Shooting balls into darkness all winter is pointless. Fabian Bünker shares five exciting training tips to improve your long game.
Knowing that not all golfers have much time for practice, here are five effective long game training tips you can apply even with limited time on any driving range.
1. Assess the Quality of Your Shots
Take 30 balls and hit each one with a different club toward a different target. Perform a pre-shot routine as if you were on the course or in a tournament. After each shot, rate the quality from 1 (very good) to 6 (poor). This practice will increase your concentration over time as no one wants to give themselves bad marks.
2. The Tai Qi Swing
This drill requires high concentration and a quiet environment. Swing your club in absolute slow motion, focusing on the parts you want to change. Closing your eyes can help enhance the internal image of the movement. Advanced golfers can even time their slow-motion swings to last 30 seconds to 1 minute.
At home, perform this without a ball (or with practice balls if space allows). On the range, gradually increase your swing speed following the 30-60-90 rule: start at 30%, then 60%, and finally 90% tempo. Avoid 100% speed swings during practice to maintain control.
Key points for Tai Qi tempo swings:
• Give clear movement instructions to yourself
• Focus on one swing aspect at a time
• Find a quiet place (turn off your phone)
• Get external feedback (coach)
• Start with swings without a ball
3. Practice the Draw
A draw curves the ball from right to left, starting slightly right of the target line and returning to the target. Swing the club from inside to outside with a slightly closed clubface relative to the swing path. This drill is ideal if you tend to slice, as it counters the slice tendency.
4. Practice the Fade
A fade, curving from left to right, is the opposite of a draw. Swing the club from outside to inside with a slightly open face. No specific technique tips are given here as individual swings differ; if you struggle with these shots, consider lessons from a professional.
5. Focus on Specific Body Parts
If working on your technique over the winter, focus each swing on one body part, such as your left wrist. Concentrate solely on that part’s movement and how it feels through the swing. This drill helps you gain better feel and control, especially if aligned with what your coach is working on.
Whether refining technique or simply hitting range balls, add variety with these tips to enhance your winter golf training.