Pre-Shot Routine: What elements must be involved?

[holeout]

I'm curious to see what everyone thinks are the things one MUST do in his/her pre-shot routine in order for it to be effective. I'm particularily interested in what Brian and Jim think.

Some questions:

A full "dress rehearsal" swing beforehand?

Some kind of physical cue to begin the swing/routine/thought process?

Consciously thinking of going through the routine?

Visualization? Is it overrated?

Swing keys?

I'm curious since I see so many people do so many different things. I'm wondering if there's any commonality among those that play more consistently or that perform better under pressure.

 

[mjstrong]

my humble thoughts

A full "dress rehearsal" swing beforehand?

I don't think this is important at all. I definitely don't see many of the best players in the world doing it.

Some kind of physical cue to begin the swing/routine/thought process?

Most definitely. The best preshot routines usually have a physical starting point, and will take the same amount of time from one shot to the next, and, ideally, from one season to the next.

Consciously thinking of going through the routine?

Eventually, with enough repetition, the conscious thought is no longer there.

Visualization? Is it overrated?

Nope. Pretty important IMO.

Swing keys?

As long as "Paralysis by analysis" doesn't occur.

I think the most important thing about a preshot routine is that is is the same each time. Especially under pressure, a routine that repeats, and keeps its timing has a much better chance of leading to a repetitive shot than an erratic one.

 

[Leek]

Not a concept question, so it isn't as interesting to the forum, I would guess.

The only things important to me in my pre-shot routine is what accomplishes two things:

Focus and alignment.

Thus my routine is very short with no practice swing. It takes 12-13 seconds.

I sight the target, pick an aiming point, align myself to the aiming point, look at the target, and immediately pull the trigger.

I do this for full swings, chips, pitches and putts. In other words, for all shots.

 

[Damon Lucas]

I think coming to a clear decision about a shot that is comfortably within your capabilities is pretty important.
Then not changing your mind until after the shot!

 

[Brian Manzella]

The Manzella Matrix Pre-Shot Check list....

(....a little preview...)


1. Evaluate the shot.

Example: 165 yards from the light left rough. The short tree about 30 yards ahead won't effect a fade, height wise. Lots of run off to the left of the elevated green so the fade works. 165 club is smooth 6-iron. Slight "jumper" lie will add almost a club, but fade will take off nearly the same amount. Got to "go down and get it" becuase it is half-way down in the rough.​

OK...six-iron "held" off 10 feet left of the pin.​

2. Once a plan is chosen, "see" the shot and make any rehersal swings needed--but only IF needed.

3. Align the club to the intended starting line.

4. Aim the body away from the intended curve--if any.

5. Figure the angle of attack in to the internal FEEL.

6. Bounce the club, waggle, or shuffle, but don't sit still very long.

7. One last look at the target.

8. One last look at the ball.


9. Pull the trigger with this thought:

"How hard do I have to hit this ball on this certain angle to get the ball to fly where I want it" + any swing "key" (if any).​

10. Carefully watch the shot and evaluate the results of both the planning and the execution.

Bonus. Give your club to the caddie and wave to the crowd.

 

[lia41985]

Brian, can you elaborate more on number 4, please?