Shooting balls into darkness all winter is pointless. Fabian Bünker shows five exciting alternatives to advance your game.
Knowing that not all golfers can invest a lot of time in training, here are five practical tips to improve your long game at any driving range, even with limited time.
1. Evaluate the Quality of Your Shots
Take 30 balls and hit them with different clubs at different targets. Before each shot, perform a routine similar to on-course or tournament conditions. After each shot, rate its quality from 1 (very good) to 6 (poor). This method enhances concentration, as few want to give themselves bad marks.
2. Practice the Tai Chi Swing
This slow-motion swing requires high concentration and a quiet environment. Perform your swing and specifically the parts you want to adjust in slow motion to feel every movement. Closing your eyes may help strengthen your mental image. Advanced players can control the duration precisely, such as 30 seconds or 1 minute. Practice this without a ball at home or with practice balls at the range. Gradually increase tempo using the 30-60-90 rule, starting at 30% speed and working up to 90%. Avoid 100% speed swings initially to maintain control.
3. Practice the Draw
A draw is a shot shape where the ball curves from right to left, starting slightly right of the target line and moving back left. Hit a draw by swinging the club from inside to outside with a slightly closed clubface relative to the swing path. This is especially recommended if you tend to slice the ball, as it helps counteract the slice.
4. Practice the Fade
Conversely, try hitting a fade, where the ball curves from left to right. Swing the club from outside to inside with a slightly open clubface relative to the path. Technique differs for each golfer; consider a pro lesson to learn how to shape shots effectively.
5. Focus on Individual Body Parts
While taking lessons helps, practicing alone can be challenging since you can’t see your swing easily. Instead of relying on possibly poor-quality video analysis, focus on one body part during your swing—such as the left wrist—and concentrate solely on its movement. This sharpens your swing feel and can reinforce changes suggested by your coach. For example, if instructed to lower your arms during downswing, focus only on your right elbow to gauge if the movement feels correct. This focus adds confidence and stability to your technique.
Whether working on technique or simply hitting balls, bring variety to your training with these tips!