Many players we see taking their practice swings are standing there, stopping and holding, checking positions halfway back, looking at the club. But this only confuses the brain because it doesn't quite know whether we are still on the practice range focusing on swing mechanics, or on the course and wanting to send a ball to a target. An on-course practice swing should be like the actor's dress rehearsal. It should get as close as possible to the actual action that you wish to perform.

Instead of a meaningless swing that bears no relation to the target or ball, try to create a perfect replica of the swing you intend, complete with all the elements and sensations that are part of your real swing, including imagining ball contact and flight. This full-blown dress rehearsal provides a powerful neurological route map which cues your muscles to perform the action you require.

Obviously, correct alignment is essential in the basics of learning to play good golf, but there are a couple of issues worth mentioning in terms of integrating this aspect of the game into your routine.

The majority of golfers misalign to the right. A key factor in this is where to position your bag when you come to play the shot. Make sure you have placed the bag behind the ball so that you approach the shot during the alignment process from directly behind the ball. Another element that leads to misalignment is practice habits. While on the range, it's vital that part of your time is spent going through your actual on-course routine, and developing the habit of approaching the ball from behind.

When you have mis-aimed, the only way to hit a good shot is to make a bad swing by introducing compensations into your swing to cover the alignment error. If you make a good swing with bad alignment, your ball will miss the target. This is what is known as a distorted feedback mechanism where good swing equals bad shot, and bad swing (compensation) equals good shot. How can we develop as players technically and mentally if this is going on?

To avoid this crazy loop, keep having your alignment checked by your caddie or friends, laying clubs on the ground or whatever you need to do to keep on top of this vital component of the game.

Dr Karl Morris has given workshops to PGAs all over the world. For information call +44 7889 249031 or log onto www. golf-brain. com