The SECRET to playing GREAT golf. DON'T focus on the golf ball

[@RedwoodGeorge]

Thanks for the reminder, Ali. Quite a while ago I was experimenting and spent a while with a single swing thought: "Swing the club, don't hit the ball" My game improved quite bit with much more consistent shots. I don't know why I drifted away from that process but I'm going to try it again on my next round to see how well it works...

[@rhowe22]

Great, solid coaching. Will employ these instructions next time out. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@robertbain5076]

Great tip! All of us higher handicappers are bedeviled by making a smooth rhythmic practice swing and then messing up the actual shot. I know this will take some practice, but thank you for giving us a tool to use!

[@t.k.morris]

Awesome instructional video and explanation. This is the mental aspect that gets in your way, same as the pros on tv. Is it not unbelievable how good they are but how often they make a terrible shot or putt when playing under pressure? #1 John Rahm with a 10 inch putt, and he only taps it for one inch???? Unbelievable. Many more examples of a substantial lead held only to just blow up and give the win away are seen almost every weekend. ... Thanks for what you do. Much appreciate your help!

[@DefenderTIM]

That idea about feeling the clubhead around the body sparked something in my mind. I've been trying to not focus on the ball, but I find that if I don't have something else to focus on then my default mode will be "ball, ball, ball". Definitely going to try focusing my thoughts on the clubhead next time I'm at the range.

[@redwave3520]

Focus on the TARGET!! Watch Ali's swing. He does NOT look at the ball in his downswing. It helps to clear the hips and acceleration through the ball. I started doing this a couple of days ago, and the results are incredible. Try it!! Don't cost nothin'!

[@stumpjumper1dc]

Best lesson ever. If you are fairly athletic Ali has just described how to hit a golf shot. Signed, sealed, delivered. I just happened to be working on this same thing. Harvey Penick said.......rear back and hit it!! Swing right through as Ali describes. Turns out the club was designed properly. The club will move as desired if you have a decent grip and setup. Pretty excited to see if I can take this to the course. Here we go again!! :) :) Thanks Ali.

[@petermolyneux9544]

I can identify with this. I have a complete mental block with irons at the moment, so much so,I did once try shutting my eyes during a casual round. It works! On the range, I put a leaf or something like that a couple of inches in front of the ball and look at that, not the ball. It improves my ball striking massively.

[@Jaber345]

Thanks Ali, we have 2 meters of snow on the ground at the moment here in Québec, but as soon as I start the season I’ll give it a go! I am really curious about this one! Let you know!

[@alandisney8276]

WOW!!! TOTAL LIGHT BULB MOMENT!!! works every time !!!!!

[@Asftfs]

A very good way of looking (no pun intended!) at this! In tennis I play a bad shot when I don’t focus on the ball. This is because the ball is moving and I have to adjust my swing to connect with it. In golf, the ball is stationary so I don’t have to adjust my swing. Thanks mate!

[@nanthawatkridakorn9015]

As a person who suffers exactly from this, I have entertained the idea in the past that perhaps I should just close my eyes. But I have never truly committed to actually trying this out at the time as it just seemed absolutely ridiculous. But now after hearing that it has worked for many people, I am now more optimistic than ever.

[@billjones8542]

cant say i have ever tried this but years ago i discovered that if i focused on where i want the club to bottom out (behind the ball with the driver, ahead of the ball with all other clubs) i do strike the ball much more solidly.

[@jakeizlove]

Thanks! Will give it a try, definitely believe there’d be less tension….. after a few tries. 😂

[@tonymccoy5032]

Best tip I’ve heard in a while cheers mate!!

[@rayprouty3396]

Hello Alistair! I hope all is well. I tried out this drill today (I was praying for the guy hitting next to me that I wouldn't hit him!) and ended up getting a better release of the club head through the ball! I gain a few yards by not focusing on the ball! Thanks for the tip!

[@ribusgan]

I have a balance problem. Probably an ear thing. I have difficulty doing single-leg deadlifts. I tried this eyes closed drill sometime back - suggested by some other YT video. The result was disastrous. I fell, even with a half slow swing. But I see your point.

