Building a pre-shot routine

Setup

1. Pairs share a hitting station on one line; stations well spaced, everyone hitting the same way.
2. The partner stands behind and well to the side of the hitter, out of reach of the club, holding the timer and the card.
3. Each player writes their routine on the card in four steps or fewer.

How it runs

1. A simple routine to start from: stand behind the ball and pick a target; pick a spot on that line just ahead of the ball; walk in and set the clubface to the spot, then the feet; one look at the target, then swing.
2. Hit five balls with the full routine. The partner times each one, from stepping in behind the ball to starting the swing, and ticks off each step.
3. Swap roles. Then each player keeps or trims their routine so it feels natural.
4. Second round of five: the partner scores 1 for each ball where every step was done and the time was close to the player's usual.
5. Final round: the partner tries to distract with a quiet comment between shots (never during the swing); the hitter starts the routine again if broken.

Coaching points

• The routine is for focus, not decoration: every step should have a job.
• Decide the shot behind the ball; once you walk in, you are only setting up and swinging.
• Keep the time similar each ball. Rushing or freezing over the ball both show nerves.
• If anything distracts you, step away and start the routine again from behind the ball.
• Keep it short enough to suit ready golf; good routines help pace of play.

Common mistakes

• A routine so long it slows the group down.
• Skipping the target step on easy shots.
• Standing over the ball and thinking about swing mechanics.
• Partner standing behind the hitter, in line with the club, instead of well to the side.