Deep Practice in Golf: Alexis Cocheteux's 3 Methods
Hitting buckets of balls isn't enough to improve consistency. From the driving range at Golf de l'Océan in Agadir, Alexis Cocheteux of iGolfPro presents three training methods to be performed in a specific order: deep practice, block practice, and random practice.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
For Alexis Cocheteux, incorporating a swing or a modification has less to do with muscle memory than with myelin and reflexes. Hence deep practice: break down your swing or the changes you're making into several steps—for example, in the backswing or the downswing—and repeat them with a focus on quality, in slow motion, to create a sense of feel, and then faster and faster. He emphasizes personalization: these steps depend on each person's swing.
Next comes block practice: string shots together, but always with a specific goal in mind, incorporating the feel you’ve developed through deep practice. He recommends taking a wand or a club on the ground to get feedback on your swing and incorporate it into your pre-shot routine: alignment, practice swing, visualization. Finally, Random Driving Range simulates the route: One bullet, one chance, by switching clubs almost every shot—for example, between a 6-iron and a 9-iron—and by varying the lies, the rough, and the height of the ball—higher or lower, uphill or downhill.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Break down your swing—or the adjustment you want to make—into several steps.
- Repeat each step slowly to get a feel for it, then gradually speed up.
- Move on to the driving range: keep hitting balls one after another, focusing on maintaining the feel you've been working on.
- Place a stick or a club on the ground to check the direction you're aiming.
- Incorporate your pre-shot routine: alignment, practice swing, visualization.
- Finish on the driving range: switch clubs almost every shot, using only one ball per attempt.
- Vary the lie and ball positions: rough, higher or lower ball, uphill, downhill.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Hitting balls back and forth aimlessly.
- Practice only on the driving range.
- Aim without using any ground reference points, without adjusting your direction.
- Always swing from a perfect stance.
- Moving on to random practice without first working through the steps slowly.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Swing Phases Repeated in Slow Motion
- Sets with a stick on the floor and a full pre-shot routine
- Alternate between iron 6 and iron 9, one ball per club
- Shots from the rough and various lies
Your Questions
What is deep practice in golf?
This is deep training: according to Alexis Cocheteux, you break down your swing or the changes you’re making into steps and repeat them with a focus on quality, in slow motion, to develop a feel for them, before speeding up.
What is the difference between block practice and random practice?
Block practice involves hitting a series of shots with a specific goal in mind, providing several opportunities to practice your routines. Random practice simulates the course: a single shot, changing clubs and situations with each shot.
In what order should I do these workouts?
He emphasizes the order: deep practice first, then block practice—incorporating the sensations you've been working on—and random practice last.
How can we make random practice more like an actual round on the driving range?
By switching clubs almost with every shot and varying the lies: rough, ball higher or lower than your feet, uphill or downhill shots.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Alexis Cocheteux). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.