Visualizing the Approach Shot - by Herman Johnson

 Herman Johnson, President: CerebralSports LLC

Mind/Body/Sport

www.CerebralSports.Pro, www.herman8er.com, www.ZenMaster.Pro. Or call: 503-880-7846

We often wonder why we play so well one day and so poorly the next, or why we clutch during competition, or blow easy shots. And why does it take so long to break a bad habit and learn a new one?

 Victories in the inner game may provide no additions to the trophy case, but they bring valuable rewards which are more permanent and which can contribute significantly to one's success, off the course as well as on.

Now, are you ready to shave that game just a little more?

The last newsletter contained the relaxation sequence to induce physical relaxation. Then you were taken deeper and deeper into relaxation in phase two of the process.

Now, re-read that part of the newsletter and inject our next Visualization exercise:

Approach Shot.

Just imagine walking toward your ball, you have already placed the tee shot in the forgotten past, and now you are to focus on your approach shot. As you approach your ball, you do so with confidence and faith that your unconscious mind has the skill and the ability to accurately assess the distance from the ball to the pin, the wind speed & direction as well as the speed of the green to select the perfect club for this shot.

You feel certain in your club selection. There is no need to second guess your selection, it is the right one and even if it isn't, questioning yourself won't make matters any better. In fact, it's better to have confidence and certainty with the wrong club than to have doubt and uncertainty with the right club...so just allow yourself to have confidence and certainty and not concern yourself with your club selection - your unconscious mind has the ability to select the perfect club, all you need is to have faith and trust in your unconscious mind. Faith and trust in your unconscious mind, leads to confidence and certainty with your shot...which leads to excellent execution.

Before you swing the club, imagine the ideal shot. Your body is closer to the ball. Your approach shot should always have the same speed and force allowing the club to do the work, so you just remember a time when your swing was smooth and consistent. If you can't remember a time, imagine a time. You come down on the middle with the confidence to sing thru it. As a result, you hit the ball first followed by the perfect divot. The ball launches into flight and flies exactly as you had intended it. As it returns to the ground it bounces into excellent position for your next shot or putt.

Knowing that the body does what the mind tells it to do; you are now prepared for your shot in the physical form.

You will only see the pin, and you will execute the shot you envision. Can you imagine the enormous green?

No matter how far the pin may be, it seems as though it's only an arm's stroke away.

Knowing that the club adjusts the distance and arc of the ball, you will swing smooth and consistent every time and have the sensory awareness to select the right club. You will have faith that you have selected the right club in order to stick the pin easily.

Your body is closer to the ball.

You are relaxed, and void of tension, feeling calm and centered.

Your muscles are free flowing, and fueled by confidence

You will only see the positive target.

See the shot, execute the shot.

As you start down you do so with confidence to swing thru it. As a result, you hit the ball first followed by the perfect divot.

Your swing is aggressive and rhythmic.

You will hit the green in regulation more easily now than ever before.

Now, count from one to five... and when you hear the number five... you will feel alert...energized...and wonderful in every way...1...2...coming all the way back feeling positive...calm...3...4...your mind is clear and body is refreshed...5...wide awake and ready to have a great game

In the NEXT article I will provide clues to perfecting that "Short Game" or you can enjoy my sessions, if waiting five months is beyond your scope of patience.  Just call me: Herman Johnson, CerebralSports LLC. Cell: 503-880-7846 or visit me: www.CerebralSports.Pro  or www.ZenMaster.Pro.