7 Smarter Golf Practice Methods That Actually Make You Better

At Dennis Sales Golf Academy, we don’t just believe in practicing—we believe in practicing with purpose.

Too often, golfers hit buckets of balls expecting improvement, but nothing changes. Why? Because improvement doesn’t come from volume—it comes from intent, structure, and quality feedback.

I recently came across a post from Practical Golf outlining 7 practice methods that helped one player reach a +2 handicap. The methods? Simple, clear, and aligned with the structured training we use every day with our players. Here’s how each method fits into our coaching system—and why they work.

Tired of practicing with no results?
These 7 training methods are part of the system we use every day at Dennis Sales Golf Academy to help players make real, measurable progress. If you're serious about shooting lower scores, mastering your mechanics, and developing skill—not just hitting balls—keep reading.

Intent First, Always

At Dennis Sales Golf Academy, we don’t believe in random reps. We believe in purposeful reps, guided by a process.

Too many golfers spend hours at the range but see no change on the scorecard. That’s because improvement doesn’t come from hitting more balls—it comes from training with structure, feedback, and a clear purpose.

Here’s a breakdown of 7 methods that helped one player reach a +2 handicap—and how they align with what we teach every day.

1. Random Practice

Why it works:
You never hit the same shot twice on the course. Random practice (changing targets or clubs each rep) teaches you to adapt, focus, and transfer skills to real play.

How we use it:
In our small group sessions TrackMan and GC Quad practice, we incorporate variability to improve decision-making and shot control. Random reps expose weaknesses and sharpen your mental game.

…But Let’s Be Clear - Block Practice Is Still Essential

Block practice is how you build your baseline.
It’s what lets you repeat motion, engrain technique, and build motor memory.

At Dennis Sales Golf Academy, we use block practice to reinforce positions, improve sequencing, and sharpen technical movements. Especially during a swing change, you need reps - lots of them - with feedback and intention.

Without grinding out block reps, adapting to course demands is impossible.
You can’t skip the reps and expect to react well under pressure. We train both styles of practice - and teach you how to use them intentionally based on your current needs.

2. Impact Training

Why it works:
Hitting the center of the clubface is non-negotiable. Miss-hits cost distance and accuracy.

How we use it:
We track face strike with GEARS Golf, TrackMan and GC Quad. We show you how to control your imperatives that you have full control over like swing direction, low point, and strike location - objectively. You learn not just to “hit better shots,” but why those shots work.

3. Fight Fire With Fire

Why it works:
If you're fighting a hook, try hitting a fade. Doing the opposite forces new movements and neutralizes your core issue.

How we use it:
We coach golfers to control patterns - not chase fixes. Overdrawing it? Learn to shape fades and vice versa. Patterns solve problems better than quick tips ever will.

4. Experimental Practice

Why it works:
By exaggerating motion and trying things you’d never do on the course, you develop awareness, creativity, and new feels.

How we use it:
We encourage “playful” reps in training - especially for juniors. Hit low slices, try flop shots off bare lies, or curve shots around obstacles. You build a swing toolbox, not just a swing.

5. Performance Games

Why it works:
Training can get boring. Games simulate pressure, challenge your skill, and make practice fun and competitive.

How we use it:
TrackMan and GC Quad combines, closest to the pin point games, short game challenges, putting ladders on our 45' Platform Golf green - we use games to train your mind and motor skills under pressure. It’s fun, but it’s also how we train elite players to win.

6. Swing Speed Training

Why it works:
Speed is a skill—and it can be trained. More speed = more distance = more scoring opportunities.

How we use it:
We break down sequencing with GEARS, assess ground force timing, and train for efficient - not reckless - speed. Then we implement Stack System protocols or other proven speed training tools to push you further.

7. Tempo Training

Why it works:
Tempo links everything—sequencing, timing, rhythm. It’s what makes good swings repeatable.

How we use it:
We use Tour Tempo ratios and real-time feedback to help players discover their ideal tempo. Once found, we train to it until it becomes second nature. Tempo training is one of the most underrated tools in golf.

Final Thought: Practice with Purpose, Not Just Volume

Improvement doesn’t happen just because you’re working hard. It happens because you’re working smart - with feedback, structure, the right kind of reps and most importantly, the right golf coach like Dennis.

At Dennis Sales Golf Academy, we’ve built a system that develops complete golfers. Whether you're a competitive junior or a passionate weekend player, you’ll train like a true performer - with a clear plan backed by data, feedback, and results.

Ready to Start Training With Purpose?

Book your New Student Assessment today and let’s build a personalized program to help you improve your swing, skills, and scores.