Ensure You're In The Moment - With Every Shot You Play

• You've just hit what you thought was a solid drive - a "Yeah; I nailed this fairway" blast. But your ball first touches down close to the left fairway fringe — then continues on into the thick rough, where it finds a difficult lie.
You still have a relatively straight line to the pin. But as you set up to this shot, you're still thinking about what could have gone wrong with your drive swing - and not wholly focused and involved with the current shot before you. As such, what do you think the results of your current shot will be?

• You're a bit right of center fairway, second shot of a par four hole. You calculate about 165 in to the flag stick. You pull out a five iron and reason "Ok -- the green should be quick enough for me to go past the pin with backspin. Yeah; I'll air this one out a bit, and let it roll back."
You set up, and execute. But, even though you hit what you thought was a relatively quality shot, you wind up in a deeply cut bunker on the left side of the green.
Even though you think of yourself as an adequate bunker player, and it's about a 25 foot wedge shot to the cup, as you set up to this shot, you're still thinking about what went wrong with what you thought was a good approach shot. And, because you're not wholly focused on the bunker shot you're addressing, what do you think the result of this shot might be?

• Your ball is 4 ½ feet from the cup, and you're thinking birdie. From the angle you're at, you notice a slight left break to the cup, and a slight down slope to the green roughly two feet past the cup, from your vantage point. As you set up the your ball, you think "Ok…I got this; there's my line; now, just smoothly putt." You execute, and instead of going in, your ball lips out – and keeps on rolling into the slight down slope. Now, instead of birdie, you're 5 ½ feet up a slight rise for par.

• You read your break line now, you mentally reinforce "Ok…I'm a very good putter." But as you determine your break line, and then set up to your putt, you find you're still thinking about what went wrong with the "sure thing" birdie shot that lipped out just a moment ago. And now, because you're not wholly focused and involved with this current putt…what do you think the results of this putt might be?

I'm not just trying to paint a "problems" laden picture here; all the scenarios I've detailed have likely happened to you. And similar type outcomes will undoubtedly happen during your future rounds.
My point is not to highlight the unpredictable, or those "What; I can't believe that just happened!" type anguish inducing outcomes. My point is to make you realize that the unexpected (the negative/undesired sense) will occur. But once a shot is played, it's played. Then, you need to move on to complete focus and involvement with your very next shot.

You can't un-do what has happened. You can, however, dissipate the negative emotion that unfolds and lingers to "infect" your very next shot. And, you can direct your thinking away from the "bad" that just happened — and toward the good, you want to make happen in the now (the good you want to produce within a specific shot you're now engaging in the immediate, current moment).

Baseball pitchers, tennis players, basketball players and golfers all have a similar challenge. They must readily release all thought and emotion connected with flubs and mistakes … and re-focus themselves to be fully, positively involved with what they're doing right now.

"Hey, Pete…it's not that easy you know. I mean, when you execute, and you blow the shot, it stays with you. Like when someone slaps you on your upper arm; you feel the sting, and it gradually wears off, but not completely right away!"

With physical sensation, yes. With mental/emotional sensation, you can readily dissolve lingering negative thoughts and feelings - and re-establish the state of mind (on your very next shot), that enables you to play as proficiently as you possibly can.

Remember, your mind is your mind -- you can train it (like you would a muscle) to let go of the immediate past, and become completely absorbed within, and attuned to current moment needs and involvements.

And, with the simple to apply process I'm about to outline for you, you'll find it becomes easier and easier to totally discharge the anguish of a misplay – and then re-align yourself to generate success and effectiveness with your very next shot.

And think - really think - how many shots after you flub or fail does your misplay effect? No doubt, more than you'd like. Well, can you continue justify allowing one poor shot to emotionally undermine and compromise your next 2-3 shots (and compromise and dis-allow you from staying in the moment, and mentally on track)?

No? I didn't think so. And with this in mind, let me first tell you there is something you can do to dis-continue thoughts of your immediate past from lingering, and invading your current focus.
It's a process I developed for you enabling you to keep your mind where you are, and wholly focused upon effectively doing what you must in the now, so you give yourself the best shot at producing the result you want.

