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Colin Cromack and Anthony Piparo

Golf coaching practices worldwide do not This independent coaching program closes that significant education gap. NO tips. NO quick fixes. This online material lays the foundations for 1 to 1 video coaching via Zoom, providing help with practical application.

This course reveals why learning how to Many try the former, few experience the latter, living golfing lives mistakenly striving to consciously control their clubs striving for consistent performance. Unfortunately the traditional coaching approach INHIBITS your potential when learning, practicing and competing.

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Golf coaching practices worldwide do not This independent coaching program closes that significant education gap. NO tips. NO quick fixes. This online material lays the foundations for 1 to 1 video coaching via Zoom, providing help with practical application.

This course reveals why learning how to Many try the former, few experience the latter, living golfing lives mistakenly striving to consciously control their clubs striving for consistent performance. Unfortunately the traditional coaching approach INHIBITS your potential when learning, practicing and competing.

Learning HOW to keep your attention locked on target (enabling an external focus), whilst looking at the ball and executing your swing is the challenge of golf. The target is often missed due to erroneous conscious thoughts about your swing, the ball and or undesirable outcomes in the SECONDS prior to or during execution. Consequently, your attention is frequently OFF target and undesirable outcomes often result. Herein lies the reason why your  performance is so frustratingly variable. Poor Attentional Focus lies at the heart of them. 

The key attributes of successful golfers explained within this golf training program include: 

  • State Management

  • Concentration

  • Attentional Focus

  • Targeting

  • Visualization

  • Acceptance

 Golf is a challenging mind game but an excellent vehicle for the  development of valuable life skills. This unique program  is essential for anyone who attempts to play the game. If you've ever  asked your self "Why can't I do that ALL the time?" herein lie the answers. 

    You will never MASTER the game of golf but you can aspire to PLAY it, so take this unique golf instruction program now and learn to AIM accurately and consistently. 

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand how to focus your attention for golf
  • Play golf free of conscious swing thoughts
  • Learn how to trust your technical skills.
  • Play golf with quiet eyes and a quiet mind
  • Play target, not outcome, oriented golf

Syllabus

The purpose of these documents is to explain WHY we created Target Oriented Golf.
Video: Why attentional focus matters when learning, practicing and playing.
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Welcome to Target Oriented Golf.

This is a 1 hour interview recorded several years ago in which we discuss the benefits of learning TOG.

Introducing 3 distinct PSYCHOLOGICAL phases all golfers need SYSTEMATICALLY coaching.

  It is essential to identify YOUR golfing philosophy.

          Your philosophy dictates your approach to practice and play.

                So where do YOU want your ATTENTION when hitting a golf ball?

                             On target or somewhere else?

Your conscious thought processes in the SECONDS before, during and after execution frequently undermines your ability to perform both in practice and on course.

Article supporting the benefits of an external focus when learning and playing golf.



This is an aid for parents who wish to help their child understand the content of each lecture. Slowly introduce the content, one lecture at a time, let them answer the questions and discuss their comprehension of the content.

The Target Oriented Golf Training Manual was written by Dr Anthony Piparo. It explains in detail how to use attentional focus techniques to improve the development of the motor skills required to swing golf clubs.

Regardless of the swing theory you champion, the use of Dr Piparo's training techniques will ensure you develop your motor skills more efficiently and more accurately both at home and on the range.

The training manual is a downloadable pdf file (23MB).

Why does consistent golf performance remain so elusive irrespective of how much you practice?

How can you trust in the heat of competition that which you only continue to doubt in your practice?

You have to learn how to stop focusing on your technique in order to trust it - that's when we PERFORM life skills.

What is the difference between your Extrinsic and Intrinsic motivations for playing golf?

Understanding WHY you are hitting golf balls will improve your ACCEPTANCE after your shot outcomes.

A key component for emotional control on the golf course is acceptance AFTER playing a golf shot.

Your state matters - respect it at all times!

Target or Outcome? What's the difference?

The Target is only occasionally the same as your desired Outcome. So where is your attention when executing?

The putter is designed to hit balls in a straight line, a golfer's inappropriate focus can stop this occurring.

IF you can read the correct line for the putt and choose your target on that line, you may get your desired outcome - ball in the hole, gravity does the work. You have to impart the appropriate amount of energy required to move your ball towards your chosen TARGET, which then rolls on towards the hole.

