Success vs. Joy

- XXXVIII -

Practice to Understand

I offer the following advice to beginners who wish to play to a high standard – pay attention to the grip, keep your eye on the ball and make sure you hit 500 balls each day for a period of two years. Such a regimen is critical as it builds a strong foundation on which to build further.

A novice has to learn how to internalize the manner in which he cues. Hand movements have to be carefully coordinated to optimize the effectiveness of the cue action. Through a process of introspection, the player must realize when his technique needs correction.

This advice holds good for a golfer as well. He has to concentrate on his swing. A player should try and systematically eliminate one fault at a time, until he is able to hit the ball’s sweet spot most, if not all the time, and reinforce what he does correctly.

Practice means honing it into a groove.

Practice means building confidence. You need it in pressure situations.

Practice means understanding.You understand the stroke, the game, and more importantly, you understand yourself.

Chapter XXXVII :: Chapter XXXIX