Paralysis By Analysis...... Help!!!!!

[shady1475]

Have you guys ever battled the dreaded stand over the ball for 10 minutes syndrome? Lately I cannot seem to quiet my mind down and I stand over the ball forever. I try to envision my shot behind the ball first and then address the ball. Once at address, my mind races with the dos and don'ts of the swing. It's so embarrassing and irritating. I feel a bit like Charles Barkley but my hitch is starting my swing and not the follow through. I think that a lot of my problem is that I have no confidence in my ability to make a proper swing. Does anyone have any advice?

 

[welshdentist]

What has worked for me is the use on Clear Keys.

http://www.clearkeygolf.com/

I have found it good for testing how good my golf swing is without any mechanical thoughts...

My favourite phrase was the welsh town called

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch(yes that really is a place, google it )

Clear Keys in a nut shell.....

Find a personal word or phrase non golf related (No swing slow, etc etc etc)....Once preshot routine is over, tell yourself "I am switching to automatic pilot"....begin to say the phrase (in you head, whispering or even out loud ) and continue until you have hit the ball....no trying to start or finish at any particular point....

Takes away all conscious thought and shows you what your true golfswing really is......

No way I can think mechanical saying my phrase

I think we all need to differentiate between mechanical practice and playing golf

 

[benhogan55]

Mine is "Clear the mechanism"

 

[shady1475]

Hmmmm....... Very interesting. I'll have to give that a try today. Thanks Welsh!!

 

[pecky987]

pick something out in the distance on your target line. a leaf on a tree, a tree top, a bunker in the distance, whatever it is, just pick that the focus on that and that alone. just keep it goin over in your mind whilst your over the ball

 

[puttmad]

Shady,
Line 5 or 6 balls up...
Hit the one closest to you and step straight to the next one and hit it right away..no thoughts...
Carry on with all the balls that way..
Then do it again....and again....

 

[birdie_man]

Carey's got a lot of good stuff fo sho.

On "Clear Keys." A lot of people will think it is fruity no doubt. It's just to keep your mind occupied though. (so the "You're gonna blow it!" can't get in there)

That's just for execution BTW.

You still need to BUILD habits first. (physical and mental)

 

[needham]

i am a big music fan so I play and practice with an I POD......keeps the "computer" busy while I can hit the shot........

also read the 14th chapter of TGM 50 times or until it sinks in ....which ever is first

another thing I would say as well , while behind the ball doing all of your set up TALK aloud about and through you shot IE........""120 front 135 middle 150 back ..pin in the front middle.........so it is 127 to the pin......should be a perfect wegde. Yeah, perfect little wedge that I will cut 3 yards, 8 feet left and spin back and to the right for a 6 foot putt..."""
you will be amazed on how the above dialouge will work!

 

[shady1475]

Thanks.......

I used my IPod the other day for this. I also have some Tour Tempo tracks that I used to use for timing. I am still having a bit of a staring contest with the ball at times. That darn ball just won't blink!!!! Anyhow I appreciate all of your suggestions guys.

 

[puttmad]

I used my IPod the other day for this. I also have some Tour Tempo tracks that I used to use for timing. I am still having a bit of a staring contest with the ball at times. That darn ball just won't blink!!!! Anyhow I appreciate all of your suggestions guys.

Perhaps you shouldn't see th ball at all (it does just get in the way of a good swing after all...)...

 

[fronesis]

Perhaps you shouldn't see th ball at all (it does just get in the way of a good swing after all...)...

Yep, I've worked a bit with hitting shots blindfolded and it's really amazing what it tells you about the importance of making a swing rather than attempting to hit the ball with the clubhead.

 

[welshdentist]

I used my IPod the other day for this. I also have some Tour Tempo tracks that I used to use for timing. I am still having a bit of a staring contest with the ball at times. That darn ball just won't blink!!!! Anyhow I appreciate all of your suggestions guys.

What are tour tempo tracks?

 

[puttmad]

...

What are tour tempo tracks?

As series of recorded beeps which you replay while hitting..
Beep 1) start takeaway,
Beep 2) at the top (transition-feeling fully cocked),
Beep 3) Impact
There are basically three different timings for the beep, e.g. the fastest would equal Nick Price's tempo...
And Ernie is not as slow as you think......