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Rainy Day Golf Practice

JJ Wood, PGA — Fri, 14 Sep 2018 10:46:06 +0000

“I HAVEN’T PRACTICED BECAUSE IT’S BEEN RAINING OUTSIDE” – Worst Excuse Ever

If you’re like most golfers, you’re game probably runs in circles – meaning you play well at times, bad at times and it seems to go full circle to where you’re not improving much – if at all. I hear it nearly every time, “I didn’t have time to go to the course…or it was raining”, etc… We’ve all made the excuse, but like my college coach once said “if you can do 1 thing to get a little better every day, you will become great at this game.”

So, what can you do when it’s raining outside? Here are a few aspects of the game and some golf drills that you may find unconventional, but this is what the pro’s do daily outside of the golf course to improve their game.

IMPROVE SWING POSITIONS, INDOOR

Myth Buster golfers need to go to the driving range to work on their swing. This is false, in fact you probably do more harm to your game by working on your swing technique on the driving range. This trains your brain to thing technically, rather than athletically when you get to the first tee. Your best swing improvements happen without hitting a golf ball, slowing down the swing and perfecting the movement patterns for each swing position. Read more about swing improvements indoor

MENTAL GAME, PERFORMANCE STRATEGIES

Mental Game, the most overlooked, easiest and most beneficial aspect of game improvement. When it’s raining outside you can now feel good about sitting down and working on your mindset. Practicing your breathing technique and visualization should be implemented in your pre shot routine on every shot. Read this blog post for a simple mental game practice

GAME PLANNING

Each time you go out to practice you should have a plan to executive with specific objectives. It is best to write it down on a piece of paper, but if for some reason you don’t have paper, write down your next golf practice on your notes app on a mobile device. Make sure you have a balanced practice with specific details so you can ensure you get better each time you spend time working on your game. Read this blog post for more golf practice plan information.

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How To Practice For Golf Performance

JJ Wood, PGA — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 10:00:32 +0000

HOW TO PRACTICE

Golf is the worst practiced sport in the world – Golf Science Lab

Balanced

Playing verse practicing
Block, Deliberate, Random, Sequential
Different areas of the game
Simulation of golf course

Routine

Daily
Practice
Pre-Shot
Post-Shot
Tournament Prep

WHY IS GOLF SO HARD?

Golf skills need to be precise. Depending on the amount of time you have available to work on your game, you need to set reasonable expectations. That being said, if you have strategy, structure and purpose behind each time allotted to golf, you should be able to raise your expectations on the course.

EXPECTATIONS Manage yourself well, here are some of “the controllable” factors

Mindset, routine, set up
Aiming your eyes and line over alignment
Even quill. Emotions – little up and little down
Part of ego is attached to results, disassociate your emotions from results

OPEN SPORT reacting sport, the game dictates your actions. There is less time to analyze and think, more likely to be instinctual and athletic

Basketball
Football
Baseball
Soccer

CLOSED SPORT you decide when you do your routine and static over the ball. You can control the pre-shot routine and set up.

Golf
Free throws in basketball
Pitchers in baseball
Kickers in football

BELOW University of Houston Coach, Jonathan Dismuke discusses with our competitive junior group, The Varsity Group, how their team strategizes practice. Coach Dismuke led Texas A&M to a national golf team championship in 2009.

PRACTICE LIKE THE PRO’S

Practice Objectives

Conceptual improvement
Technical improvement
Restructure practice accordingly

Phases of “in the zone”

Present
Confident,
Comfortable,
Non-judgmental

Non-Negotiable

Creating clear plan
100% commitment to the plan chosen
Post shot feedback, control emotions

Negotiable’s what you can control

Ability to stay present
Number of rehearsal (practice) swings
Length of routine

PRACTICE YOUR ROUTINE’S ON THE COURSE

PRE-SHOT Routine should be same every time

Every routine needs to include the main structure (i.e. 5 aspects of pre-shot routine)
- You don’t have to to have specific number of practice swings, objective is to get the feel and go when you have that positive feel
- Goal is to develop the proper feel for the shot you have chosen, build confidence and trust when pulling the club away
Visually focus on where you look
- Alignment verse awareness
- Visualize or verbally describe the shot. Clear intent
When you are ready, go!

POST-SHOT Routine Realize what a good shot is.

