Lynn Marriott, a GOLF Top 100 Teacher, recently shared valuable advice on the amount of time a golfer should spend over the ball before hitting a shot. In a video posted to the LPGA Professionals YouTube page, Marriott introduced the concept of the “Think Box” and the “Play Box.” According to Marriott, players should minimize their thinking after addressing the ball and should shift their focus between the Think Box and Play Box to improve their pre-shot routine.
The Think Box is a designated space away from the ball where golfers can sort out their thoughts about the upcoming shot, including yardage, club selection, shot strategy, and aiming. Once the golfer is comfortable with all these tasks, they should step into their address position in the Play Box. Marriott recommends that it should take less than 10 seconds to execute the shot once in the Play Box, in order to maintain focus and avoid unnecessary distractions.
The Think Box/Play Box concept is designed to engage the golfer’s full attention to the task at hand, making golf more of a sport that requires being present through the senses and being an athlete. By following this concept, golfers can improve their focus, alignment, and execution during their shots. If a golfer finds that 10 seconds is not enough time in the Play Box, Marriott suggests reevaluating how time is spent in the Think Box to ensure that every shot is organized effectively.
Marriott’s advice encourages golfers to reign in their wandering thoughts, avoid overthinking, and start hitting more focused shots on the course. By incorporating the Think Box/Play Box concept into their pre-shot routine, golfers can streamline their decision-making process and improve their overall performance. The goal is to create a clear distinction between thinking and executing, allowing players to step in, align the shot, and make the swing with confidence and precision.
Lee Trevino has emphasized the importance of addressing the ball with the left hand on the club, highlighting the significance of proper alignment and grip in the setup process. By following Trevino’s advice and incorporating Marriott’s concepts, golfers can improve their consistency and efficiency on the course. The combination of proper setup, alignment, and mental focus can lead to better shot-making and increased confidence in every round of golf played.
Overall, the key takeaway from Marriott’s advice is to simplify the pre-shot routine and minimize unnecessary distractions to optimize performance on the course. By utilizing the Think Box/Play Box concept and focusing on being present and athletic during each shot, golfers can improve their mental approach to the game and ultimately hit better shots with more confidence and precision. As golfers apply these principles to their game, they can develop a more consistent and effective pre-shot routine that will help them achieve their goals and enjoy the game of golf to its fullest potential.
