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Random vs. Block Practice

From Dr. Greg Rose On June 28, 2021

We all know that golf is a very difficult game. It takes a great deal of time and practice to get better. If you're putting in the time and effort, but not seeing the results, the problem could be the way... that you are practicing.

There are two types of practice – block and random. In block practice, you hit the same shot, from the same lie, with the same club. Repeatedly. Block practice is very useful if you're working on something new, particularly something like a new technique or swing mechanic that you're trying to ingrain. But as Titleist staff member Dr. Greg Rose shares in this video, block practice is not the most effective way to learn and build skills that will translate out on the golf course. To make the most of your time and to see results the next time you play, you have to devote a significant amount of your time to random practice.

In random practice, every shot is different. You hit one shot and then shift gears, planning a new shot where you switch targets, change lies, select a different club, etc. As Greg shares, every research study done on learning has shown that random practice is far more effective than block practice when it comes to building golf skills. So the next next you head to the range or short game area, switch it up. Move around, and force yourself to improvise. Play random shots and create different challenges. You'll see the results on your scorecard!

We all know that golf is a very difficult game. It takes a great deal of time and ... practice to get better. If you're putting in the time and effort, but not seeing the results, the problem could be the way that you are practicing.

There are two types of practice – block and random. In block practice, you hit the same shot, from the same lie, with the same club. Repeatedly. Block practice is very useful if you're working on something new, particularly something like a new technique or swing mechanic that you're trying to ingrain. But as Titleist staff member Dr. Greg Rose shares in this video, block practice is not the most effective way to learn and build skills that will translate out on the golf course. To make the most of your time and to see results the next time you play, you have to devote a significant amount of your time to random practice.

In random practice, every shot is different. You hit one shot and then shift gears, planning a new shot where you switch targets, change lies, select a different club, etc. As Greg shares, every research study done on learning has shown that random practice is far more effective than block practice when it comes to building golf skills. So the next next you head to the range or short game area, switch it up. Move around, and force yourself to improvise. Play random shots and create different challenges. You'll see the results on your scorecard!