Reducing the -ING’s
The -ING’s are what makes life difficult on the golf course. Specifically...think-ing, doubting, and try-ing...which leads to forc-ing, steer-ing, and push-ing. Golf performance is both mind and body and when these -ING’s are present, you are not right in mind or
body. Consequently, it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to “let out” your talent and
shotmaking skills. And that can be Frustrat-ing!
Here are a few ways to reduce the -ING’s so you can consistently perform to the upper
ranges of your abilities:
1. Turn off the active thinking. There are only 2 times to think pre-shot. Decide how you
are going to play the shot and select the club that will get it done. That is it. Any more
active thinking will break down your Process. You will be amazed at how little thought
is required to play the game of golf. 2 decisions. 100% trust in those decisions
because you know the game and you know your game.
2. You do not need to try hard to execute. You play golf. This is what you do. It does
not require maximum effort to hit a golf ball off the tee and put in in the fairway or to
pull out an iron and put it on the green. All that is required is to Trust in your training.
Affirm that you have these shots and then go for them with confidence and Trust. Let
it fly and wherever it goes it goes! Accuracy and distance will follow which means
hitting more fairways and greens with regularity.
3. Build internal self-confidence. Take a nice deep breath to center yourself and feel
ready to perform, visualize flawless execution of the shot, bring your athleticism into
the play box by moving your body, and affirm that the ball is going “right there” as you
look down the fairway or at the stick.
*Developing an effective pre-shot routine and strengthening your mental skills within
that routine will have you executing with confidence, trust, focus, composure, and
control. The result will be a major reduction in the -ING’s. And now your talent and ability will be expressed on the course without any mental barriers standing in the way!
Seth Kaplan, M.Ed.
Director of Mental Conditioning
Competitive Golf Advantage
www.competitivegolfadvantage.com
919-802-7102