Golf lessons are great—but let’s be honest, the real magic happens between them. Those solo practice sessions? That’s where your swing starts to stick and your confidence builds. I learned that the hard way after wondering why my game plateaued despite regular coaching. Spoiler: I wasn’t practicing with intention. So, I made golf simulator near me my practice place.
In this blog, we’re diving into the most effective drills you can do between lessons to sharpen your swing, tighten your short game, and build rock-solid consistency—whether you’re out on the range, in your backyard, or inside an indoor golf simulator.
Why Practicing Between Lessons Matters
Practicing between lessons isn’t just about putting in more time—it’s about reinforcing what you’ve learned and turning those insights into muscle memory. When you work on specific drills in between, it helps solidify the concepts your coach introduced, making them second nature. This consistency is key to improving faster. Think of it like this: each practice session is a little piece of the puzzle. Without them, progress slows down. Plus, those drills keep the momentum going, so you’re never starting from scratch when you meet with your coach again. The more you practice, the more automatic your swing will become. Trust me, the results will speak for themselves.
The Tools You’ll Need for At-Home or Simulator Practice
If you’re serious about practicing at home or in a golf simulator, having the right tools can make a world of difference. A golf net is a must if you’re hitting balls indoors—trust me, it saves your walls and your sanity. Alignment sticks are perfect for ensuring you’re always set up correctly, while a mirror or your phone can be a game-changer for swing analysis. I can’t tell you how many times reviewing my swing on video has helped me make key adjustments. For your short game, a putting mat or indoor green is great for refining your touch, even when you’re stuck indoors. Foam or real balls? It depends on your space, but foam balls are perfect for tight areas. If you’ve got the budget, a golf simulator or swing analyzer app can take your practice to the next level. It’s all about making your practice sessions count.
- Swing Drills to Improve Your Mechanics
Here are a few swing drills that have helped me fine-tune my mechanics, and they’re easy to do, even when your coach isn’t around:
- Takeaway Drill
Focus on creating a one-piece takeaway. This helps eliminate those early swing flaws that can throw you off for the rest of the shot. - Pause at the Top Drill
Pause for 1–2 seconds at the top of your backswing before completing the shot. It’s all about building control and rhythm, so your tempo doesn’t get rushed. - Impact Bag Drill
The impact bag is a fantastic way to focus on achieving the correct impact position. It’s great for compressing the ball and making sure your clubface is square. - Mirror Drill
Practice your swing in front of a mirror. This is key for reinforcing proper posture, alignment, and positions throughout your entire swing.
These drills will get you feeling more consistent and confident in your swing mechanics, whether you’re in the garage or hitting a simulator.
Short Game Drills to Sharpen Your Skills
Here are a few short game drills I swear by to keep my chipping sharp and my confidence high:
- Coin Chipping Drill
Place a coin or towel a few feet in front of you and chip the ball over it. This is great for improving low chips and solid contact, helping you get that perfect flight and roll. - Ladder Chipping Drill
Set up targets at increasing distances, and chip to each one. It’s all about developing control, feel, and the ability to adjust your power as you get farther from the hole. - One-Handed Chipping
Practice chipping using just your lead hand. This drill really helps with clubface awareness and improves your feel, especially for those delicate chips around the green.
With these drills, you’ll be able to hone your short game and make those crucial up-and-downs when it counts.
Tips for Structuring Your Solo Practice
When I first started practicing on my own, I quickly learned that structure is key. Here’s how I like to break it down:
- Warm-up Properly
Don’t skip this step! Take time to loosen up your muscles, starting with some easy swings. It sets the tone for the rest of your practice. - Work on One Thing at a Time
Focus on one aspect of your game per session. Whether it’s your grip, swing path, or putting, narrowing your focus helps make quicker improvements. - Track Your Progress
Keep a journal or use an app to track your practice sessions. It’s motivating to see your growth and pinpoint areas that need more work. - Quality Over Quantity
Don’t rush through your drills. A few focused, quality reps are better than hitting 100 balls mindlessly. - End Practice with “Real Game” Swings
Finish strong by hitting a few shots as if you’re on the course, getting into your game mindset.
This approach has really helped me stay focused and see steady improvement between lessons.
Conclusion
Practicing between lessons is truly where the magic happens. It’s how you turn the feedback from your coach into real, lasting improvement. By dedicating time to these drills, you’re not just going through the motions—you’re fine-tuning your skills and building muscle memory that will pay off when it counts. I encourage you to pick 2–3 drills from what we’ve discussed and commit to practicing them regularly. Even just 20 minutes a few times a week can make a huge difference. Trust me, the more you invest in your practice, the quicker you’ll see results. Keep that momentum going!