On breaking putts the ball will break towards the hole before it hits your chosen target. It is common to think the HOLE is always your target but it rarely is unless you have a straight, flat putt. It will, however, always be your DESIRED OUTCOME.

You will always be AWARE of the hole but rarely do you need your ATTENTION on your desired outcome because this can promote many faults in the putting stroke. Pushing/pulling/yips etc are common SYMPTOMS of an outcome orientation and/or attempts to consciously control your stroke, which can destroy your physical flow.

You hopefully now appreciate the consequences of being an outcome focused as opposed to a target oriented golfer.


  • The better you get at focusing on your targets and accepting your outcomes the lower your score.

    Assess how well you commit to the process for each shot and you'll see a direct relationship to your desired outcomes.

    Traffic lights

    Read about what's good
    what should give you pause
    and possible dealbreakers
    Explores attentional focus, which can help golfers manage their state, improve concentration, and enhance targeting and visualization skills on the course
    Offers techniques to play golf free of conscious swing thoughts, potentially fostering trust in technical skills and promoting a quieter mind during play
    Presents a coaching program that addresses a gap in golf education by focusing on attentional focus rather than traditional tips and quick fixes
    Examines how conscious thought processes can undermine performance, suggesting that attentional focus is key to overcoming frustrating variability in golf
    Includes self-assessment exercises to determine strengths and weaknesses, which may help golfers tailor their practice and improvement efforts
    Includes a training manual by Dr Anthony Piparo, which explains in detail how to use attentional focus techniques to improve motor skill development

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    Reviews summary

    Golf psychology: focus & target orientation

    According to learners, this course offers a refreshing and effective approach to golf, shifting focus from internal swing mechanics to external targets and process. Many highlight its ability to help golfers play free of conscious swing thoughts and build trust in their skills, which is often inhibited by traditional coaching. Students appreciate the clear explanation of attentional focus and the difference between target and outcome orientation. While the accompanying manual is frequently praised as a valuable resource, some find the video content occasionally less engaging or repetitive. Overall, it's seen as a powerful tool for improving mental game and translating practice swings to on-course performance.
    Comprehensive and valuable written guide
    "The downloadable manual is packed with insights and is a great companion to the videos, really helping solidify the concepts."
    "Found the manual very helpful for reviewing the key points and strategies discussed in the course."
    "A solid reference guide that I can keep going back to, providing depth beyond the lectures."
    Techniques translate to on-course play
    "The concepts taught here aren't just theoretical; I've seen a real improvement in my consistency and scores on the course."
    "It helps bridge the gap between hitting great shots on the range and performing under pressure during a round."
    "I now have a system to apply before every shot, which helps me stay present and committed, even when nervous."
    Helps quiet the mind during play
    "This course has been instrumental in helping me quiet the noise in my head and trust the swing I've practiced."
    "I'm no longer bogged down by conscious swing thoughts on the course, leading to more fluid and confident shots."
    "Provides practical techniques to clear your mind and focus only on what matters before hitting the ball."
    Shifts perspective from swing to target
    "This course completely changed my perspective on practicing and competing by shifting my focus from thinking about my swing to focusing on the target."
    "Learning to focus externally on the target is a game changer and has already reduced my anxiety on the course."
    "Finally understand how to stop thinking about my swing and trust my abilities by concentrating on where I want the ball to go."
    Some videos could be more engaging
    "While the content is excellent, some of the videos felt a bit slow or repetitive in their delivery."
    "I found myself sometimes losing focus during the video lectures, although the information itself was valuable."
    "Preferred the written material for grasping the details; the video format wasn't always the most dynamic."

