How can instructors facilitate better practice habits in students?

Facilitating better practice habits in students is fundamental to their development and improvement in any skill, including golf. Encouraging structured practice routines and emphasizing quality over quantity is essential because it helps students focus on specific aspects of their technique and performance that need improvement. With a structured approach, students can set clear goals for each practice session, ensuring they are working on defined skills rather than aimlessly hitting balls.

Quality practice involves deliberate repetition, where students engage in thoughtful, focused drills that target areas for improvement. This means spending time on understanding the mechanics of a swing or refining a specific shot rather than simply trying to make as many swings as possible in a given timeframe. Structured routines can also include elements like warm-up exercises, skill drills, and cool-down practices, which altogether contribute to more effective learning.

Additionally, this approach instills discipline and encourages students to reflect on their performance, making them more engaged in their development. When practice is structured and focused, it often results in better retention of skills and quicker improvement, ultimately leading to stronger performance on the course.