The Game Before the Game: The Perfect 30-Minute Practice [Hardcover]

Lynn Marriott (Author), Pia Nilsson (Author), Ron Sirak (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 4, 2007

The authors of the smash hit Every Shot Must Have a Purpose put the golf back in golf practice, with a revolutionary approach that replaces rote sessions with dynamic, proven drills.

As coaches to golf?s top players, Lynn Marriott and Pia Nilsson have created brilliant new mind- body strategies for every aspect of the game. With The Game Before the Game, they showcase their unique approach to practice, with winning techniques that ensure those hours on the driving range and practice green aren?t wasted on reinforcing bad habits.

The authors identify three essential types of practice:
? Warm-up: getting not only the muscles but also the mind in gear
? Maintenance: intended to prevent your swing from drifting between rounds
? Preparation: adding numerous new shots to your repertoire

From there, the authors outline pro-tested drills that help you find your swing rhythm, visualize success off the course, simplify putting, break through skill plateaus, and much more. Each chapter concludes with a memorable ?swing key? for translating practice into success during the real thing.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott cofounded VISION54/Coaching for the Future, Inc. Their golf school, Golf54, in Phoenix, AZ was recently named Golf magazine's #1 in the nation. In addition to serving as Annika Sorenstam’s coach and coaching the Swedish national golf team, Nilsson has spoken at numerous conferences worldwide. Marriott has been named one of Golf Digest’s 50 Greatest Teachers and one of Golf Magazine’s 100 Top Teachers, coaching major figures such as Grace Park and Ken Kellaney.

Award-winning sportswriter Ron Sirak is executive editor of Golf World and a senior writer at Golf Digest.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Gotham (October 4, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592403298
• ISBN-13: 978-1592403295
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #182,710 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Solid, Practical, Insightful and Unique Golf Book, December 29, 2007

By 

Jon Leland "Avid Golfer, Internet Marketer, K... (San Rafael, CA, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Game Before the Game: The Perfect 30-Minute Practice (Hardcover)

I really appreciate this book. The fundamental premise is that we don't practice golf effectively (when we practice at all.) The typical golfer just "scrapes and hits" at the driving range. Hitting one ball after the other. Best case, this makes us good at hitting one shot after the other which, of course, bares almost no resemblance to playing golf on a golf course.

I really liked the first book from these authors, "Every Shot Must Have a Purpose" but I think I like this one even better because its information could be put to use right away in order to improve my game.

Beyond that, I also appreciate the insights in regard to what's involved to really improve. Unlike other golf book authors, these women seem to have the whole picture. I like the emphasis on the inner or mental game, but I also like the way that they put that in perspective with other essential ingredients... like balance and tempo (to sight just two examples). They also talk about the necessary skills, physical conditioning and more.

It's also a small book and easy to read (I like that), but most importantly, it's packed with useful and actionable information. Overall, I think that this golf book is excellent and highly recommended (assuming that you are willing to change your practice habits in order to improve your game.)

Birdies and pars to ya!

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Are You Willing to Practice?, April 29, 2008

By 

David S. Lott (Beaufort, South Carolina United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Game Before the Game: The Perfect 30-Minute Practice (Hardcover)

You must be willing to practice with some determination for this book to have value. If you are willing, you will find a lot that is useful here. Good golf involves a heightened mental state that increases focus and concentration. It's easy for concentration to lapse, especially on the practice range, where shots can get thoughtless, hurried and mechanical.

The principal thesis of this book is that focus and concentration can be learned, just like the more technical and mechanical aspects of the golf swing. There are many simple and practical suggestions on how to train for concentration and positive outcome. While some of the suggested drills may seem outlandish, most are straightforward and simple to do. Most golfers can get a lot of value from embracing these suggestions, learning how to slow down during practice sessions.

The book is well written and organized. It's brief enough to be accessible, though the last few chapters do seem a little like padding. Perhaps they felt they needed a longer book.

All in all a unique approach and a very good value for serious golfers of most skill levels who are willing to put in effort. Only the absolute beginner might want to wait a while before tackling this approach.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Impressed..., January 10, 2008

By 

Pearson Quick "Golfpro" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Game Before the Game: The Perfect 30-Minute Practice (Hardcover)

As a teaching pro, I constantly see people over practicing... or hitting range balls with no target and no concentration. They are grooving sloppy habits, and often wonder why they dont improve. This book has some awesome drills to make practice more course like. And to begin making practice and playing one in the same. Definitely recommend this for anyone looking to improve their practice sessions, as well as their complete game.