Breathing Technique Drill: Enhance Your Golf and Get in the Zone
Breathing awareness
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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.
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Watch the breathing technique video
Step 1. Breathe behind the ball
What to do
| Action | What to do |
|---|---|
| Stand behind the ball | Choose your target and the shot you intend to play. |
| Take three easy breaths | Breathe in comfortably through your nose and let the breath out through your mouth. Keep the breath unforced. |
| Picture your shot | Imagine the intended flight and target while keeping your usual rhythm. For a related exercise, try Jack Nicklaus Visualisation. |
Step 2. Exhale with your swing
What to do
| Action | What to do |
|---|---|
| Settle into address | Take your normal stance and grip. Keep breathing instead of deliberately holding your breath. |
| Try the out-breath cue | Take a comfortable breath, then let an easy out-breath begin as you start the backswing and make a smooth swing. |
| Keep it natural | Try 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 for | Try this |
|---|---|
| Forcing a deep breath | Make it smaller and easier. Return to normal breathing if you feel light-headed or uncomfortable. |
| Counting throughout the swing | Use one simple breathing reminder, then give the shot your attention. |
| Judging the cue by one result | Notice whether you remembered it. This exercise scores awareness, not shot quality. |
Your focus: Breathing awareness
Step 3. Score your awareness
What to do
| Score | When to award it |
|---|---|
| 1 point | You remember to use the out-breath cue during the shot. |
| 0 points | You forget the cue. |
FAQs
What equipment do I need?
Club + 18 balls.
How do I set up this drill?
Choose your target and the shot you intend to play. Breathe in comfortably through your nose and let the breath out through your mouth. Keep the breath unforced. Imagine the intended flight and target while keeping your usual rhythm. For a related exercise, try Jack Nicklaus Visualisation.
What should I focus on during practice?
Take your normal stance and grip. Keep breathing instead of deliberately holding your breath. Take a comfortable breath, then let an easy out-breath begin as you start the backswing and make a smooth swing. Try 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.
How should I record my practice?
What should I keep in mind when practising?
What drill do you recommend I do next?
Try The Perfect Golf Pre-Shot Routine next to build a clear pre-shot routine with three linked drills.
You could also use Jack Nicklaus Visualisation Drill to picture the finish, flight and landing before swinging. For another focused practice task, try Jack Nicklaus Competitive Practice Drill to give each practice attempt a target and your full routine.
Give your next practice a purpose.
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