I think you are right there HB. I just am afraid at times to practise it as my minds picture is of the worst possible shot that I could hit from that distance which is one that comes out low and off the hosel :crybaby:
How would recommend going about practising this?
Alex

Alex putting
 

Alex,

Good info. I like the routine of DC, Badds, DL III, etc. Just make sure that you do it at your individual pace. You are simplifying the routine, that is good, but do not get in a rush. Make sure you practice the routine enough that it becomes automatic.

Good distance putting is a combination of making a good read of the slopes and hitting solid putts. Make sure that you develop consistant contact. It also helps to be confident about making the second putt.

Alignment. You really have to trust it on the course. You can't putt well thinking about it. So fix it off the course. Design of the putter has a big link to how well it will fit you. Necks, offsets, head shape, loft, etc all affect how well you will line up. If you need help in this area, it is best to consult a professional who understands it. There are also set-up variables that can help (eye line, ball position, distance from ball, etc.).

How many putts should you miss before you lose confidence and start going mechanical?

Line on short putts. DECIDE. Smallest target possible. Pace dictates line. Picture both as you consider the line. Stick with your decision. For now your goal should be to be fully organized and committed to the putt at hand.
Practice putting the same putt at different speeds and lines. Do this with both left to right and right to left putts.

HB

Pitching practice
 

Alex,

I used to play with a guy who never warmed up. He said he did not want to see any bad shots before he played. He was a very good player, but it is not what the best players do.

The first place I would look is set-up. Make sure that you are giving yourself a chance. Get clear about the type of motion you need to produce. Practice it in the mirror. You have to focus on your motion to improve. You want to turn off the part of your brain that is judging or concerned about what other people might think. My suggestion is to get away from anyone else. Practice where no one else can see you, then give yourself a break. Be patient. Golf is about the journey.

Clearly picturing a bad shot will often result in a bad shot. When this happens, you should acknowledge that you did a good job of translating your picture to your execution. So you need to get better at making good pictures. Often, technical improvement will help. You will find it easier to hit good shots. You may also have to spend some effort training your brain to see better pictures. One trick I use is to picture what a particular great player would do in the situation and try to act that out.

HB

This is all great stuff my friend. Thanks for everything, with regards to the short game I have the perfect place to go to at my club where no one would see me practise. Think I will go there again and hit many basic and aquired motions until it works.
Alex

Plan
 

Alex,

Sounds like a plan. Let me know how it works.

HB

I've gotten to the point where I have convinced myself that a bad picture will not lead to a bad shot--I just refocus on my mechanics, relax, and pull off the shot. Usually I have good pictures, but when I don't I have a back-up plan I guess.

Reset
 

mrodock,

We would call that a "reset." Often, you may find yourself interrupted with negative thoughts, pictures, moving partners, beer cart, etc. You are correct that there is always a way out. You just wash it away and start the process over. Excellent point. Refocus. Once you reset, you are in control of your game again.

Interestingly, you will often hear a commentator say a player is struggling when he backs off. I would say he is thinking clearly. If you hear a "no" from somewhere inside -- you should listen and run the numbers again.


HB

The Pro at my home club is running a Short Game clinic in the next couple of weeks and I said that I would go to it so that might help me with my quest to improve my pitching as well. Its always good to get another person to have a look to see what I am doing wrong in terms of technique.
Alex

HennyBeee . . . Now that you got some data about game and mind . . . how would you suggest organizing practice time when you ain't got much time?

Also . . . do you have any suggestions on implementing swing changes . . . not what changes to make . . . but the best way to practice/drill to make 'em actually happen and be able to make the move on the course?

Holla fo' a $.

Short game
 

Alex,

Sounds great. You have found a weak spot, and you are seeking to address it. Often with these short shots, we have ourselves in a funky address position that makes it difficult to hit the shots we want. Your pro should be able to help with this. Good luck.

HB