First, let me offer you a performance rule of thumb: The clearer and more precise your focus, and the more your whole awareness is channeled into your immediate task at hand, the more likely you are to produce the success you want, indeed, the success you're truly capable of.

As such, following is a process that's easy to use, and decisive results inciting. Use it exactly as outlined when you're preparing to set up to a shot, and find your mind still ruminating over the shot you just played — the shot that didn't turn out the way you wanted, or expected.

Don't continue allowing your negative immediate past to dampen your capacity for success in your immediate present. Use the following target focus process to mentally release what was, and prime yourself for maximum competency in the what is NOW:

Step 1: Breathing Discharge Of Your Immediate Past Anguish

Moving toward your current shot, and clearly noticing you're still obsessing, analyzing, and/or ruminating about the shot you just played (that did not turn out the way you expected), first mentally, silently say to yourself S-t-o-p! (And internally exclaim this poignantly and forcefully.) This will serve to stop your "mental wheels" from continuing to spin within processing involvement with your immediate past.)

Next, inhale a long, deep breath in through your nostrils. And as you do, allow your stomach to expand and distend, so you perform a diaphragm breath.

Then, easily exhale this breath to a count of 4 (i.e., 4, 3, 2, 1), slowly through your mouth.

Step 2: Centering Yourself In The Immediate Present -- In The Current Moment

After your full release breath, then mentally/silently say to yourself "Right here – right NOW!" And inwardly exclaim this statement definitively, so you gain a sensory connection with being right in the immediate present.

"Right here – right NOW!" sensing you're now totally current with your reality and shot situation demand.

Yes, just allow the movies and conversations you were mentally playing about your immediate past to subside – and feel, see, and be wholly in the now of your current realm. Feel your feet upon the ground beneath you, and sense that the whole of your mind, feelings, body, and intent is now in the present moment of your life.

Step 3: Mentally Detail Precision Shot Excellence…Now

Now you've released the anguish of your previous flub (through Step #1's breathing technique). You've centered yourself into the current moment of your round (via Step #2's mental command, and approach). Now, I want you to mentally detail what success with your upcoming shot entails.

Briefly create a detailed set of images depicting the following:

• You having determined a specific outcome point for your shot

• You setting up to your ball confidently, with total focus, commitment, and positive expectancy

• You smoothly, purposefully executing a precision swing motion depicting yourself clearly

generating a thoroughly proficient backswing, downswing, ball contact, and follow through

stroke motion

• Your ball then naturally carrying to, and then coming to touch down upon your pre-set

outcome point. (Or, rolling smoothly along your pre-determined break line toward, then into

the cup.)

[*You can either perform this Step #3 with your eyes open, or closed — depending upon what you feel most comfortable with, and what you experience works best for you. I recommend a "with your eyes closed" approach here, as this enables you to concentrate better, and project richer and clearer images. Experiment to determine which way works best for you.]

Step 4: Whole Of You In The NOW Execution

Next, let your eyelids open (if you performed Step #3 with your eyelids closed), visually momentarily focus upon your outcome point. Take 1-2 practice strokes, set up to your ball…and then go!

This entire Step 1-4 process should take 15-18 total seconds to perform -- hardly a high price to request, or to pay, for salvaging shots you'd have otherwise allowed to be wasted by lingering negative focus due to an unexpected poor shot outcome.

And, the more you perform this process, the more effective you'll become with it. You'll be able to effectively perform it to release negative immediate past shots within 9-12 seconds the more you practice and use it.

This process works, and it works profoundly when applied as outlined. I've taught it to many golf clients (including PGA/LPGA pros), and they all enjoy the solid, positive results it affords them.

What has happened, has happened; you can't undo it. What will happen, is an extension of what you think, feel, and do…now!

Stop the lingering stench of a negative immediate past shot you've played (i.e., mis-played) from invading your immediate current potential for success and efficiency. Use this Step #1-4 re-zone process, and ensure you keep the whole of you current, with every shot you play!

