How to Build a Pre-Shot Routine: 6 Steps to Stay Focused

Britt Olizarowicz

May 7, 2025 . 5 mins read

Like

168,370 subscribers

Share

It’s funny how hung up on mechanics golfers can get when there are simple solutions right in front of our face.

A great golf swing starts before you ever take the club back, and many amateur golfers are not aware of that.

This is where the pre-shot routine comes in. It’s more than a practice swing; it’s where you eliminate doubt, lock your mind in your shot, and start to truly focus on the task at hand.

When you’ve developed a great pre-shot routine, it becomes automatic. Here are the steps to build a great pre-shot routine and help you play better golf.

Key Takeaways

If you don’t have time to read our entire guide on what a good pre-shot routine is, here are some of the most important takeaways for right now.

• A consistent pre-shot routine eliminates doubt and builds confidence under pressure
• Your decision-making should happen before you ever walk into the shot
• A grip check using HackMotion can help ensure repeatable setup and wrist angles
• Subtle body movement before the swing (waggles, rehearsals) helps maintain tempo and athleticism.
• Create a simple trigger to initiate the swing (no overthinking!)
• Practice your routine like you practice your swing; it’s just as important.

7 Steps to Build a Pre-Shot Routine That Works

It’s important to remember that your pre-shot routine does not have to be the same as that of a professional or the golfer in your group who tends to go low on the course.

You must create something that works specifically for your game and how you play.

Make the Decision Behind the Ball

Start every shot behind the ball. This is where you evaluate your lie, wind, yardage, and pick a target. Throw grass to check the wind, shoot the pin with your rangefinder, and choose the right club and shot shape.

Once your decision is made, stop thinking. You’re solving the math problem here, so you can swing freely later.

You can’t second-guess your decisions once you move on from this process, so pick something you can stick with.

Step In With Commitment

As soon as you take your first step toward the ball, you’re done analyzing. This is a subtle but important mental shift: you’re moving from thinking mode to execution mode.

Many amateurs step in without commitment. If you are still unsure of the club you have in your hand, the wind direction, or even the break on the putting green, it could bring tension into your game.

Stay confident and step in that way!

Check the Grip and Set the Clubface

Once you’re near the ball, set the clubface square to your intermediate target (a few feet in front of the ball). Then, build your grip and stance.

Grip consistency is a big problem in the pre-shot routine. You need to be able to grip the club the same way every time.

You can use HackMotion for this!

Put your HackMotion on your lead wrist and check your wrist extension every time you work through your pre-shot routine.

By improving wrist mechanics, you should notice some consistency in this position.

Build Your Stance Around the Clubface

Don’t align your body to the target first. Instead, after aiming the face, position your feet, hips, and shoulders to match your aim line. This helps ensure alignment without manipulating the face at the last second.

When working on this at the driving range make sure you have alignment sticks down. A great aiming strategy is a very important part of the pre shot routine.

Add Subtle Athletic Motion

Standing still over the ball leads to tension. The longer you stand, the harder it is to have an athletic motion.

Incorporate movement, like a soft waggle, a mini-rehearsal of your takeaway, or a couple of pressure releases with your hands.

This keeps your muscles engaged and your body relaxed. Think of it as a rehearsal. It’s much easier to get a car from 0 to 60 when it’s already running, right? Make sure you keep your body fluid and moving.

Use a Trigger to Start the Swing

This is the signal that it’s time to go. Many pros use a final look at the target, a quiet exhale, or a slight toe tap.

Whatever it is, choose something simple and repeatable. Your brain needs to know that it’s time to start what you have practiced.

The trigger also helps to prevent last-second doubts.

Practicing Your Pre-Shot Routine

Treat your routine like part of your practice. You won’t be able to repeat this routine on the course if you don’t practice it on the range. Build your routine into your practice sessions.

• Start every range shot with a full pre-shot routine.
• Use random targets and different clubs to avoid falling into autopilot.
• Use HackMotion in training to confirm repeatable grip/wrist positions.
• Play pressure games like “5 in a row” to simulate on-course tension
• Don’t forget to establish the pre-shot routine for your short game as well.

Final Thoughts

A strong pre-shot routine removes variables and builds confidence. You don’t need to copy a tour pro; you just need something that works for you, every time.

Next time you’re on the course, notice how often you commit to your routine. If it feels like guesswork, it’s time to go back and build these steps in practice.

Wear HackMotion during sessions to confirm your grip and wrist patterns are matching and you’ll know you’re preparing the right way.