Breaking Old Golfing Habits

We all have that one move we know we shouldn't make. We use it almost involuntarily at this point, and cringe every time thereafter.

While at first it wasn't a big problem, it's getting to the point where we are duffing shots-maybe even ruining rounds-because of it.

So how do you stop the vicious cycle?

First of all, recognize that it is a cycle: it is self perpetuating.

The two main reasons you continue falling back on poor technique or sloppy decision making are:

1)      You have become accustomed to it

2)      You are not confident in another technique

So become confident in another technique! It sounds easy, but in reality you'll need to accept that-at first-this new technique will feel unnatural, and you may even play worse than you had been before.

How to surmount these obstacles, then? Do some research into your game.

Try filming yourself in a game or training session. For you to focus on fixing the problem, you must first understand exactly what you are doing wrong.

Watching yourself play provides an invaluable perspective that your coach can also help you with. It also puts the necessary distance between your ego and your game, allowing you to objectively and critically observe what you are doing.

Maybe it's a simple equipment problem that needs attention or, for more involved problems, talk to your coach to get pointers or advice. Chances are, you aren't the only person who has struggled with this technique, then, hit the range-repetition is key!

Reserve part of your regular training session to focus specifically on the fundamentals with which you are struggling.  Use targets or cones to hone your aim. Do drills to perfect your swing. The first step is to break your bad habit by replacing it with a new one.

The next step is to hone the new technique.  This, obviously, is the hard part. Learning a new technique-whether it's takeaway, your pivot, or altering your aim-takes time and discipline.

Your drills should focus on your individual weakness, but I find that (regardless what ails you) fundamental training pays off best when done at the beginning of the training session.

You'll have the rest of your session to implement what you've practiced, and you'll likewise discover other areas of your game that you will have to modify. Best, by doing your drills in the beginning of practice, you'll get the hardest part out of the way!

Once you are fairly confident in your new technique, schedule some friendly rounds with your friends.  I find that no matter how confident I am in my new technique during drills and practice, it's the adrenaline in a game situation that sends me grasping again for my old bad habits. Learn to deal with this impulse before the big match by simulating it with friends.

I have carefully selected The Best Drills For Great Golf. From a variety of full swing drills to helping you with your putting, chipping and pitching click here for some new ideas on how you can raise the level of your game.