00 AM ET. USA 8 – EUROPE 8.
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Of course, I keep my eyes on the ball, usually on the logo. These thoughts are for DRIVING the ball. A lot to think about each time, but they work great for me. Most of my drives are very straight and in the fairway.
Am new to this site but wii definitely come back to read all the info and tips.
Set your scoring goals based on how you score. A double bogey may be a good goal if you get a lot of triples. A bogey if you get doubles or triples. A par if you get bogeys
Address the ball. Head up so shoulders can swing freely, loose grip, bend knees (think sitting on bar stool with butt out), feet shoulder width with right foot (right handed) pointed straight, left foot turned a little to left.
When I swing: Forward press so wrist is cocked, keep left arm fairly straight, take club back slowly on railroad tracks keeping clubhead close to ground turning hips toward right. Swing as if I am in a barrel to keep from swaying. On downswings, turn hips back to left making sure I use my legs. Think hit up and make sure to follow through.
I try to keep the thoughts to as few as possible. Maybe just one or two after a couple of deep breaths.
I believe too many things running through your head can be harmful for your golf swing.
Jill… slow down is something I really have to learn. One of my big problems is that I swing too hard trying to help the ball! Even if my head says “slow,” my body says “go!” And the ball usually does — into the woods!
I think about 6,498 things then I stop, let out a deep breath … and let muscle memory take over.
Christina… too funny. 6,498 things is just about how many fly through my head as well. Have to learn how to empty it all out and stay focused on just hitting the ball.