Are You Still Hitting A Slice Even After Golf Instruction?

So the week is over and you and your group are finally at the first tee. And you are so glad you have a chance to play a round with your friends and just forget about work and all that goes with it.

It's a beautiful day. Sun is shining bright and warm, the sky is so blue it can't be real.

What a day!

You are up.

And as you get ready to tee off, you remember that your ball flight is left to right and so you must aim to the left to compensate. You think that maybe this time you won't slice the ball, but that thought quickly dissipates into the world of " not true" and reality sets itself firmly back into your mind. For you know that your slice will not disappoint you.

And so you take your backswing and wallop the damn thing out over the lake to the left, is it coming back ? Oh no .. you think, it's going straight... wait, no here it comes .. back to the right. Just like it always does. Into the far right rough, just where it always goes.

If you could just hit it a little more straight you would surely hit it a lot further.

You once again promise yourself that you will take that golf lesson from the pro next week.

One golf swing instruction should take care of that slice once and for all. That's what you may think.

So the round went well, you had fun and didn't play too bad.

The week went by fast and now you are going to do what you promised and take that golf lesson.

And here is what happens.

Your golf instructor tells you the following:

Look you know that the slice occurs because of your downswing. But you have to be aware that all sorts of things have gone wrong before you even begin the backswing, let alone the downswing.

But if you want to get right to the actual movement that creates the spin on the ball that makes it go to the left and then to the right ... well it is referred to as an " over the top move"

This move happens when the clubhead comes from the top of your backswing to outside of your target line into the ball and continues on to the inside of your target line.

Now think about what I just said for a minute.

In most cases the clubface will be open and you will hit a glancing blow outside of the ball to inside of the ball. Kinda like a foul ball in baseball, where the bat only hits some of the baseball below it equator. Or on the bottom of the ball.

Sometimes the clubface is closed, in this case you hit it dead left, no slice, maybe a snap hook. Do not be encouraged by this. It is not a draw gone astray. The problems are exactly the same " hitting from the top"

Generally you will end up off balance, your weight will be more on the right side and your right shoulder will be higher than your left. This is also called hitting from the top because there normally is little if any weight shift in this move.

Have you ever seen the guy who swings and his left foot swings around on his finish, off the ground and it's a struggle for him to remain standing? All of his weight is on his right side?

The fact that the club is outside the target line and open will is unavoidable if you have an over the top swing.

The club is off plane and out of it's proper swing path. Neither is a good thing and tons of potential power is lost through this draining move.

In golf it would be a side swipe and you will bet some nasty spinning from this move. Left to right.

In this golf instruction you will learn that most folks who suffer from the over the top move have similar grips. Wrong grips I might add.

In this golf lesson you will note that this wrong grip is always a weak one. Left hand too far under the grip and the right hand too far on top of the grip. This grip tends to force an over the top move and it tends to prevent a release of the clubhead at impact or better stated it keeps the clubface open at impact.

Check you grip.. is it weak? If yes change it now to at least a neutral grip.

The clubhead must come down to your right side, not out and around the ball. Your right elbow can lead this first move to your right side. So... right elbow to your right side = first move

Use it as a mini drill .. half swing back with your new grip.. right elbow to the right side, hit the inside of the golf ball.

Roll a towel up.. lay it on the out side of the ball.. about 11/2 inches away parallel to the target line. lengthwise... now use the mini drill to hit balls .. do not hit the towel.. got it? Do not hit the towel.

Hit the inside of the golf ball and do not hit the towel and don't cheat.

This will help you get an inside swing path and prevent the over the top move.

One more time. Using your new grip, half back swing, right elbow to the right side first move, continue to push the clubhead toward the inside of the golf ball and do not hit the towel.

Gradually increase the length and speed of this move and soon you will no longer hit a slice and you will know why. Very important.

