CONNECTING OUR EYES, BRAIN, AND ARMS CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
3 Ways You Can Improve Your Golf Game
Being distracted less, and concentrating more, could make all the difference
Golf is a sport that requires immense concentration for many limited periods of time.
It is somewhat unique in that maximum concentration is needed when hitting a shot or making a putt, but before and after that moment the golfer is likely riding or walking the course or conversing and joking with his fellow golfers — with very little concentration on the game itself.
The ability to dial up and then turn off concentration is one of the unique features of an elite golfer.
So how can we be sure we can achieve maximal concentration when needed?
Here are 3 techniques to achieve that goal
Practice WITH distractions
Golf is a game played far away from many people. The golf course and each of its holes are surrounded by grass, trees, and either lakes or sand. Often, there will be no cars, traffic, or other people near your ball.
There still can be many external distractions that can reduce, or even ruin, your concentration. Things like your fellow golfers chatting on the side, spectators (if you are in a competitive environment), trees moving with the wind, or even birds or animals moving or making sudden noises — all are potential distractions and can have a very damaging effect on your concentration, and thus your golf performance.
Purposely practicing in an environment with many potential distractions can be a critical part of improving your concentration. In that environment, you will not only improve your golf swing, but you will also train your mind to suppress potential physical distractions and thus concentrate more on your game.
Flush the toilet
While considering external distractions, we must also consider “internal” sources of distraction.
Internal distractions are ones that we create ourselves. These can include being upset about a missed shot or thinking about something other than our game and our next shot. These are all self-inflicted wounds and must be controlled.
The best way to control this is to clear your mind of everything not related to the golf game. This technique is sometimes termed “flushing the toilet” and getting rid of all the sh*t. Others take a more psychological approach and talk about emptying your mind and focusing on the best solution to the upcoming shot.
Either way, getting rid of all the internal distractions that can ruin your concentration is a critical step to winning.
Training concentration
One of the best techniques to improve concentration is to train it directly.
Specific training ranges from apps on our smartphones to apps that run on a tablet or PC.
These apps are designed to increase in difficulty as our concentration improves, always pushing us to improve our ability to concentrate and remain mentally focused on our game.
When you are at maximal concentration and completely “focused” to the point that you have completely removed all distractions, you are in the “flow” and are absorbed with the task at hand — this is the key to maximal performance!
Concentration is a critical part of golf performance, but it is not the only part. By being aware of each of the required visually based skills, we can evaluate and train them for the best chance to win.
Would you like to learn more about how your eyes can help you play better in your sport? Sign up for my 5-day FREE Email course by clicking here (safe link to my website).