[@richardboyce8536]

Hi Ali, I’m curious, in your experience how many balls and how often do you tell your clients to practice in order to improve or maintain a good golf swing. I’m fairly new to the game and I’m finding improvement in golf happens ever so slowly. That may be just me though. Thanks great presentation!

[@ribusgan]

I have also identified a problem that comes in between my practice swing and the real swing. It's this "freezing on the address/ ball" phenomenon that creeps in during the round.

[@georgemanners2575]

Superb video 🙌🏻

[@brianwatson129]

Good video; I’ll try this. How about a video which is the same thought line. I’ve been having a problem locking up over the ball. Too many swing thoughts. Any solutions?

[@light1531]

Ali. So you are improving the awareness of the golf swing. Would a practice swing with eyes closed might help? I know I putt simply out of this world with my eyes closed 😂

[@tonyst.ongelikeme6862]

I will definitely try this

[@michelcote6791]

Thanks

[@jeanguyperreault1716]

Do you still look in front of the ball, or do you fix a certaint point on the ball the way I have been instructed too. I wonder! Thanks for your video they are great keep up the good work just love it.

[@AliTaylorGolf]

More in front of the ball

[@agroblueberries]

It's sad that your duff shots go further than my actual shots 😭

[@Da.Onus.Burger.618]

😂😂😂 RIGHT?!?! 🙌🏾

[@alanbanks3587]

I look at the ball, but when i swing i only think of the weight of the club head with loose arms let my wrists hing and release. I like shutting my eyes, makes me think of the club head even more. Then like a whip letter snap. Just relax like poetry in motion. When you get this feeling 😮😮 at 73 this is what dreams are made of. Thanks for knowledge.

[@clarencebobikewicz6177]

Will try. My irons are great but #1 has always given me fits.

[@e9414]

i have indeed a great practice swing, but then the moment of truth.......... now the ball is there. Friday i will go to the driving range a try to hit with my eyes closed. Probably hit the bucket.:)

[@mikejohnson9586]

I aim at a piece dead grass or something four to six inches in front of ball.

[@Want0nS0up]

I do focus on the golf ball because it is the only way I can keep my head still when I am swinging.

[@JJ_Khailha]

In golf the ball is moving relative to the golfers position during the swing.

[@Merchantmond]

100% trying this later... this is so me

[@graceland75]

Point on 100% 👍

[@richardjackson9725]

Think I best wait until range is empty before I try this 😂

[@eriknash8783]

I would prefer if these types of videos (and there are thousands of them) would start with some kind of baseline of target audience.. For instance, is this drill for someone who has an established swing and occasionally has mishits or is it for someone like me who has no freakin clue what is going to happen every time I swing the club at a ball. I absolutely identify with the concept of what he is teaching, for sure. My practice swing feels free and loose. I'm the person who tenses up his hands at impact every time a ball is placed in front of me but that sometimes still results in a decent shot, but my distance is really poor because I'm forcing the club head to slow down by tensing up.

[@kpreap]

I finally got my mind to not see the ball and just complete a good swing...less fat shots and gain 15 yrds per iron.

[@kirkc8242]

Wouldn't that depend on the lie and the ground?

[@lawbinson]

Looking at the ball while putting is the single biggest contributor to poor putting by most golfers

[@AliTaylorGolf]

All of golf!!!

[@z_nytrom99]

This absolutely revolutionised my golf game. Unbelievably good advice, I'll be sure to pass on to anyone I invite into the sport

[@shauntaylor7244]

Great tip never tried that but did play in thick fog once it dropped so we played the 8th and 9th anyway, still cannot believe how well we played them walking up the fairway finding the ball were we thought it would be and there’s water on the side of the green on the 9th at Hartford GC and it didn’t go in lol not like normal 🏌🏻‍♂️

[@franskrause4658]

Great idea! 1. Alone on driving range.🏌‍♂️ 2. Hit ball with eyes closed😌 3. Can't follow ball😉 4. BELIEVE the ball went straight!!! Even if you know it didn't! 😆😆😆