De-labeling outcome
Apply closure. Put club away or take off glove and relax.
- 3 post shot categories

- - Enjoyable – hit ball close to hole
  - Acceptable – proper side of hole, safe putt, will at least make par
  - Learnable – less than ideal shot, learn from it, make adjustment and rehearse

Strategy in your pre-round warm up will help your mindset. Warm up before playing on the course is solely focused on:

Getting golf swing muscles loose
Developing feel for the day
No relation to warm up and score that day.
Practice time warm up is negotiable depending on how you feel, stick to the structure
Irrationally positive thinking.
- Parents, coaches – some need a pat on the back. Some a don’t need as much positive reinforcement

TRAIN SMARTER with strategy and process goals will help all golfers (and athletes) achieve their peak potential. Old school work habits should be blended with the new school performance strategies and technology. By combining the science with art, golfers can guarantee optimum results.

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PGA Flashback Friday

JJ Wood, PGA — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 20:49:20 +0000

GOLFERS DREAM OF PLAYING ON THE PGA TOUR, IN 2017 MY PGA TOUR DREAMS CAME TRUE

My First Flashback Friday…

With less practice and a full time job, I realized my childhood dream of playing on the PGA Tour. I’m extremely thankful and blessed to have this opportunity, but it doesn’t quite seem fair. I was taught that hard work pays off…

In 2015 I decided to move back to Houston after coaching college golf at Ohio State University. I’ve spent nearly 3 years trying to figure out small business ownership, which has created more headaches, busy work and less time for practice. Thankfully since becoming a full time coach in 2011 I have been surrounded by some of the best athletes and golf coaches in the world. All athletes (I still consider myself a golf athlete) blossom at different ages. I reached my first PGA Tour event and major at 33, but why?

I feel I am one of the most logical, “it’s black and white” person you will find. I like to know the facts, understand the “why”, then the “how” to improve or fix something. If I can understand that, I can typically complete a task. If not, I run in circles, frustrated and do not get much accomplished. Before the last couple years, I was in search of what actually worked in golf and the golf swing. I almost believed that golf was more about “luck” than skill.

In 2015 I made my final career decision, I want to be a golf coach and entrepreneur. This is why I moved back to start a golf academy and not pursue being a college golf coach. This is when I began to invest more in research and learning of golf swing mechanics and development. With a clear vision of where I was going, I knew understanding the swing mechanics was vital to being a quality “golf instructor”. I was in search for the truth, not another theory or swing method to try.

I can now say I 100% OWN my game. It’s not as sharp as I would like it, but I know where I’m going with it – from the driver to the putter, I understand the facts, what is black and what is white. My passion is to communicate and apply that to each golfer that loves this game as much as I do. All it takes is an open mind, some dedication and a little practice. Selfishly, I learn more through my students that makes me a better player, so I hope you can learn from my experiences to achieve your potential!

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2017 PGA Championship Feedback

JJ Wood, PGA — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 01:29:30 +0000

In the month leading up to the PGA Championship, I worked hard on my mindset. I knew it would be an environment I had never experienced. I expected the first round tee shot to be the most nerve racking I had ever experienced. The day of the event, I arrived an extra 45 minutes earlier than I normally do. Some might think this is bad, I knew it was going to be important to slow myself down in the hours leading up to the first tee shot. With big events comes distractions and uncertainties, I didn’t want something unexpected to come up and make me feel rushed, adding to the performance anxiety that was naturally going to occur.

I practiced visualization & breathing patterns to prepare for this high pressure event. This is something I did regularly (3-4 times per week) as a full time player, but have not done it much now that I only play part time. The day of the first round I planned to listen to my breathing app for the entire warm up session. I figured if I had the app playing in my ear the entire warm up routine, it would be a constant reminder to focus on something positive that will create a calm, athletic mindset when the pressure is at it is highest.

This strategic plan turned out to be a great decision, as I felt the normal tension and nerves when I arrived at the first tee for the first round. These nerves provided me with comfort and familiarity. I knew I could handle the first tee shot like I had done in hundreds of tournaments before.

First Tee Shot Success
Depending on who you talk to – some would say it was terrible, I would say it was a success. Sure, it went 40 yards right into the trees, but I had 70 yards of room to the right and still be in play for the next shot with out penalty!

I wish i could say I had that success for the remaining 35 holes. Instead I played a different game than I usually do when I’m out with friends or playing in the South Texas PGA Section event. The goal when playing golf – is to play golf! I never realized there was a point of diminishing returns when it game to trust and commitment in your pre shot routine. Sure, you want to be fully committed to each shot, but you also want play strategically and error on the safe side of the target each shot.

