Pre-shot routines vary tremendously among top-level players, but there are several common elements they share that you can incorporate into yours:
- visualization, such as target or line;
- positive self-talk;
- repetitive motion, like wiping the ball or shoe; and
- very little time once “set” into the stance.
You can practice your pre-shot routine at home by writing it down and then repeating it up until the moment you take your first step. Then stop, put the ball down, take a small break for 10 to 30 seconds, and start the process over.