Matt Cuccaro - Are you Checking In or Checking Out?
Are
you checking-in or checking-out?
Junior golf can be a challenge competitive junior golf can be even more of a
challenge! Individuals who are mentally
strong accept this challenge by understanding that mistakes will be made. They also vow to learn from their mistakes in
order to make their future practices and performances even better, instead of
allowing these mistakes to continue building, which leads to extreme frustration
and ultimately failure.
In order for an individual to learn, there should be a
short period of time set aside for awareness and reflection. After striking a shot, allow for this moment
to occur. Check-in with yourself to
learn from both good shots and bad. What
happened? What caused it? What should be done to repeat a good one, or
what adjustment(s) should be made to improve on a bad one? The final, and possibly most important aspect
of checking-in during competition, is acceptance. Realize that nothing else can be done once
the ball leaves the clubface, except learning from the shot and accepting it
wherever it lies.
The most effective way to establish this mindset is to
make it the first and foremost thought before heading out to the course. Thoughts lead to feelings, and feelings
result in action. Become aware of your
thoughts by checking-in, before poor habits take over and you find yourself
checking-out.
Matt Cuccaro
Director of Mental Training
Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy
mcuccaro@IJGA.com
