Final Step to a Zone Mindset

Zoning In

?We’re now at the final stages of Zoning In and that’s the thought, object, or point in space to direct our complete focus.? Remember, a Zone Mindset requires the deliberate focus on a single stimulus while remaining oblivious to all other internal and external stimuli.

?As such, our focus cannot be on the mechanics of the swing.? Our body and the club are in constant motion which would require our focus to continually move to follow the motion of the swing.? Where the mind goes, the eyes follow.? Unfortunately, our focus cannot be on the ball.

?A ball orientation creates the potential for a condition known as being “ball bound.”? The momentum of the swing wants to move the head, and thus the eyes just past impact.? Focusing the mind on the ball to keep the eyes from moving makes the ball the endpoint of the swing.? Unconsciously, the body becomes rigid to stop forward movement of the swing.? It’s like a car hitting a wall.? Golfer’s head jerks up and back before they fall away from the ball’s position.? In good golf swing the eyes remain on the ball naturally.? You cannot create a good swing by “trying” to keep your eyes on the ball.

?If you ever watched Jack Nicklaus play, before initiating his swing, Jack literally stared down his pre-selected target down twice. Bringing his attention to his target, Jack created a powerful image of the target in his mind’s eye that remained throughout the swing. I think we can all agree that Jack was pretty good in his day.?

?A Target Orientation is not an outcome orientation.? An outcome orientation is concerned with the success or failure of the shot.? It’s not that you’re trying to see the ball leave the clubface and fly to your target.? A Target Orientation is just a focal anchor point to keep your mind locked in so it’s not aware of any other internal or external stimuli.?

?Besides keep your mind and eyes quiet during the swing, it also increases the precision of your swing by directing the club to a small, vivid object in the distance.? The wider your focus the more leeway there is in your swing so it won’t produce as precise a swing path.

?Many times, our distant target can be vague, like a tree branch or a spot on the ground.? To help increase your awareness to the target you can imagine a small, red bullseye placed over the target.? Science has found that the color red has a profound effect on your attention.

?Learning to Zone In on a small, distant object requires practice over time.? It’s not something that you will be proficient at right away.? If you would like more information about Zone Mindsets or how to Zone In and the kind of practice that helps you learn how to do it in the most expedient way you can message me here or contact me at [email protected].