Shooting balls into the darkness all winter makes no sense. Fabian Bünker shows five exciting alternatives that will advance your game.
Knowing that not all golfers can invest a lot of time in training, here are five tips for your long game you can do with little time on any driving range.
1. Evaluate the Quality of Your Shots
Take 30 balls and hit each with a different club toward different targets. Before each shot, perform a routine like on the course, or even better, as in a tournament. After each hit, grade the shot quality from 1 (very good) to 6 (poor). You’ll notice your concentration improves as you avoid giving yourself bad grades.
2. Tai Chi Swing
This exercise requires high concentration and a quiet environment. Perform your golf swing, especially the parts you want to change, in slow motion, feeling every part of the movement. It helps to close your eyes to strengthen the internal image of the movement. Experts can even time their Tai Chi golf swing to seconds. Initially, practice without a ball (or with practice balls if you have space), then gradually increase tempo using the 30-60-90 rule: start at 30% tempo, then 60%, finally 90%, avoiding full speed to maintain control.
Key points for Tai Chi Tempo swing:
• Give yourself clear and precise movement instructions
• Focus on only one movement aspect at a time
• Find a quiet environment (turn off phones)
• Get feedback from a coach
• Start with swings without a ball
3. Practice the Draw
A draw is a ball flight curving from right to left, starting slightly right of the target line and curving back. Swing the club from inside to outside with the face slightly closed to the path. If you usually hit a slice, this drill helps correct that.
4. Practice the Fade
Conversely, try hitting a fade, which curves left to right, by swinging from outside to inside with the clubface slightly open to the path. Each golfer needs personalized adjustments to hit these shots, so consider lessons with a pro if you struggle.
5. Focus on Specific Body Parts
Winter is a good time to stabilize your swing. Instead of analyzing videos (which can be difficult for amateurs), concentrate on a single body part, like the left wrist, during your swings. Feel its movement and position. This focus can bring more security to your technique, especially if it aligns with your coach’s instructions.
Whether working on technique or just hitting balls, add variety to your training with these tips!