Chew the Fat Behind the Ball Drill: 3 Steps to a Clearer Pre-Shot Routine
Clearer pre-shot decisions
A clear shot plan helps you make a committed swing. Talking through the target, conditions and club choice behind the ball gets the decisions out of the way before you take your stance. You can then swing with one positive intention instead of changing your mind over the ball—a useful habit when you want to take range practice onto the course.
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Watch someone talk through a shot
As you watch, notice the difference between deciding what to do and making the swing. That’s the useful part to take into your practice.
Step 1. Say what you want the ball to do
Stand behind the ball and work through four questions:
| Question | What to do |
|---|---|
| Where am I trying to send it? | Choose a specific target and a sensible landing area. |
| What affects this shot? | Notice the distance, wind and lie. Include a slope if it matters. |
| Which club and shot fit the plan? | Choose something you can play comfortably. |
| What is my positive final cue? | Describe the shot you want, then walk in. |
Step 2. Try the worked example
“It’s 150 yards to the middle. A little wind against. Seven iron towards the left half of the green. Smooth swing. That’s the shot.”
You can say it quietly, or rehearse it in your head when other people are playing. Keep it brief enough to fit the normal pace of play. Once you take your stance, finish the discussion and swing.
Give the ball a destination
| Instead of… | Try… |
|---|---|
| “Don’t go in the bunker.” | “Start it at the left edge of the green.” |
| “Whatever you do, don’t hit it long.” | “Land it on the front half.” |
| “Please don’t slice this one.” | “Aim at that marker. Make a smooth swing.” |
These are examples, not promises of a perfect shot. The point is to make your intended shot clear.
Your focus: Clearer pre-shot decisions
Step 3. Complete your round
What to do
Think of this as your practice round of 18. At the range, complete 18 full routines: step behind the ball, choose the target, consider the conditions, select your club and say one positive final cue. Then walk in and play the shot.
Reset fully before every ball. Change the club or target when you want a fresh decision. Indoors, rehearse the same routine without hitting a ball.
| Score | When to award it |
|---|---|
| 1 point | You complete the shot, routine or movement described above. |
| 0 points | You do not complete the attempt. |
FAQs
What equipment do I need?
Club + balls.
How do I set up this drill?
Stand behind the ball and work through four questions:
What should I focus on during practice?
You can say it quietly, or rehearse it in your head when other people are playing. Keep it brief enough to fit the normal pace of play. Once you take your stance, finish the discussion and swing.
These are examples, not promises of a perfect shot. The point is to make your intended shot clear.
How should I record my practice?
Think of this as your practice round of 18. At the range, complete 18 full routines: step behind the ball, choose the target, consider the conditions, select your club and say one positive final cue. Then walk in and play the shot.
Reset fully before every ball. Change the club or target when you want a fresh decision. Indoors, rehearse the same routine without hitting a ball.
What should I keep in mind when practising?
Give your next shot a clear job before you walk in. A target, a club and one positive sentence are enough. Once you’re over the ball, let the planning stop and the golf begin. Your playing partners will appreciate the edited highlights.
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 Competitive Practice Drill to give each practice attempt a target and your full routine. For another focused practice task, try Breathing Technique Drill to practise a comfortable breathing cue during golf practice.
Give your next practice a purpose.
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