I missed numerous times on the wrong side of the target causing me to hit it in the water on 2 occasions, and in a terrible spot in the trees causing me to make an 8 on the hole. This cost me 7 strokes that were purely due to terrible course management – typically my strength. Part of these errors were due to lack of experience on the big stage. I will learn from this next time and play my normal game. Remember, golf is a game of MISSES! It’s not always the guy that hits the most fairways and greens, typically its the SMARTEST golfer on the course that errors in the right direction.

Sitting on the range for 8 days with the best players in the world
One thing stood out, they are very strict with what and how they practice! Sure, some of them had their coaches with them, but when I watched the coach – they didn’t say much. Hitting balls next to Rory for nearly one hour and he did all the talking – not his coach! These players completely understand their game.

You’re probably thinking “well ya, they’re the best players in the world.” That is true, but how did they get there? Watching the same drills over and over, by Rory, Jordan, Rickie….. I didn’t see a drill that I don’t use regularly with the golfers at the academy. Eyeline, alignment stick, tees in the ground for putting, chalk line, pitch shots from various spots around the green. Seems simple right? Ask yourself, how many times do you hit balls without an alignment stick on the ground? How many times do you warm up your putting without doing the eyeline or pelz putting tutor to make sure your fundamentals are correct? If you can think of one time or more that you skipped those fundamental aspects when warming up – that’s too much!

I saw Adam Scott 3 days in a row on the putting green. Each time he did the same process of drills. I think you will find these pretty familiar and SIMPLE.

Eyeline training aid from 5 feet
Five footers with 4 balls at each quadrant around the hole. Make 4 in a row.
One ball going through routine to different holes.

If he is making sure he does this each warm up during the major championship, don’t you think you should too??

Overall I found that there is nothing magical about these great golfers. They are not freaks of nature (well maybe Rory), but outside of the top 10 in the world, they are just above average talents, working hard on their simple process – EVERYDAY. QUIT EXPERIMENTING!

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PGA Practice 1 Prep

JJ Wood, PGA — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 15:35:05 +0000

Practice Structure I progress from short to long shots. I then evaluate my practice and end my practice working on my weakness and reinforcing good tempo. See below for my practice broken down.

Important Note You probably do not have a couple of the training devices I use for this practice. You can use the traditional practice method to simulate both training aids.

Blast Motion Sensor pay special attention to your tempo, try to repeat your tempo consistently on the wedge shots.

Gabe Swing Trainer simulate the Gabe Swing Trainer by pausing at the top of your golf swing. Be very disciplined and relaxed when you start your down swing.

Drills & Training Aid Information

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Just Putt

JJ Wood, PGA — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 21:08:19 +0000

Putting is Simple!

Think about it, how hard is it to make a 6 inch swing and hit it 4 feet to your target? Shouldn’t be very hard! When I was 10 years old, people would talk about about how I couldn’t miss. Then when I turned 18, everyone talked about, “if that kid could putt, he would be good!” So how did this happen? At 10, no golf experience and no THOUGHTS, I would make everything? Yet, after being ranked top 25 in the national junior golf rankings, I was a bad putter? Here’s why… I was obsessed with getting better, I read everything, watched everything, and picked every good putters brain. Power by knowledge, right? WRONG…. I didn’t know which method to go with, and putting became my weakness… Fast forward to my coaching career… My girlfriend, who has never played a round of golf pulls out the putter wheel training aid… I was proud of myself for being able to finally hit it 10 feet without it tipping over… and she puts it down, hits it and it rolls perfectly! Why is this? Because she is athletic and just reacted like an athlete would. So this is what I did. I went to the green, made my focus only of hitting solid putts… next time I played, I rolled it more true than I ever did before… Here’s a simple putting practice for you. 1. Buy the putter wheel… You can find it here 2. Hit 20 putts to warm up your putting every day 3. Play 9 holes only worrying about your routine Routine – Find the line – Commit to the line – Focus on hitting a solid putt down that line If you are someone that thinks too much in putting or don’t trust your stroke…. I recommend copying Aaron Baddelys pre shot routine for putting… He explains it perfectly in this video!

Hit it solid

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Jimmy Walker Golf Swing

JJ Wood, PGA — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 19:12:04 +0000

Jimmy Walker’s reveals swing secrets with Butch Harmon

Click image to view video

Keep the club in front of you!