    Activities

    Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in FOCUS for Golf when Learning, Practicing & Competing with these activities:
    Review the Fundamentals of Golf Swing Mechanics
    Reviewing golf swing mechanics will help you better understand how attentional focus can improve your existing technique.
    Show steps
    • Watch videos on basic golf swing techniques.
    • Practice the basic swing in slow motion.
    • Identify areas where focus might improve performance.
    Read 'Every Shot Must Have a Purpose' by Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott
    Reading this book will reinforce the course's teachings on attentional focus and pre-shot routines.
    Show steps
    • Read the book, highlighting key concepts.
    • Take notes on the GOLF54 principles.
    • Reflect on how to apply these principles to your game.
    Target Practice with Putting
    Practicing putting with a specific target in mind will reinforce the concept of target-oriented golf.
    Show steps
    • Set up a putting drill with a specific target.
    • Focus on the target while putting.
    • Track your accuracy and adjust your focus.
    Four other activities
    Expand to see all activities and additional details
    Show all seven activities
    Create a Pre-Shot Routine Checklist
    Creating a checklist will help you internalize the steps necessary for maintaining focus before each shot.
    Show steps
    • List the key elements of a focused pre-shot routine.
    • Organize the elements into a checklist format.
    • Use the checklist during practice rounds.
    Review 'Zen Golf' by Dr. Joseph Parent
    Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the mental game and how to apply mindfulness to golf.
    Show steps
    • Read the book, focusing on mindfulness techniques.
    • Practice the techniques on the driving range.
    • Apply the techniques during a round of golf.
    Develop a Post-Round Analysis Journal
    Journaling will help you reflect on your attentional focus during rounds and identify areas for improvement.
    Show steps
    • Create a journal template with key focus areas.
    • Record your focus levels after each shot.
    • Analyze your journal entries for patterns.
    Help other golfers with their focus
    Mentoring others will reinforce your understanding of attentional focus and improve your communication skills.
    Show steps
    • Offer advice to other golfers on focus techniques.
    • Share your experiences and insights.
    • Provide encouragement and support.

