YOURCADDY PRO | MIND FIT
6.
Down-Size Your Vision: The closer you walk to your ball
on the course the narrower you want your concentration. As you
get over the ball you want a microscopic external focus, not a
broad, internal or external focus. Look closely at the ink on the
ball, any shadows, the grass around the ball, and let that help
your mind become calmer and more tuned in. When you have
a strong mental game of golf, you know how to use appropriate
attentional cues.
7.
Drop On-Course Self-Instruction: Your swing
checkpoint lists and deep technical analysis that
help you grow in practice just get in the way in a
round, so leave them on the practice area. Stick
to simple swing cues and quick fixes, and begin
quieting your mind in the minutes before your
round as you warm up. When you have a strong
mental game of golf, you know that analysis and
tweaking is best left for times other than the round.
8.
Dampen the Noise In Your Head: You might
have thoughts of self-doubt, worry, fearful images
and other internal distractions, but you can cover
them up. As you begin your pre-shot routine, listen
to your breathing or hum a tune to block out these
unwanted thoughts and images. When you have
a strong mental game of golf, you know how to
manage your mind, and your focus.
9.
Use Performance Trigger Cues To Automate
Your Swing: Use these to initiate the swing and
then let them go. You can use words or images that
convey smoothness, balance, power, ease or any
other focus that helps you. When you have a strong
mental game of golf, you make your mind an ally, by
using smart triggers and cues.
10.
Execute the Swing with No Mental
Guidance or Mid-Swing Tweaks: Your mind can
initiate the swing, but don’t let it guide or adjust the
swing. You need to trust what you have initiated,
and simply allow it to unfold. When you have a
strong mental game of golf, you trust your training.
I encourage you to make concentration
a strength in your game. Follow these
mental game strategies and watch your
enjoyment go up while your scores go
down.
Bill Cole, MS, MA, a leading authority on sports psychology, peak performance,
mental toughness and coaching, is founder and CEO of William B. Cole
Consultants, a consulting firm that helps sports teams and individuals achieve
more success. He is also the Founder and President of the International Mental
Game Coaching Association. SportsPsychologyCoaching.com
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