OSVEA power – perfecting your pre-shot routine

A good pre-shot routine in golf is more than just a series of physical steps before hitting the ball; it’s a ritual that prepares both the body and mind for the task ahead. This blog post delves into the power of a golf pre-shot routine and how it can significantly improve your game.

The Essence of a Pre-Shot Routine

At its core, a pre-shot routine is a consistent set of actions and thoughts that a golfer performs before every shot. This routine can vary greatly from player to player, but its purpose remains the same: to foster a state of focused calmness, ensuring that the golfer is fully prepared to make the best swing possible.

Psychological Benefits

The mental aspect of golf cannot be overstated. The game demands high levels of concentration, and a solid pre-shot routine helps by providing a psychological “cue” that it’s time to focus. It acts as a mental switch, telling the brain to transition from the casual chatter of a golf round to the singular focus required for the upcoming shot.
Moreover, a pre-shot routine can significantly reduce anxiety and stress on the course. By engaging in a familiar sequence of actions, the golfer gains a sense of control, which is calming. This routine becomes a refuge during high-pressure situations, providing a mental blueprint that guides the player through the moment.

Physical Preparation

Physically, a pre-shot routine gets the golfer’s body ready for the shot. It may include elements like taking a deep breath, performing a few practice swings, or aligning the body to the target. These actions ensure that the golfer’s stance, grip, and alignment are consistent, which are critical for a successful shot.

Consistency and Performance

One of the biggest benefits of a pre-shot routine is the consistency it brings to one’s game. By performing the same sequence before every shot, golfers can create a repeatable process that leads to more consistent results. This consistency is crucial for building confidence; when a golfer knows they have prepared as best as they can for each shot, they are more likely to perform well.

Developing Your Routine

Creating a pre-shot routine that works for you is a personal journey. It should be simple enough to be easily repeatable but detailed enough to prepare you fully for the shot. Most importantly, it should be practiced regularly, not just on the course but also in training sessions. Consistency in your routine leads to consistency in your shots.

Conclusion

The power of a pre-shot routine in golf cannot be underestimated. It provides psychological stability, physical readiness, and a path to consistency, all of which are foundational to improving your game. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend golfer, developing and sticking to a pre-shot routine can be one of the most beneficial changes you make to your approach to golf. Remember, the goal is not to mimic the routines of the best players in the world but to find a sequence that puts you in the best frame of mind and body to execute your shot. Coach Iain developed the OSVEA frame work based on the above information.
Coach Iain developed the OSVEA frame work based on the above information. Click this link to watch him explain how he has used this to help professional players win at the highest level.
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Celebrating Progress: The KOHR Winter Program Midway Reflection

Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone! We are halfway through the KOHR Winter Program, and it’s time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the journey we’ve embarked on together. The dedication and enthusiasm you’ve shown in pursuing excellence in golf and personal development are truly commendable. Let’s take a moment to review the ground we’ve covered and prepare for the exciting path that lies ahead.

 

A Journey Through Excellence

 

Our program has delved into key areas that are foundational not just to your success on the golf course but also to your growth as individuals. We’ve explored the 9 Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence (PCDEs) a framework that underpins the mental and emotional attributes of successful athletes. Understanding and integrating these characteristics can significantly enhance your approach to training and competition.

Short and long-term goal setting has been another pillar of our program. This process has equipped you with the tools to map out your golf aspirations, breaking them down into manageable practice milestones and daily habits. We also want to remember our internal motivators and prepare for adversity as we strive towards our HUGE long term life goals.

 

The exploration of Happiness has offered us insights into the intricate balance between pursuing our passions and maintaining well-being. Recognizing the importance of happiness in achieving peak performance has been enlightening, reminding us that success is not just about the accolades but also about the joy and fulfillment that come with it.

 

Reflecting and Applying Our Learning

 

Before we transition to focusing on your pre-shot routine and emotional regulation on the golf course, we encourage you to engage in a thoughtful review of what we’ve learned so far. Take some time to revisit your ‘TEAM PROCESS’ notebooks and identify one key takeaway from each session that you’ve started to apply or plan to integrate into your practice, competitions, or life.

Critical review and self-reflection are vital components of learning. As you sift through the concepts and strategies we’ve discussed, consider what resonates most with you and how you can tailor these insights to suit your unique needs and circumstances.

