CONCEPT · FUNDAMENTALS BEGINNER FOCUS

Pre Shot Routine

The best players execute the same systematic preparation before every swing, eliminating variables and doubt.

Skill split

01 · Overview

What it actually is

~2 min read

The difference between a scrambling round and consistent golf often comes down to what happens before you swing. While most golfers obsess over swing mechanics, the best players understand that great shots begin with a systematic approach to every shot setup. A solid pre-shot routine eliminates the guesswork and creates the foundation for repeatable results.

Todd Graves breaks down the essential five-step sequence that transforms chaotic shot preparation into a reliable system: target selection from behind the ball, intermediate spot identification, precise alignment, club positioning, and stance establishment before executing without overthinking. This methodical approach to setup removes the variables that lead to inconsistent contact and wayward shots.

The alignment component proves particularly crucial, as Georgia Ball Golf demonstrates when addressing the common mistake of having shoulders, feet, and clubface pointing in completely different directions. When your body parts work against each other from the start, even perfect swing mechanics can't save the shot. The pre-shot routine ensures everything works in harmony before you begin your backswing.

Whether you're facing a pressure-packed approach shot or trying to find more fairways off the tee, developing your personal pre-shot sequence creates the mental and physical framework for confident execution under any circumstances.

The anatomy

4 components that build the move

  1. 01 · TARGET SELECTION

    Visualize the precise landing zone

    Stand behind the ball and commit to a specific target, not just a general direction. Pick an intermediate spot 2-3 feet ahead on your target line to simplify alignment.

  2. 02 · ALIGNMENT CHECK

    Square the clubface, then your body

    Set the clubface perpendicular to your target line first. Then align your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to that line—all pointing in the same direction.

  3. 03 · SETUP SEQUENCE

    Establish stance width and ball position

    Position the ball consistently for each club type, set your stance width for stability, and make final posture adjustments. This happens in the same order every time.

  4. 04 · EXECUTION TRIGGER

    Clear your mind and commit

    Take your final look at the target, return to the ball, and swing without technical thoughts. The routine ends when the swing begins.

02 · The Reference

Editor's picks

3 of 155 · hand-selected

  1. Editor's Pick · #1 · 1:08

    Eliminate golf inconsistency with these 3 steps

    Todd Graves breaks down the exact 5-step sequence that eliminates inconsistency by creating the same setup conditions every time.

    Todd Graves · beginner

  2. Editor's Pick · 9:58

    Do THIS Before Every Swing To Hit Your Driver Straight

    Georgia Ball demonstrates how addressing alignment problems through routine prevents the compensations that cause wayward drives.

    Georgia Ball Golf · beginner

  3. Editor's Pick · 0:08

    comment FLOW for free flow finder routine Tension kills flow

    Ashley Knoll reveals how tension destroys routines and shares a flow-based approach that keeps pre-shot preparation natural and effective.

    Ashley Knoll Golf · beginner

04 · The Experts

What three coaches say

3 perspectives · same drill

05 · FAQ

Common questions

Answered from the library

How can a pre-shot routine help me hit my driver straighter?

According to Georgia Ball Golf, the secret to hitting your driver straighter has a lot to do with what you do before you swing, not just swinging harder. A proper pre-shot routine helps you set up consistently and avoid the common mistake of trying to overpower the ball, which actually makes it fly worse.

What are the essential steps for a consistent pre-shot routine?

Todd Graves emphasizes that you need a three-step pre-shot routine to eliminate inconsistency and become a great ball striker. Having these consistent steps is crucial for taking your game from the practice range to actual course performance.

How do I remove tension from my golf swing during my pre-shot routine?

Ashley Knoll Golf focuses on the concept that 'tension kills flow' in your golf swing. Using a specific flow finder routine as part of your pre-shot preparation can help remove physical tension from your body before you swing.

What mindset should I have during my pre-shot routine to play better golf?

Performance Golf and Luke Kwon's insights suggest that trying too hard to play 'good golf' often backfires. The key mindset is to be comfortable with what you're doing and even embrace being nervous, focusing on having fun rather than forcing perfect results.

Do I need a pre-shot routine at every skill level, even as a beginner?

Yes, pre-shot routines benefit golfers at all levels, from beginners to scratch players like Paige Spiranac. The routine helps create consistency and builds the foundation for transferring practice performance to actual rounds, regardless of your current handicap.

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06 · The Library

All 155 videos

YouTube-indexed · expert-graded

  1. Video · 8:12

    One Move From Ben Hogan Changes Your Whole Setup! (Still Works Today)

    Athletic Motion Golf

  2. Video · 0:19

    How quick is your preshot routine? ⛳️

    Golf with Aimee

  3. Video · 11:29

    STRAIGHT DRIVES every time: The 3 Second Pre Shot SECRET!

    Kirk Junge (Setup4impact Golf)

  4. Video · 0:49

    Hitting a bad shot doesn't mean the drill stopped working.

    Justin Langhill | Golf Performance Coach

  5. Video · 0:22

    How to use my SLOPING LIES Bag Tag #britgolfdad

    Brit Golf Dad

  6. Video · 0:22

    Comment PURE and I’ll send you the exact pre-shot routine to steal for your next round 👇 Most

    Michael Kanev Golf

  7. Video · 1:58

    Unlock 100% Commitment in Every Golf Shot!🎯

    The Art of Simple Golf

  8. Video · 0:56

    Performing under pressure 📈

    Dan Grieve

  9. Video · 1:13

    Moe Norman's Secret to Playing "In the Flow" - Todd Graves

    Todd Graves

  10. Video · 0:47

    Record Your Swing Before Every Round... This Is Why It Changes Everything!

