5 Mental Golf Tips: Advice from Alexis Cocheteux
Are you playing well—until it’s time to tally your score? From the Golf de l’Océan in Agadir, Alexis Cocheteux of iGolfPro breaks down five keys to maintaining a positive mindset, from pre-shot vocabulary to breathing techniques.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
First key for Alexis Cocheteux: stop motivating yourself by saying “Come on” before a stressful situation, because we project ourselves into the future and create anxiety about the outcome. The second key, which follows from this: maintain a neutral stance and stay in the moment; each shot is a challenge in itself, and together they make up the day’s performance. Third key: don't count on it, because knowing that you're 3 under on the 9th hole—or that the front nine went poorly—changes the way you play.
Fourth key: a personalized pre-shot routine, which is broader than just the alignment. It includes visualization tailored to the player’s profile, choosing a landing point or zone, aligning with the “Charlot” technique, and an exaggerated practice swing that sends a message to the brain. Fifth key: breathing. Tension prevents rotation; some players perform the move while holding their breath with their lungs full, while others do so with their lungs empty and must exhale before the move to relax.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Before a stressful shot, replace the “come on” with a neutral attitude focused on the shot at hand.
- Think of each shot as a separate challenge, without worrying about the score.
- Behind the ball, visualize your shot based on your profile—toward a specific point or a specific area.
- Align yourself carefully: a lot depends on the position between the back of the ball and the spot in front of it.
- Take a practice swing that exaggerates your intended shot to send a clear message to your brain.
- Breathe according to your profile: exhale before the shot if you’re playing with an empty breath, and after the swing if you’re playing with a full breath.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Saying “Come on!” to yourself before a difficult shot.
- Calculate your score or points during the game.
- Focus your pre-shot routine on alignment and the swing.
- Take a practice swing that mimics the motion you would use with a ball, but without putting any power into it.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Complete pre-shot routine repeated before each shot
- Visualize a point, then an area, to find yours
- Exaggerated practice swings with a specific purpose
- Testing for full and empty apnea before the start
Your Questions
Why shouldn't you say “Go!” to yourself before taking a shot?
According to Alexis Cocheteux, this word transports you into the future and subconsciously creates stress about the outcome. He recommends staying neutral and focused on the present.
Do we really need to stop keeping track of our score?
That’s his third key. Knowing you have a strong hand can make you play it safe, while a poor opening hand can, on the contrary, open up the game: each move must remain a challenge in its own right.
What does a good mental pre-shot routine involve?
More than just alignment: visualize a specific point or area based on your profile, ensure precise alignment, and take a practice swing that exaggerates the intended shot.
What role does breathing play in golf?
Tension hinders rotation and smooth movement. Some players hold their breath completely, while others hold their breath partially; the latter should exhale before playing to relax.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Alexis Cocheteux). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.