    Career center

    Learners who complete FOCUS for Golf when Learning, Practicing & Competing will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
    Golf Instructor
    A golf instructor provides technical and strategic guidance to golfers of all skill levels. This course helps golf instructors improve their understanding of the mental aspects of the game. The content may help golf instructors teach their students how to maintain attentional focus, trust their skills, and play with a quiet mind. By learning to teach from a target oriented perspective, the golf instructor may unlock a novel approach to teaching, which can help differentiate from other golf instructors. This course emphasizes that you can play target, not outcome, oriented golf.
    Golf Coach
    A golf coach helps individuals improve their golf skills through personalized instruction and guidance. This course provides a beneficial foundation for aspiring golf coaches because it emphasizes attentional focus, state management, and targeting. By understanding how to help students play golf free of conscious swing thoughts and with quiet eyes they will be better positioned to grow. The course highlights why attentional focus matters when learning, practicing, and competing and introduces psychological phases for golfers that coaches can use with their students. A golf coach can use this course to learn how to help their students trust their technical skills.
    Mental Skills Coach
    Mental skills coaches specialize in helping athletes develop and refine the psychological skills necessary for optimal performance. This course will be valuable for mental skills coaches working with golfers. The emphasis on attentional focus, state management, and visualization aligns perfectly with the core principles of mental skills coaching. A mental skills coach can use this course to help golfers learn how to play free of conscious swing thoughts, trust their technical skills, and maintain a quiet mind on the course. The course underscores the importance of targeting and acceptance, critical elements for building mental toughness and resilience in golfers striving for peak performance.
    Youth Golf Coordinator
    A youth golf coordinator is responsible for organizing and managing golf programs for young players. This course provides valuable insights for youth golf coordinators looking to improve the mental game skills of their students. The course focuses on attentional focus, targeting, and state management, which are important for young golfers. A youth golf coordinator can apply the principles taught to create training programs that promote focus and confidence. This course emphasizes the importance of targeting and visualization, which are critical elements for building mental toughness and resilience in aspiring young golfers.
    Golf Caddie
    A caddie carries a golfer's bag and provides advice on course strategy and club selection. This course may be helpful for caddies because it provides insights into the mental aspects of golf. The course focuses on attentional focus, state management, and targeting, which are all important for helping golfers perform at their best. A caddie can use this knowledge to provide more effective guidance and support to their golfer, ultimately contributing to better scores and a more positive experience on the course. This course emphasizes the importance of targeting and visualization, which are critical elements for making informed decisions on the course.
    Performance Coach
    Performance coaches help individuals and teams improve their performance in various fields, including sports, business, and the arts. This course may be useful for performance coaches seeking to improve their clients' focus and mental game. The course emphasizes key attributes of successful golfers, such as state management, concentration, and attentional focus. Performance coaches can leverage the course's approach to attentional focus, targeting, and visualization to help their clients achieve peak performance. By understanding the principles of target-oriented golf, a performance coach can help shift their clients' mindset from outcome-oriented to process-oriented, leading to greater consistency and success.
    Adaptive Golf Instructor
    An adaptive golf instructor specializes in teaching golf to individuals with disabilities or special needs. This course may be helpful for adaptive golf instructors by improving an understanding of the mental aspects of the game. This can help the adaptive golf instructor tailor their teaching methods to address unique challenges. The course may help adaptive golf instructors learn how to help their students improve their attentional focus, trust their skills, and play with a quiet mind. This course emphasizes the importance of targeting and acceptance, which are critical elements for building confidence in golfers of all abilities.
    Sports Psychologist
    Sports psychologists work with athletes to improve their mental game, manage performance anxiety, and enhance overall well-being. This course may be helpful for aspiring sports psychologists, particularly those interested in golf. The course focuses on attentional focus, targeting, and visualization, all vital components of a golfer's mental strategy. A sports psychologist can integrate the course's learning objectives, such as playing golf free of conscious swing thoughts and with quiet eyes and a quiet mind, into their practice to enhance an athlete's performance on the course. This course also emphasizes state management, which is a key skill for sports psychologists to teach to their clients.
    Recreational Therapist
    Recreational therapists use recreational activities, including sports, to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with disabilities or illnesses. This course may be useful for recreational therapists who incorporate golf into their treatment plans. The course focuses on attentional focus, state management, and targeting, skills that may be helpful to people with challenges. A recreational therapist can use this course to learn how to help their patients stay focused and manage their emotions while playing golf. This course emphasizes the importance of targeting and visualization, which are critical elements for promoting engagement and motivation in recreational activities.
    Golf Blogger
    A golf blogger creates written or video content about golf and attracts readership or viewership. This course may be useful for people in this profession, as the course focuses on the state of mind for those playing the sport. The course may help golf bloggers create content that is authentic and interesting. This course emphasizes the importance of targeting and visualization, which are critical elements for connecting with an audience who plays golf.
    Kinesiologist
    Kinesiologists study human movement and performance, often working with athletes to optimize their training and prevent injuries. This course may be helpful for kinesiologists looking to enhance their understanding of the mental aspects of golf. The course focuses on attentional focus, state management, and targeting, which are all important for athletic performance. A kinesiologist can use this knowledge to develop training programs that promote both physical and mental preparedness. This course emphasizes the importance of visualization, which is a critical element for improving motor control and coordination.
    Life Coach
    Life coaches assist people in reaching their personal and professional goals by providing support and direction. This course may be helpful for life coaches seeking to incorporate principles of focus and mindfulness into their practice. The course emphasizes key attributes such as state management, concentration, and attentional focus. Life coaches can use this approach to help their clients develop greater self-awareness, manage stress, and achieve desired outcomes. By understanding the principles of target orientation, a life coach can guide their clients in setting clear goals and maintaining focus on their path to success.
    Physical Therapist
    Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries and illnesses through exercise and rehabilitation programs. While seemingly unrelated, this course may be useful for physical therapists working with golfers. The course focuses on attentional focus, state management, and targeting, all important elements in physical rehabilitation. By understanding the mental aspects of golf, a physical therapist can better tailor their treatment plans to address the needs of their patients. This course emphasizes the importance of visualization, which is a critical element for promoting motor learning and recovery.
    Golf Club Fitter
    A golf club fitter analyzes a golfer's swing and physical characteristics to recommend the ideal clubs for their game. While primarily focused on equipment, golf club fitters can benefit from understanding the mental aspects of golf to better serve their clients. This course provides insights into the importance of attentional focus, state management, and targeting. A golf club fitter can use this knowledge to help golfers choose clubs that promote confidence and focus. By understanding the golfer's mental approach, the golf club fitter can choose equipment that helps to optimize a golfer's performance.
    Golf Course Designer
    Golf course designers create and renovate golf courses, considering factors such as aesthetics, playability, and environmental impact. The course might be beneficial for golf course designers because it emphasizes attentional focus and target-oriented play. A great golf course designer may become even better by understanding how the psychology of golf impacts where a golfer places their attention. The course discusses the importance of visualization in golf. This might give the golf course designer a new perspective.

    Reading list

    We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in FOCUS for Golf when Learning, Practicing & Competing.
    Emphasizes the importance of a pre-shot routine and mental preparation in golf. It aligns perfectly with the course's focus on attentional focus and target-oriented thinking. The book provides practical strategies for improving focus and consistency on the course. It valuable resource for understanding how to apply mental skills to enhance physical performance in golf.
    Explores the mental aspects of golf through the lens of Zen philosophy. It emphasizes mindfulness, acceptance, and staying present in the moment. These concepts directly relate to the course's teachings on attentional focus and managing state. 'Zen Golf' provides techniques for quieting the mind and trusting your skills, which are essential for consistent performance.

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