Pre-shot routineWaggle All clubs Beginner / Intermediate ⏱ 5 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

The 4 Common Mistakes in the Pre-Shot Routine That Cause Tension

Name: The 4 Common Mistakes in the Pre-Shot Routine That Cause Tension
Uploaded: 2022-06-20T12:00:00+00:00
Duration: 4 min 32 s
Channel: Paul Lambersens
Description: Sometimes your shot is already ruined before you even start your backswing. Paul Lambersens points out four mistakes he sees time and time again in amateurs’ preparation—both on the driving range and on the course—and demonstrates the in-motion pre-shot routine of good players.

Sometimes your shot is already ruined before you even start your backswing. Paul Lambersens points out four mistakes he sees time and time again in amateurs’ preparation—both on the driving range and on the course—and demonstrates the in-motion pre-shot routine of good players.

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Paul Lambersens · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

Schedule · Step 3 of 7Master the Mental Game in 7 StepsConsidered successful when: Out of 10 swings at the driving range, you follow exactly the same pre-shot routine, including the practice swing.

Step 4 →

To be continued

15 minSame problemRickie Fowler's Green Reading, Step by StepRickie Fowler · Beginner / Intermediate 3 minSame problemThree-Zone Pre-Shot Routine: Rick ShielsRick Shiels · Beginner / Intermediate 3 minFrom the same pro4 Exercises to Improve Swing Speed in GolfPaul Lambersens · Intermediate

What the lesson shows

The typical amateur's pre-shot routine, according to Paul Lambersens: a practice swing that misses the ball, using only his arms, with his head held still, followed by a long, motionless wait in front of the ball, eyes fixed on the ground. The result: tension builds, and the swing becomes all about the arms. Good players, on the other hand, take a practice swing behind the ball, in the thinking zone, and then cross an imaginary line to enter the action zone, in the direction of play.

Their first attempt gets things started the entire body, with a clear head. At the address, they spend time look at the target, which tells the brain where to direct energy and the ball. Finally, they never remain static: small waggles, a stomp (his signature move), continuous movement right up until the moment of ’pulling the trigger.“Try it first at the driving range, then on the course.

The Exercise, Step by Step

Stand behind the ball, in the reflection zone.
Give it a try here, using your whole body and keeping your head free.
Move toward the ball by crossing the imaginary line of the action zone.
Sit down and look at the target—as many times as you need to.
Keep moving: small waggles with the club, light foot tapping.
Take the shot as soon as you're ready, without pausing.

Key Takeaways

The practice swing is made behind the ball, not next to it.

An imaginary line separates the zone of reflection from the zone of action.

A trial run using only your arms doesn't prepare you for anything.

Focusing on the target at the address directs the body and energy.

No downtime: waggling and stamping your feet help relieve tension.

You pull the trigger when you're ready, while moving.

Mistakes to Avoid

Take a practice swing and miss the ball.
A trial run using only my arms, keeping my head very still.
Keep your eyes on the ball without focusing on the target.
Stay still for several seconds at the address.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

For each ball on the driving range, take a practice swing behind the ball
Entry into the area of effect via the imaginary line
Look at the target twice before taking a shot
Waggles or stamping: never a lull

Your Questions

Why take the first shot from behind the ball?

For Paul Lambersens, in golf you move from back to front: the practice swing takes place in the "thinking zone," and then you move forward in the direction of play to enter the "action zone.".

What makes a good first try?

A full-body movement, with the head staying free. A small arm movement with a fixed head won't prepare you for the real swing.

What are waggles used for?

These are small preparatory movements to get a feel for the weight of the clubhead. They prevent you from standing still, which causes tension to build up in your body.

How long should you look at the target?

The video doesn't specify the duration, but good players spend quite a bit of time at address watching it before shooting, rather than staring at the ball.

Learn More

All “Pre-shot routine” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you All “Waggle” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Paul LambersensAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Paul Lambersens). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.