Use These Golf Swing Basics For Maximun Effect In Your Game

Golf swing basics will lay the foundation to your game, there's no doubt about that. Ignore the basic principles as a beginner and you'll forever be "chasing your tail.

As a beginner, before you start to worry about the basic golf swing, you really need to start thinking about your body motion. How will your feet work, your hip action and arm action? This is the value of getting good coaching in the early stages of your game.

Learning The Basics Of The Golf Swing

Many inexperienced players come into the game of golf and head straight for the tee-off area and start blasting away! The ball skews left; it hooks right; it goes straight up in the air or even worse and embarrassing, they miss it completely. Have any of you faced this scenario?

So what am I talking about? I'm saying before you actually go out and start belting a ball off the tee you should seriously think about your body motion. The golf swing is important yes, but the backbone to a good golf swing is the movement of the body.

The Art Of Body Movement

A coach who concentrates on teaching body movement first is worth his/her weight in gold. Why? Because they're setting you up to develop basic golf habits which will eventually lead to a better golf swing. Try these basic body movement exercises. If you don't have a pro coach then use somebody you know with a little golfing experience.

1. You can either head to a practice range or simply do this in your backyard. Practice a few swings. Your coach will be analysing your body movement and making notes.

2. Footwork is vitally important. If you place your right foot closer to the ball than the left you will likely hook the ball. If the left foot is placed to far away from the right then the slice comes into play. You should be aiming for a square stance in most cases with both feet at an equal distance from the ball.

3. Next you will be aiming to get a synchronized action between knees, hips and legs. Knees should be slightly flexed. This should be practiced regularly in the initial stages. Just playing air shots will suffice as you get used to the action. Your right leg should remain flexed.

4. In combination with the previous action your arms come into play now. With your back swing winding up, your shoulders will be turning against your right hip. Don't bend the arms at the elbow. A good indicator for right-handed players is the positioning of the chin just above the left shoulder. It's the opposite for lefties.

5. Learning to adapt the swing routine in practice will get you used to these golf swing basics as well as develop a little flexibility in your body. For example, practicing hip movement without turning the upper body. It's a little strange I know but each area can be practiced individually before they're all combined to produce the basic golf swing.

Prepare Yourself For Road Hazards

When you are driving, there are many road hazards that can stop you from arriving at your destination safely. Here is a look at some of the more common road hazards to be aware of and what you can do to prevent them and protect yourself from being affected by these hazards:

Black Ice

During cold weather, black ice can be a problem. Black ice is ice that is transparent, letting the black color of the pavement through, hence the name "black ice". Black ice forms when it is cold and rain, fog or mist falls to the ground and the process of freezing is slowed due to sublimation, so the moisture merges together forming a film before it freezes to the ground. Black ice is dangerous because it is extremely difficult to see and it is much more slick and slippery than normal ice. Bridges and overpasses are especially susceptible to black ice because air circulates both above and below the bridge causing a more rapid temperature drop than a normal road or highway. The best way to defend yourself from black ice is simply to slow down in areas that are susceptible to forming it.

Animals

It is estimated that there are nearly 1.5 million collisions between vehicles and deer on US highways each year. One reason for this stunning number of collisions is that the deer population has skyrocketed in the last 100 years from a relatively small 500,000 to over 30 million. Another reason for it is urban sprawl and development of formerly wild lands, encroaching on the deer's natural habitat and causing more encounters with humans. Engineers and scientists are developing new ways to lower the number of deer-human collisions, including finding new ways of controlling the deer population and developing innovative fencing technologies for highways where deer cross frequently, but in the meantime, to protect yourself, don't ignore those deer crossing signs, instead slow down and stay alert in those areas.

Road Debris

Debris that may fall in your path can range from trees and branches to furniture, tires and metal and just about anything else you can think of. The AAA Foundation For Traffic Safety estimates nearly 25,000 accidents and about 90 deaths per year are caused by road debris. You can take some precautions however. When on the highway, stay a good distance away from vehicles or trucks that have large loads that look unsafe or are not securely tied. Loads that are not securely tied are one of the biggest causes of road debris. When on roads with forest or trees around them, take extra care when driving during or after a storm, especially a storm that had alot of moisture and especially wind. It is during these times that trees and branches are more susceptible to falling or breaking.

