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Most, if not all, good golfers have some kind of a pre-shot routine before finally making the shot. These are simply rituals that include practically everything ranging from the way these players approach the ball to how they waggle.

So, what’s the purpose of these routines? When your shots are approached the same way every time, you reduce the risk of being affected by outside factors that can hamper your game. These can be pressure, wind, spectators or even jibes from your foursome.

Now here are some guidelines to help you develop a sound personal pre-shot routine:

1. Do it if it works for you.

Do whatever works best for you. How you arrive at your grip and stance that includes lining up the target and even waggling the club are all personal preferences. What is important here is not the exact details of how you execute them. What matters is that you turn this series of motions into a routine that you execute the same way each time in preparation for a shot. It doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Just go through your routine, think positive and make your shot. Once you’ve completed the routine, relax, let go, and just do it!

2. Lining up routine

Try placing a golf club on the ground next to the ball and aim it toward the target. Look from behind the club and see if it’s positioned just right. Lay down a second club parallel to the first at just where your feet would be. This foot line should be slightly left of the target. Check that Your knees, hips, and shoulders are all in the same line. Do this a few times, and then perform the same routine without the clubs on the ground. While alignment can be one of the easiest mistakes to correct, a bad alignment can be one of the most devastating, because you must compensate for it in your swing.

3. See it happen

A lot of good players “feel” the shot before it occurs. You too can develop this skill by visualizing a positive image of the ball’s flight before you make your shot. Your visualization should include imagining the ball going straight toward the target and landing on the green softly. If you’re a beginners, you can make a realistic goal by just “seeing” the ball getting up in the air. The mind has enormous control over the body; use it to see what you want — not what you don’t want!

4. Reflect on your successes

When you hit a good shot, hold your finish and reinforce mentally what the swing felt like. This gives you a positive feedback that makes it much easier to recall these images and feelings during your pre-shot routine. When poor shots occur, don’t dwell on them. Use your mental energy to producing good shots!

These are time proven tips guaranteed to help you improve your golf game.