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Newsletter - Issue 123 Date 01/04/10
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TCT Quick Tips - Tactical Breathing
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This tip will help you enormously in pressure golf situations.

For decades, military personnel in high pressure situations - like Marine snipers -
have been using tactical breathing to steady their nerves before taking the shot.

As this relates to golf, you are giving your mind something to focus on that not only 
reduces the load on the body but it has a positive chain reaction to the body which is
in charge of executing the technical skills required for the game.

Here's a really easy method to use the next time you feel yourself in a pressure shot situation.

While going through your pre-shot routine:

1) take at least three deep breaths
2) Inhale deeply through your nose - each inhale should take 5 seconds
3) Exhale slowly through your mouth - each exhale should take 7 seconds

Try to time events so that you are ready to hit your shot ASAP after the last exhalation.

This works for all shots, including putts.

Try it, you'll love the results.

Enjoy,

Tom


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Golf Tip: The Three Quarter Golf Shot
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When you watch professional golf events, you will often notice the pros 
utilizing a three-quarter golf shot. (This is when they swing about three
quarters of the way on their backswing and three quarters of the way on 
their follow-through.) You'll mainly see this when they hit second or third 
shots onto the green. The main reason for the abbreviated swing is distance
control when they find they are “between clubs” if they were to take a full swing. 
The more control you have over your shot distance, the better your game will be.

Here are a few tips for successfully utilizing this swing: 

1. If you find yourself between clubs for the yardage needed, you should 
consider hitting a three-quarter shot. For example, if a full swing with the 9 
Iron won't quite get you there, use a three-quarter swing with the lower-lofted 8 Iron. 

2. Place the ball closer to the center of your stance. This will help in contacting
the ball at the bottom of your swing arc, creating the optimal strike. 

3. Remember, you are only going to take your hands back to about shoulder height. 
A good key is to find the shaft pointing vertically to the sky at the top of your swing, 
then again after the follow through. 

4. You will want to feel as though you are hitting the golf ball with your upper body/chest. 
This will help eliminate any “flipping” motion of the wrist through impact, which is often 
a cause of inconsistent golf shots.

5. On the follow-through, make sure you extend through the ball and finish with 
your belt-buckle facing the target and the shaft pointing to the sky. 

Mastering this swing can be very beneficial, but keep in mind it is different from 
the  feeling of a regular full swing, so it will require practice. 

Enjoy, Tom