With a little extra caution, you can minimize, though not eliminate, your chances of being affected by road hazards.

Get Away on Vacation Locally

Sometimes the best things that we can do are right in our own backyard and we never take advantage of them. I know that when I was younger my family and I would travel 200 miles to get away from it all, the funny thing was that a lot of the people that lived in the area that we stayed would leave and drive 200 miles down to our area in order to get away from it all. They were both very similar in the way that they looked but for some reason we never vacationed where we lived, we always made a long trip away. I suppose that a lot of it is really mental. It's a matter of wanting to be far away from your usual surroundings, perhaps because you want to feel like you were away, but how much more could you enjoy a local vacation.

It wasn't until several years ago that I enjoyed my first local vacation. My wife and I live in a very nice area of South Florida and we go away a lot on vacation but one of the things that I never really enjoyed about being away was that you needed to travel so far to get there. Then one day my wife surprised me by booking a room at the beach in a hotel that was less than 10 miles from our home. She packed a small bag and snuck it into the trunk of the car when I wasn't looking and then we ended up going for a drive. While we were passing by the hotel she suggested that we stop and visit the pub and while we were there she told me that she had actually rented a room, it was one of my favorite vacations ever.

Since that time we have stayed locally many nights. It takes the pressure and worry of being so far away from home, even though you are relaxing on vacation, and puts it all behind you. It also gives you a chance to experience your area and some of the tourist attractions that you drive by every day but never took the time to actually visit. So the next time you want to get away and only have a limited amount of time consider taking a local vacation, they are great fun and very relaxing.

Tee Off to a Better Golf Practice

Golf lessons are important to have to be able to improve your game performance. However, you do not need to have formal golf lessons to start to become the best. You can make each game on the greens, a golf lesson for you to learn from and take note of.

The best way to learn anything, especially golf is by practical, hands on experience. For the purpose of practical golf lessons, you can decide to visit a challenging course and play it to learn from it. There are many golf course resorts where you can lock yourself up in and keep at the game until you show pretty good improvements.

You can also decide to acquire the services of a professional for your golf lessons. Many golf courses and golf course resorts will have a personal trainer on hand to be able to give you valuable golf lessons. This type of trainer for your golf secret tips will be able to tell you right away what is hampering your performance as you play the field.

If someone watching over your shoulder is not something you fancy in terms of golf lessons then you may want to purchase one those self help audio books on golf lessons from a professional that you admire. You can pop the audio book into your favorite MP3 player and be gently guided by your golf idol's voice as you cruise along the golf course. This particular type of golf lesson can help you if having someone constantly looking from behind your shoulder is something that does not put you at ease and greatly affects your golf performance further.

Of course, again, if you are to choose a personal trainer to give you golf lessons, you should agree to one who is flexible and works with your abilities rather than forces his own ideas on to you. Each golf player is unique in the sense that each will have different handicaps and strengths and all these should come into play during golf lessons by dependable and remarkable trainers.

If after all your golf lessons you still feel no improvement in our game performance, you may want to look at some other factors to help you progress. For starters, remember that golf is a physical game and just like any other sport, you will need to warm up before the game so that you can have the flexibility needed in making the proper swings of your golf club.

Next, you will have to modify your attitude. The success of your golf lessons is dependent upon the type of attitude you are fostering toward your game. Negative thoughts create negative biorhythms that can affect the outcome of your game. If for example you are easily dismayed and disappointed, then one false move ruins the whole game for you. You should be able to bounce back from mistakes and turn them into opportunities for you to win the game.

Next important aspect in golf lessons is the ability and mindset to have fun. Golf is not a matter of life and death. It may seem so but it really is not. Therefore you need to foster a fun filled frame of mind so that your mind is more relaxed and can analyze situations better. This fun attitude in your golf lessons will also benefit your body because you will be more relaxed and flexible.