Stare at the Target, Glance at the Ball Drill: 3 Steps to a Clearer Setup
Clearer target focus
Giving the target your attention helps you swing towards a clear destination. Looking at a specific landing area strengthens your picture of the shot before you return your eyes to the ball. Repeating that simple routine can keep your preparation purposeful and reduce the temptation to run through a long technical checklist just as you are about to swing.
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Watch the routine
Then watch a player you enjoy watching—Raymond Floyd, Tiger Woods or Nick Faldo, for example. Notice the rhythm of their preparation. Borrow the idea, then find a pace that feels natural to you.
Step 1. Choose the destination
Start with one comfortable club and a clear target. Rehearse the routine without hitting a ball first.
| Part of the routine | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Choose the destination | Pick a specific flag, post or landing area. Picture the shot you want to play. |
Step 2. Give your eyes a job
| Part of the routine | What to do |
|---|---|
| 2. Settle into address | Set the clubface and feet. Find a balanced position before looking towards the target. |
| 3. Look towards the target | Turn your head comfortably. Keep your posture steady rather than standing up to look. |
| 4. Return your eyes to the ball | Take a brief look at the ball, keep your shot picture in mind, and swing when you are ready. |
A worked example
“I’m sending this 7-iron towards the left side of the flag. I settle into address, look at that landing area, return my eyes to the ball, and swing with that picture in mind.”
There is no compulsory look-to-ball ratio. Avoid turning “ten times more target time” into another rule to worry about. The useful change is giving the target your attention during preparation, while looking at the ball when you hit it.
Watch for these easy mistakes
| Instead of… | Try this |
|---|---|
| Looking vaguely down the fairway | Choose a small, recognisable target or landing area. |
| Standing up each time you look | Turn your head comfortably while maintaining your address position. |
| Counting looks until the routine feels awkward | Use a rhythm you can repeat without rushing or lingering. |
| Starting a technical checklist over the ball | Return to one simple shot picture or positive cue. |
| Trying to watch the target during impact | Return your eyes to the ball before making your swing. |
Your focus: Clearer target focus
Step 3. Complete your round
What to do
Think of this as a practice round of 18. Before each shot, choose a specific target, settle into address, look towards the target comfortably, then return your eyes to the ball and swing.
Complete 18 full routines, resetting before each ball. At home, you can rehearse them 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 + target.
How do I set up this drill?
Start with one comfortable club and a clear target. Rehearse the routine without hitting a ball first.
What should I focus on during practice?
A worked example
There is no compulsory look-to-ball ratio. Avoid turning “ten times more target time” into another rule to worry about. The useful change is giving the target your attention during preparation, while looking at the ball when you hit it.
How should I record my practice?
Think of this as a practice round of 18. Before each shot, choose a specific target, settle into address, look towards the target comfortably, then return your eyes to the ball and swing.
Complete 18 full routines, resetting before each ball. At home, you can rehearse them without hitting a ball.
What should I keep in mind when practising?
When I’m over the ball, I want a picture of the shot—not a committee meeting about my swing. Looking towards a specific target helps me keep that picture clear.
Complete 18 full routines. Keep the preparation comfortable, and take the version that works for you onto the course.
What drill do you recommend I do next?
Try Connected Backswing Drill next to practise turning your chest and arms together.
You could also use Backswing Posture Drill to check your shoulder turn with a club across your chest. For another focused practice task, try How to Improve Golf Swing Rhythm to explore a smoother pace with three rhythm drills.
Give your next practice a purpose.
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