 

Embracing ChatGPT as a Learning Tool

 

This week, we’re introducing a new dimension to our learning experience by leveraging ChatGPT as our guide and teacher. This innovative tool offers a unique opportunity to enhance our critical thinking and questioning skills. Based on insights from an education evangelist at Google, I believe that ChatGPT can play a significant role in supporting a student’s learning journey.

That is why in this weeks session our ‘guest coach’ was ChatGPT. We posed questions and critically evaluated the answers that the KOHR’s first ever AI coach threw our way on the topics we’ve covered or the ones student’s will explore in the coming weeks. ChatGPT can help us review our learnings, clarify doubts, and prepare us for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, while encouraging critical thinking and encouraging informative lines of questioning from a student.

 

Looking Forward

As we gear up for the second half of our program, let’s approach it with the same vigor and enthusiasm we’ve shown so far. The skills and strategies awaiting us, including mastering your pre-shot routine and honing emotional regulation on the course, are critical to elevating you and your game to the next level.

Remember, the journey to excellence is a continuous process of learning, applying, and evolving. The KOHR Winter Program is just one step in this lifelong journey. Let’s make the most of this opportunity to grow, both as golfers and as individuals.

Here’s to a successful and enlightening second half of our winter coaching program!

Click here to watch Iain deliver this session to the KOHR students

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Happiness

Click here to watch Iain deliver this session to the KOHR students

Dear junior athletes,

In the realm of sports, where the pressure to succeed is immense, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that happiness comes only after achieving success. However, Shawn Achor’s groundbreaking TED Talk, “The Science of Happiness,” offers a different perspective that could change not only how you perform but also how you experience every moment of your athletic journey.

 

The Happiness Advantage

Achor introduces us to the idea that happiness isn’t the outcome of success; it’s the precursor to it. This notion, deeply rooted in positive psychology, suggests that when we are positive, our brains become more engaged, creative, motivated, energetic, resilient, and productive. This is what Achor calls the “Happiness Advantage.”

 

A Challenge for You

As a junior athlete, you’re in a unique position to apply these principles to your training, competitions, and daily life. Here’s a challenge: for the next 21 days, commit to integrating the following five practices into your routine. These practices are designed to rewire your brain to be more positive, which, according to Achor, is the real secret to achieving and exceeding your goals.

 

1. Gratitude Exercises

Each day, write down three new things you’re grateful for. These can be as simple as the weather, the support of a friend, or a personal achievement. The goal is to train your brain to scan for positives instead of negatives.

 

2. Journaling

Every day, take a few minutes to write about one positive experience you had in the last 24 hours. This practice allows you to relive the moment, reinforcing the positive emotions and training your brain to recognize and prioritize these experiences.

 

3. Exercise

Physical activity is not only vital for your athletic performance but also for your mental health. Regular exercise can serve as a reminder that your behavior significantly impacts your well-being, enhancing your mood and reducing stress.

 

4. Meditation

In the fast-paced world of sports, finding moments of stillness can be transformative. Meditation helps focus your mind, reduces stress, and improves concentration. Even a few minutes a day can make a significant difference.

 

5. Random Acts of Kindness

Once a day, send an encouraging message, compliment a teammate, or help someone out. Acts of kindness boost your sense of well-being and can strengthen your relationships within your team and community.

 

The Outcome

By embracing these practices, you’re not just enhancing your happiness; you’re setting the stage for greater success in your athletic endeavors and beyond. This 21-day challenge is your first step towards experiencing the profound impact a positive mindset can have on your performance and life.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to become a better athlete but a happier individual. As you embark on this journey, you may find that success, in its truest form, follows naturally.

our Challenge Starts Now

We’re excited to see how these practices transform your outlook and performance. Share your experiences, insights, and progress with your teammates and coaches. Let’s cultivate a culture of positivity and excellence, one junior athlete at a time.

Here’s to your happiness and success, both on and off the field!

Take this blog as a starting point, a beacon to guide you through the next 21 days and beyond. Happiness and success are within reach, and they start with a positive mindset. Are you ready to take on the challenge?

Click here to watch Iain deliver this session to the KOHR students

Click here to book a KOHR academy try out

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