Show me any great athlete and I will guarantee that athlete
visualizes the successful execution of their shot, throw or catch
before they make it. Visualization is a powerful tool in all
sports.
Show me any great athlete and I will guarantee that athlete visualizes the successful execution of their shot, throw or catch before they make it. Visualization is a powerful tool in all sports. Quarterbacks will visualize the path of the football flying into the receiver’s hands. Field goal kickers visualize the ball sailing through the uprights for three points. Positive reinforcement is vital to success. Do you think Barry Bonds visualizes striking out when he goes up to the plate or hitting one into the Bay?
Golf is no different from other sports. The golfer must visualize the shot that he wants to hit before execution.
In putting, visualize the break of the putt before you hit it. Then see the ball follow that line and gently fall into the cup.
In driving, see the ball split the fairway and go ahead and say out loud that you will hit the fairway.
Don’t reinforce the negative, for instance, repeating “stay out of the water.” The mind hears the negative “water” and guess where your ball goes?
That’s right … splash … into the drink. Just tell yourself “I’m going to hit the ball high and straight and it will land in the fairway.” Pick a spot and run it over in your mind. No negative images or thoughts, just the positive.
Don DeLorenzo is a PGA-certified instructor at Gilroy Golf Course. To schedule a lesson, call Gilroy GC at 848-0490.
