Shooting balls into the dark all winter is pointless. Fabian Bünker shows five exciting alternatives to improve your game.Knowing that not all golfers can spend a lot of time training, here are five tips for your long game you can apply even with limited time at any driving range.
1. Evaluate the Quality of Each Shot
Take 30 balls and hit each with a different club aiming at different targets. Perform a pre-shot routine as if on the course or in a tournament. After each shot, rate its quality on a scale from 1 (very good) to 6 (poor). You will notice improved concentration as you strive for better scores.
2. Tai Qi Swing Practice
This requires high concentration and a quiet environment. Perform your golf swing elements you want to change in extreme slow motion to feel every part of the movement. Closing your eyes helps reinforce the inner image. Experts can time their Tai Qi swing precisely. Start practicing without a ball at home or use practice balls at the range, gradually increasing swing tempo from 30% to 90%, but avoid full speed swings on course due to loss of control.
Key points for Tai Qi tempo swings:
• Give yourself clear movement instructions
• Focus on one movement aspect (e.g., start of backswing)
• Find a calm environment (turn off phone)
• Get external feedback from a coach
• Initially practice swings without a ball
3. Practice the Draw Shot
The draw flight curve moves right to left, starting just right of the target line and curving back left. Swing the club from inside to outside, feeling as if swinging far right of the target, with a slightly closed clubface to the swing path. If you tend to slice, this drill helps counter that tendency.
4. Practice the Fade Shot
The fade curves left to right. Simply reverse the draw technique: swing outside to inside with a slightly open clubface relative to the swing path. No universal tips are given since each player must adjust their swing uniquely. If unsure, consult a pro coach for tailored advice. Learn more about draw and fade in this video explanation by Frank Adamowicz.
5. Focus on Specific Body Parts
To stabilize your swing over winter, focus on one body part at a time during practice—such as your left wrist—and pay close attention to its movement and feel. Avoid distracted thinking about other swing elements. This method complements professional lessons and provides better control and awareness. For example, focus on your right elbow if working on arm positioning in the downswing. This exercise boosts technical confidence.
Whether refining technique or simply hitting balls, add variety to your training with these tips!