When a player has the motion and skills needed to perform the multitude of shots golf calls for, then they can start to master those skills.
Golf is a game of problem-solving to a large extent. The practice styles should reflect this in order to create true mastery. The practice styles in this period are based on creating a lasting learning in the player by making practice more game-like and introducing stress and challenge points to simulate actual play. Creating desirable difficulties to challenge the player to practice the art of problem solving in practice is how deep learning takes place. To encourage this, some of the practice styles here include:
- Block- Ball after ball from one spot.
- Random- Different clubs, targets and lies each shot.
- Interleaved- Interlacing different practice styles with each other.
- Constraint- Having pressure applied through penalties or constraints.
- Competitive- Interpersonal competitive practice.
The reality of practicing golf is that most of the traditional ways to practice, namely Block practice, are counter- productive and a waste of time if done as the only way a player practices. Block practice is fine during a technical change, but in order to be able to transfer that skill, the player needs to alter approach. A periodized schedule helps, in which the player moves from technical to blending to competitive and then on to rest and evaluation. There are many types of practice in that framework as a player shifts gears.
Practicing the new technical skills in a ‘game-like way’ is the bridge from the range to the course and great scores
A player is trying to master hitting the ball from A to B. They need to attain the skills through technical competence, but also have the ability to retain, master and transfer those skills in order to become a proficient player
