DRILL OVERVIEW

Breathing Technique Golf Swing Drill

Your drill at a glance

Mind gameDrill category
Breathing awarenessPractice focus
5 minutesPractice time
1 / 10Difficulty
Club + 18 ballsEquipment
Breathing technique drill: prepare, exhale and record 18 shots in two sets of nine.
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This breathing technique golf swing drill gives you a simple cue to include in your pre-shot routine. Take three comfortable breaths behind the ball, picture your shot and try an easy out-breath as you swing.
Use the drill to notice your breathing rather than force a particular result. Keep the breaths gentle and comfortable; you do not need to fill your lungs or control the breath throughout every part of the swing.

Watch the breathing technique video

Watch the original demonstration, then try the three practice steps below.

Step 1. Breathe behind the ball

Breathe comfortably behind the ball.

What to do

ActionWhat to do
Stand behind the ballChoose your target and the shot you intend to play.
Take three easy breathsBreathe in comfortably through your nose and let the breath out through your mouth. Keep the breath unforced.
Picture your shotImagine the intended flight and target while keeping your usual rhythm. For a related exercise, try Jack Nicklaus Visualisation.

Step 2. Exhale with your swing

Try an easy out-breath with a smooth swing.

What to do

ActionWhat to do
Settle into addressTake your normal stance and grip. Keep breathing instead of deliberately holding your breath.
Try the out-breath cueTake a comfortable breath, then let an easy out-breath begin as you start the backswing and make a smooth swing.
Keep it naturalTry a small rehearsal first. If coordinating breath and swing distracts you, use the out-breath before the shot and let breathing return to normal during the swing.

Quick practice checks

Watch forTry this
Forcing a deep breathMake it smaller and easier. Return to normal breathing if you feel light-headed or uncomfortable.
Counting throughout the swingUse one simple breathing reminder, then give the shot your attention.
Judging the cue by one resultNotice whether you remembered it. This exercise scores awareness, not shot quality.

Step 3. Score your awareness

Score breathing awareness out of 18 in two sets of nine.

What to do

Play eighteen shots using the same comfortable breathing cue.
ScoreWhen to award it
1 pointYou remember to use the out-breath cue during the shot.
0 pointsYou forget the cue.
Add your points for a total out of eighteen.

George’s Conclusion

George at the practice range.
Use this breathing technique golf swing drill as a small routine exercise: breathe comfortably, choose the shot and notice whether you remember your cue.
Keep it simple enough to use without distracting yourself. For another way to structure the moments behind the ball, try Chew the Fat Behind the Ball.
MAKE THE NEXT BUCKET COUNT

Pick a card. Practise with purpose.

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