    Athletic Motion Golf

  11. Video · 10:56

    Play BETTER Golf: CONCENTRATE & FOCUS For 180 SECONDS (No Joke)!

    Bob Menzies Golf

  12. Video · 4:08

    Stop Overthinking Putts! Do This 3-Second Instinct Trick Instead

    The Art of Simple Golf

  13. Video · 0:32

    The golf warm up every player needs

    Top Speed Golf - Clay Ballard

  14. Video · 0:33

    ⛳️GOLF IS JUST A GAME..

    Big Swing Golf

  15. Video · 0:57

    The Real Reason You Can't Perform When It Matters - Todd Graves

    Todd Graves

  16. Video · 1:26

    If you struggle bringing your swing from the range to the course, this #1 golf coach will fix that

    Jerome Rufin

  17. Video · 0:39

    Control Your Nerves with Deep Breathing #shorts

    Golf with Coach Carolin

  18. Video · 0:14

    The Open Champion Ryan Fox’s Average Shot Time

    Michael Kanev Golf

  19. Video · 0:40

    Stop Overthinking Your Golf Mistakes #golftips #swing

    Cordie Walker GolfWell

  20. Video · 0:44

    The mistake beginners make cutting out practice strokes #golf #golfshorts #putting

    Cordie Walker GolfWell

  21. Video · 0:14

    Most bad shots are decided before the club even moves

    The Logical Golfer

  22. Video · 0:49

    Can You Rely on Feeling Under Pressure? #shorts

    Golf with Coach Carolin

  23. Video · 0:19

    I'm locking in so that I can play better golf #golf #golfswing #golfer

    FairWagers Golf & Must Play Podcast

  24. Video · 0:13

    Most amateurs go completely still before they swing

    The Logical Golfer

  25. Video · 0:32

    What do you notice about Aaron Rai's warm up at the Scottish Open?

    Golf Monthly

  26. Video · 4:56

    3 Keys to Build a Consistent Pre-Shot Routine (Play Better Golf Under Pressure)

    Scratch Golf Academy

  27. Video · 0:59

    One thing I've learned after coaching hundreds of golfers...

    Justin Langhill | Golf Performance Coach

  28. Video · 0:50

    Train Your Brain Like a Muscle for Golf #shorts

    Golf with Coach Carolin

  29. Video · 0:13

    Most amateurs go completely still before they swing

    The Logical Golfer

  30. Video · 1:00

    Sit With Me... I Create Players, not back patients #GOLF #golflesson #wildbillmehlhorn #underpar

    MONTE’S GOLF - Since 1954

  31. Video · 0:06

    10 Balls With Feedback Beats 100 Mindless Swings

    Kerrod Gray Golf

  32. Video · 3:27

    Instinct Putting is Key To Hole Short Putts

    The Art of Simple Golf

  33. Video · 2:41

    Train Your Brain to Conquer Golf Tension #shorts

    Golf with Coach Carolin

  34. Video · 1:00

    A Golf Coach In Your Pocket?!

    Hannah Holden Golf

  35. Video · 0:31

    Practise like this to instantly improve #golf #golfswing #golftips #golfswingtips #golfcoach

    CK Golf

  36. Video · 0:35

    STOP Reaching for Your Driver Before Checking the WhyGolf App 🤦‍♂️

    WhyGolf

  37. Video · 13:45

    Hole 10x More Putts With This Simple Routine

    Georgia Ball Golf

  38. Video · 0:22

    Best Way to Start a Round of Golf..

    Sean Walsh

  39. Video · 3:00

    EFFORTLESS SPEED, ACCURACY AND FLUIDITY #golf #golfswing #wildbillmehlhorn #GOLFLIFE

    MONTE’S GOLF - Since 1954

  40. Video · 0:43

    Are You Practicing Your Golf Swing Wrong? #golf #golfswing

    Scratch Golf Academy

  41. Video · 1:23

    +3 Handicap Warm-Up Routine

    Hannah Holden Golf

  42. Video · 0:54

    Fix your swing with fewer balls 🎯 #golf #golfdrills

    Cordie Walker GolfWell

  43. Video · 15:47

    The pre-shot routine that eliminates mistakes

    Dan Grieve

  44. Video · 1:16

    Swing Ladder Series! Average Swing Speed

    Jim Venetos Golf Academy

  45. Video · 0:43

    Want more consistency on the golf course?

    The French golf coach

  46. Video · 2:57

    ome get free from the mental torture #golf #golflesson #golfswing #wildbillmehlhorn

    MONTE’S GOLF - Since 1954

  47. Video · 2:49

    Garden Tip of the Day - WAGGLE

    Brit Golf Dad

  48. Video · 2:50

    I’ve Never Played Better Golf Until Doing What World #1 Golfers Do Before Every Shot

    Jerome Rufin

  49. Video · 0:24

    The BEST way to practise. IT WORKS! #golf #golfswing #golftips #golfcoach #golfshorts #golfcoach

    CK Golf

  50. Video · 0:41

    Want more consistency on the golf course?

    The French golf coach

Build your bulletproof routine

Practice the alignment and setup fundamentals that make pre-shot routines automatic.

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