Driving Range Practice Tips

Driving Range Practice Tips
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Playing golf well requires a proper swing and the ability to place the ball effectively. Practicing these skills on a driving range will improve your golf game. If you are a novice golfer, choose a driving range that offers lessons. Learn how to hit the ball with proper form and accuracy. Then develop your hitting power to achieve greater range.

Develop Relaxation Skills

The form of your golf swing affects how far you hit the ball and whether it will hit your target. Some players know the correct form, but become stiff due to anxiety when they step up to the tee at the driving range. If anxiety is throwing off your form and affecting your golf swing, try some relaxation techniques. For example, World Golf recommends the following technique: Go to the driving range and hit a few buckets of balls. Hold your breath for five to seven seconds after each good drive. This will create a mental connection between holding your breath and a good performance. Later, visualize a good performance while holding your breath. Do this several times throughout the day. Finally, immediately before you hit the ball during your next game, hold your breath. Your mind will associate the breathing technique with your peak performance state, and your pre-game jitters might disappear.

Choose Targets

Accuracy is an important element in golf. When you visit the driving range, don't simply whack the balls as hard as you can. For every shot, identify a target. Practice placing the ball on the target until you can hit it consistently. Then pick targets at different ranges to mimic game conditions. For example, choose short-, mid- and long-range targets. Once you can hit each of them, practice shifting quickly between each target. Over time, you will develop an ability to place the ball where you want, which will help you avoid golf-course obstacles, such as sand traps and water hazards.

Keep Track of Your Gains

Use a journal to record your performance at the driving range. Start with a list of your goals. For example, if you want to develop your hitting power, write down the distance you want to achieve. Then keep track of your progress, including which practice methods you used during each visit to the driving range. After several trips, look through your journal and note which practice techniques brought you the greatest gains.

References

Article reviewed by Brian Peters Last updated on: Jun 20, 2010

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