I have never seen a golfer error too short and too wide!

The biggest golf swing misconception is that “over the top” is bad. Sure too much over the top is bad, but too much of anything is bad. Golfers cannot play consistently good golf if their club behind them (too much from the inside). I would much rather have someone error over the top than stuck behind them.

Psychology
When the club is over the top, you are more aware of where the club head is. When you are aware of where the club head is, you have a better chance of being athletic through the shot. Amateurs and pro’s alike often need to “save it” at the bottom of the swing. If the club is behind you, you are going to flip your hands and the club is moving too fast for you flip it consistently.

How to practice swinging short and wide

Keep the club in front of you on the takeaway. (arms in front of your chest on backswing. *This does not mean reaching on the take away!
Pause at the top – have separation from back swing to downswing. Most people jerk from the top, this throws of their tempo and transition. Losing power and consistency.
Relax and trust your swing! Practice hitting shots at 50% of full speed. When you go full speed, you will do what is comfortable. 80% of your shots on the range should be half speed.

Jason Day

Tiger Woods

JB Holmes

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Practice Planning for Purpose

JJ Wood, PGA — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 15:40:08 +0000

How to Practice Golf Effectively

Most golfers “do not prepare to fail, they fail to prepare”

Organized, specific and balanced – always have a plan before going to the course!
1. Each day you should have a main focus for the day. For example 1 day you would focus on full swing. Design yourself a practice plan before going to the course that focuses 60% of your time on full swing. Then split the remaining 40% of practice time on short game and putting.
2. This will help you get in a lot of good work on one area, but not have to sacrifice losing another area of your game.
Get Feedback – Journal after each phase of practice (i.e. after you complete your full swing practice, before you go to short game
1. Take a few minutes to analyze your practice and write them down
  Questions can include
  - How comfortable were you when practicing (i.e. did your body feel tight, not confident in your swing, etc..)
  - What adjustments need to be addressed for your next practice (i.e. my alignment felt right, but I was actually square or I kept hitting it left and I am not sure if it was my path or my club face) Figure out the cure for that and implement it in your next session
  - Go through your fundamental checklist and make sure you completed the practice plan you previously set. Make any notes for how you could improve that practice, add or take away aspects to make it a better practice.
2. When you are finished with your practice for the day, complete the “what I learned today” worksheet for an over all summary of your day practicing
Simulate Pressure: Bring a friend!
1. Playing 9 holes on the range is a great way to simulate some pressure and make your practice experience similar to the golf course.
2. Have a goal of hitting 7 out of 10 fairways. Create a fairway on the range and do sets of 10 shots until you reach your goal of hitting 7 out of 10.
3. Having a friend or practice partner is great for having putting competitions. Be sure you don’t get too relaxed. Make sure to read the putt and go through your routine like you would on the golf course!

SUMMARY

You need to have a plan every practice! If you incorporate these 3 practice goals each day, you will speed up your progression and understand yourself better as a golfer.

PRACTICE WITH PURPOSE Golf is the “worst practice sport” in the world
The most important aspect to playing golf well is knowing how to work on your game properly that leads to improvement. Most golfers train inefficiently, which doesn’t allow them to play their best golf.

⇒ PRACTICE EFFICIENTLY

⇒ HAVE A GAME PLAN, STRUCTURE AND DISCIPLINE WILL SPEED UP YOUR IMPROVEMENT

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Short Game Drill: See it, Feel it, Trust it

JJ Wood, PGA — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 22:12:56 +0000

SEE IT, FEEL IT, TRUST IT – A short game drill for you to try
This is a chipping, short game drill that helps you improve your chipping quickly. You will use a variety of clubs from the same distance and see if using the less lofted clubs is a benefit.

Choose a chip shot that is on the edge of the green, approximately 20-25 feet away from the hole
Use your 6-iron and go through your regular pre-shot routine

A quality pre-shot routine should have 3 aspects

Visualization For most people, visualization is difficult; so ask yourself where you want the ball to land and how the ball will roll into the hole after it lands.
Feel After you have a good visual of the shot in your minds eye, take some practice swings to feel the shot you have already visualized.
Trust When you are over the ball, say to yourself “TRUST IT”

Hit your 6-iron until you hole the chip. Then proceed to your 7-iron and so on until you get all the way through your PW. This is a minimum of 5 shots. See how close you can get to the score of 5 each time. Remember, do your pre-shot routine with every shot!

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