When professionals prepare to play a shot, they follow a ritualised set of steps. They assess the conditions for the shot, make a decision on the shot to play and how to play it, create a mental blueprint for the shot and finally approach the ball then swing the club.
The shot routine is as much part of mental preparation as it is physically preparing to play a shot. Not only are the steps important, but the order is also important. Professionals have the order correct, most other players don’t.
There are four steps to the shot routine which every good player attends to. While you might not have the technical skills of a great player, you do have the ability to create and use a solid shot routine. Because of its importance, it is something for you to develop and practice this week.