Northamptonshire County Squad Match Preparation.
DAY BEFORE THE MATCH DAY
- Play a practice round to chart the course, not to keep score.
- Develop a game plan. The plan should include weather conditions.
- Spend enough time on the chipping and putting greens to get the feel for distance.
- Eat a healthy dinner (no sweets, caffeine or alcohol).
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Prepare equipment. Clubs, shoes, waterproofs, clothing, Glove’s and balls
- Relax by clearing your mind of problems.
- Mentally rehearse the round.
DAY OF THE MATCH
- Get out of bed two hours before your tee time. Do stretching exercises.
- Eat a healthy breakfast of protein and complex carbohydrates. Put nuts, an apple, or low carb bar in your golf bag. To keep your blood sugar stable, munch on the food instead of eating it all at once. Take plenty of fluids: Water and energy drinks.
- Begin to focus your mind and relax your body. Envision your round, relaxed and in control.
- Get to the golf course at least one hour before your tee time so you will have plenty of time to prepare.
- Hit pitch shots to the practice green to find your tempo and focus on targets.
- Warm up your full swing. Be aware of any consistent pattern in your ball flight and plan to play it. Don’t try to fix it. This will cause anxiety.
- Spend 10-15 minutes on the putting green alternating short and long putts. Finish with 4-foot putts with the flagstick removed.
- Go to the first tee relaxed, prepared and centred on your plan. Believe in your potential. TRUST!! Have fun by enjoying the opportunity.
These are all very simple bullet points. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to get a point for yourself and your team. “IF YOU FAIL TO PREPARE THEN YOU MUST PREPARE TO FAIL”
Shane Rose Northamptonshire Team Coach
