Are You Making the Same Mistake as Every Golfer?
Every golfer I’ve ever coached, from total beginners to experienced players, has fallen into the same trap: they're too focused on trying to hit the golf ball. It’s an incredibly common instinct, but it’s holding you back from playing your best golf. If your practice swings feel great but your shots don’t match up when a ball is in front of you, you’re not alone—and there’s a better way.
The Five Ball-Focused Traps
Most golfers are juggling one or more of these thoughts before every shot:
- Trying to hit the ball
- Trying to get the ball in the air
- Trying to make the ball go straight
- Trying to strike the ball perfectly
- Trying to hit the ball further
Counting how many of these you’re guilty of is a great starting point. If you’re honest, it’s probably more than one! But fixating on these outcomes pulls your attention away from the simple process that produces great golf shots.
Shift Your Mindset: Swing in a Circle
Here’s the key: Instead of obsessing over the ball, focus on making a smooth, relaxed swing where the club head moves in a circle around your body. Imagine drawing a half circle on the way back and a full circle through. The only thing you really need to feel is that, after your backswing, your body moves towards the target as you swing through. The ball is just there to get in the way of this motion.
When you set up, let the club naturally touch the ground after where the ball sits. This approach helps you stay relaxed, frees up your swing, and leads to much better strikes—even if you don’t catch the ball perfectly every time.
Let the Ball Get in the Way
We’ve all heard the phrase, “Swing and let the ball get in the way.” But as soon as you think about hitting the ball, your instincts kick in and those five ball-focused traps come back. Here’s what typically happens:
- Trying to hit the ball: You rush the downswing, steepen the club’s path and end up chunking or thinning shots.
- Trying to get under the ball: You lean back, the low point of your swing moves behind the ball, and you fat or top it.
- Trying to steer the ball straight: You manipulate the club face, causing slices, pulls, or a lack of distance.
- Trying to strike it perfectly: You tense up, lose your posture, and often miss the sweet spot.
- Trying to hit it further: You swing harder, but tension ruins your rhythm and you lose both distance and control.
Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome
The beauty of golf is the ball doesn’t move. Your job is to make a good swing—not to help the ball in the air, force it straight, or smash it miles down the fairway. When you focus on the process, your results improve naturally.
- Make relaxed practice swings where the club brushes the ground after the ball.
- Shift your weight towards the target in the downswing.
- Let your arms hang naturally at set up with no tension.
- Don’t try to steer or manipulate the club face. Allow the club to release naturally, just as it would if you swung a baseball bat.
If you want to work on contact, try intentionally hitting the toe or heel during practice. It’s a great way to understand strike without obsessing over it.
Want More Distance? Swing Faster, Not Harder
A common myth is that swinging slower will help you. What’s really happening is most golfers try to hit the ball harder, not swing faster. Trying to hit hard creates tension and ruins your swing arc. Instead, focus on swinging freely and gradually increasing your club head speed while staying relaxed. You’ll be surprised how much further the ball goes when you prioritise rhythm over brute force.
Make Your Practice Swings Count
If your practice swings look and feel better than your real ones, it’s because you’re not thinking about the ball. Bring that same focus and freedom into your shots. Set up, stay relaxed, swing that full circle, and let the ball simply get in the way.
If you want to dive deeper into this approach, or need personalised feedback, I offer online lessons through Skillest. It’s a great way to get tailored coaching wherever you are.
Watch the Full YouTube Video Here
Ready to see these ideas in action? Watch the full lesson on my YouTube channel and start making your best swings yet.
