In this video, Dr. Nick gives Canadian golfer, Anna, a great tip on how to practice attentional shifting and learn to focus using music.
Thank you for your question Anna. First of all, we need to set some goals for you both on the mechanical side of playing the game as well as the mental side of performance.
In a previous article for WomensGolf.com – How Do You Practice Golf?, I discussed goal setting. Start with an outcome goal such as what do you hope to accomplish over time, then establish a performance goal which is measurable. Finally set process goals which are the specifics of accomplishing your performance goal.
For example in the mechanical aspects of your question we would use an outcome goal like lowering your handicap, and your performance goals might be greens in regulation, putts made etc. and the process goals would be the actual things you need to do such as come through the ball squarely, reduce tension in your body, and finish your turn.
Now in terms of the mental side of your question, your goals would be:
Outcome Goal
We want to have an outcome goal that is to increase your attention and focus throughout your round or practice session.
Performance Goal
An appropriate performance goal for achieving better attention and focus would be to measure your focus on a scale of one to ten after each shot with ten being a very high focus and one being a very low focus.
Process Goal
The process goal here that would be improving your ability to shift your attention from things that are distracting you to things that are really important.
One of the best ways to learn to focus is by practice listening to music and as you are listening, focus on the entire song or shift your attention in turn to the keyboard, to the vocalist, or to the bass. This exercise in attentional shifting will help you learn to do exactly the same thing when you are playing or practicing golf.
So, teach yourself attentional shifting by listening to music and shifting your attention and then practice it again when you’re on the course to keep your mind away from distractions and stay focused on what’s necessary.
I hope you have found this helpful Anna and good luck!
Dr. Nick
Feature Photo: LPGA players warm up on the range by Ben Harpring
