Driving the golf ball
In golf, the drive is one of the most important swings of the game. Not only does the player want to advance the ball as far as possible on the first hole, one also wants to get off a good first shot to avoid embarrassment. After all, the first tee is usually within viewing distance of the club house and of other players waiting to tee off. While the round itself is important so is self-confidence.
Get Rid Of Distractions
The first tee shot is often one of the most difficult. There are numerous distractions, concentration has yet to be achieved, and there isn’t a rhythm established. Even professional golfers have their tricks for the first shot. Whether it is the time they take to place their ball on the tee or exercises with the club, it is all about settling down and concentrating.
Suggestions for Overcoming Distractions
There are many things that can distract a player on the first tee. Talking with playing buddies or just settling down for the first shot can be helped with just a few extra measures:
1. If you are first up, take your time placing your tee. Take deep breathes and imagine the ball flying down the fairway. If you are waiting, many players will quietly clean their ball or wipe their grip. It does help concentration. Relaxing muscles will also help. The mind and the body are linked, and relaxing muscles will also relax the brain.
2. Start positive thinking. Don’t dwell on the fact that you always seem to slice the ball with your driver. Think that it will go straight down the fairway.
3. Count to ten. It works. Consider where you want your tee in the box. After all, the tee shot is one time when you have complete control over placement. Many like to tee the ball high because they think it will increase distance, and this isn’t always the case. Most average players have a fairly steep swing, and too high of a tee means a pop-up.
Addressing The Ball
1. When addressing the ball, remember that it is the club that will do the work. All too often players try to smash the ball on the first tee shot, and it usually doesn’t work. The driver is designed for distance and it is why you carefully chose your woods when you bought them. Hitting the ball too hard usually results in a an air shot, a slice or even a pulled muscle.
2. Alignment is very important. Keep the eye parallel to the target line so the mind and the body are in synch.
3. Keep the elbow attached to the hip. If kept there, it will permit the right arm to bend and will help a more powerful shot.
4. Keep the grip soft. If the muscles from the elbow to the fingers is kept supple, it will permit a better release.
5. Remember that a shorter swing means a longer drive. Many tend to use a very big swing with the driver, and all it does is mean less control. For more consistency, it is important to be in complete control of the body turn and wrist hinge rather than trying for a huge uncontrolled shot.