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When you get the urge to get your game in shape, make a plan and stick to it. As with golf, and anything else in life, a little planning goes a long way toward success.

Work on One Drill

If you're swaying for instance, only work on that. A common mistake many of us make is that we lose our focus. If you hit a bad shot because you lifted your head too soon, don't change your practice thoughts. Remain focused on how to avoid swaying. Otherwise, you'll go around in circles and never accomplishing anything! Continue working on one swing thought until you've perfected it-- then move on to another area such as lifting the head too soon.

Practice Like You're Playing

If you're at the range hitting balls, don't smash them recklessly. Practice each shot with a purpose. Remember, your time on the range should be constructive. The more real you can make it, the more valuable it becomes when you're on the course. This doesn't mean you always have to be ultra-serious. Just approach each shot as though there is a goal. This creates muscle memory and is the way all good players approach practice!

Breakdown Your Game

It is important to break down your game before every practice session. Golf can be broken down into four main areas: ball striking, short game, mental game, and course management. How do you rate your game in each of these areas? When you know, devote the majority of your practice time to the weaker areas. This will benefit you in the long run. What follows is a list of points to work on when you're practicing golf's essentials.

1. Ball Striking
   Most golfers spend their time working in this area. The fact of the matter is that ball striking tends to be a more important area for beginners than accomplished players. You should practice this-- but not only this!



2. Short game
   The short game is comprised of chipping, pitching, and putting. This is the one area where you'll be able to shave a few strokes, if you devote enough time to it. If you don't agree, just add up the strokes in an average round. Often, you'll find that more than half are spent here.



3. Mental Game
   In no other sport is the mental game more important. In golf, it's just you against the course. Therefore, it's critical to learn how to deal with emotions and create positive images. Whether you're shooting your best score or your worst, emotions can affect any round. Anger can be good if you channel it into positive action. Unfortunately, most people are affected negatively by it and lose concentration. How do you hold up under pressure? Find a way to approach each shot the same. This will help you to be more consistent. This is what sports psychology is all about.



4. Course Management
   Jack Nicklaus was never known for his ball-striking ability but was able to win as a result of his golf course management. Playing smart means that you know your game's limitations and can manage them. Play to your strengths not your weaknesses! Do you know when to go for a green and when to lay up? Understanding this facet of your game is important.

Practice a Pre-Shot Routine

The more consistent your routine is before you hit a shot, the more steady your play will be. Take some time to develop a checklist or routine and keep it simple! In a short time, it will become habit-- steering you toward better all-around golf.

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