As an avid golfer, I’ve spent countless hours refining my skills on the fairways and greens. But let’s be honest, practice can sometimes feel like a chore, especially when you’re not seeing the results you want. That’s why I’m excited to share my tips and tricks for maximizing your practice time at Eagle Ridge Golf Club.
The Power of the Stopwatch
One of the most underutilized pieces of equipment on any golf course is the humble stopwatch. [1] But let me tell you, this little gadget can be a game-changer when it comes to practice. Just like in football, where coaches use the game clock to keep their players accountable, we can do the same on the golf course.
Imagine this: you set a 15-minute timer and challenge yourself to pack as much practice into that time as possible. No more wandering aimlessly, wondering when you’ll be done. Instead, you’re laser-focused, making every second count. And the best part? Your players, er, I mean, golfing buddies, become shareholders in the process, knowing exactly what’s expected of them.
Trimming the Fat
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But I need to take my time and really get a feel for the shot.” Well, my friend, I’m here to tell you that sometimes, less is more. [1] No more 40-minute practice sessions that result in only 30 or so swings. Let’s trim the fat and get down to business.
First, let’s put a hard cap on practice periods: 15 minutes, max. I know it sounds crazy, but trust me, your attention span and your swing will thank you. In that 15 minutes, you can execute 36 plays – I mean, swings – if you’re really on your game. [1] This forces your coaches, er, golf pros, to simplify their instruction and make every moment count.
But that’s not all. Let’s ditch the water breaks too. I know, I know, hydration is important, but think about it – if you have four 5-minute water breaks in a 3-hour practice, that’s 20 minutes down the drain. [1] Instead, have your assistant coaches or injured players carry extra water bottles, so you can hydrate on the go.
Specialization Station
Now, here’s where things get really interesting. Instead of having a separate varsity and junior varsity coaching staff, let’s combine our forces and create an offensive and defensive staff. [1] Hear me out – this allows us to do more with fewer coaches, and it ensures that every lesson is reinforced the second time it’s taught.
Imagine this: the first half of practice, the varsity works with the offensive staff, while the junior varsity works with the defense. Then, after an hour, the groups switch. Not only does this create a seamless transition for players moving up to the varsity level, but it also allows the coaching staff to use the junior varsity game as a testing ground for their varsity game plan. [1]
The Importance of Special Teams
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Special teams? That’s like, 5 minutes of the game, max.” Well, my friend, you’re wrong. [1] Between kickoffs, punts, and returns, special teams account for a whopping 20% of any football game. That means 20% of our practice time should be dedicated to the kicking game.
I know, I know, you’re probably rolling your eyes at the mere mention of a 36-minute special teams period. But trust me, if you want to be prepared for the battle ahead, you can’t afford to skimp on this crucial aspect of the game.
The Debrief: Reflection and Refinement
Alright, so we’ve covered a lot of ground here, from the power of the stopwatch to the importance of special teams. But the journey doesn’t end when practice is over. [3] In fact, the real magic happens in the debrief.
As soon as practice wraps up, gather your team (or your golfing buddies) and take a few minutes to reflect on what went well and what needs improvement. Focus on three key areas: [3]
- What did we do well today?
- What do we need to work on?
- How can we apply what we learned to our next practice or round?
By taking the time to debrief, you’ll not only solidify the lessons of the day, but you’ll also be able to fine-tune your practice plan for the next session. After all, the true measure of a great practice isn’t the amount of time you put in, but the quality of the work you accomplish.
So, there you have it, my friends. Embrace the power of the stopwatch, trim the fat, specialize your coaching staff, and don’t forget the all-important debrief. And who knows, maybe you’ll even shave a few strokes off your golf game in the process. Happy practicing!
[1] Knowledge from https://www.nfhs.org/articles/maximizing-practice-time-with-minimum-effort-and-maximizing-results/
[2] Knowledge from https://pgcbasketball.com/blog/eight-ways-to-maximize-practice-time/
[3] Knowledge from https://www.violinist.com/blog/stein4strings/202011/28527/
