What is the best way to practice golf… is it block practice? Random practice? On-course practice? Or something else.
Today, I’ll help you understand block practice in golf, as it’s one of the most common and effective ways to get the most out of your game. I’ll also share more tips and other practice routines to get the most out of your game.
Block Practice in Golf
Block practice is an effective way to practice golf, but it’s not the only one. Keep reading to learn the benefits of different types of practice so you can hit your golf goals sooner.
Key Takeaways
- Golf practice is a key part of lowering your handicap and reaching your golf goals.
- There are four main types of golf practice – block, random, routine, on-course, and competitive. Each type of golf practice is needed, but some handicaps will benefit more with certain types than others.
- Block practice is when you hit the same shot at the same target repeatedly. This is an important type of practice when making swing changes and for beginners.
1. Block Practice
Let’s start with block practice, as it’s arguably the most common type of practice. Block practice is when you hit the same shot, at the same target, over and over again.
Block practice is a great way to ingrain technique and master the basics. A lot of experts argue that block practice is key for beginners, as repetition is the mother of all mastery (in golf and any other sport).
As someone that’s played for 20+ years and became a +2 handicap, I can say block practice is how I spend a majority of my time. However, there is one downside to this type of practice – it’s easy to mindlessly hit range balls without any purpose. Which can create some bad habits and/or not be a ton of fun, so you’re less likely to keep practicing.
To make the most of block practice, make sure to:
- Take regular breaks. I like to hit five golf balls, rest for a minute, then start hitting again.
- Get clear about your targets. Use alignment aids in practice and record your swing to make sure you’re setting up correctly to the target.
- Use your pre-shot routine. If you’re a great range player but struggle on the course, you might need to practice your routine more often. Use it every few swings so it translates to the golf course.
However, there are other ways to practice and often a heated debate on what is the most effective in the golf world.
2. Random Practice
Random practice is another common way to improve your game by switching up targets and clubs. For example, this might mean hitting a pitching wedge at one target, then grabbing a 5-iron and hitting at a different target.
Many golf professionals and players think this is more effective than block practice. Richard Schmid, Ph.D. discusses this concept more in a Golf Digest article.
“Have you ever wondered why you stripe shot after shot on the range but then fall apart on the course? It’s probably because you’re practicing to be a good practitioner and not preparing for a round of golf.”
Later saying, “Blocked practice eliminates the learner’s need to ‘solve’ the problem on every trial and the need to practice the decision-making required during a typical round of golf.”
Schmidt argued that block practice is good for beginners who need to learn the game and fundamentals. But once the skills are acquired, random practice is more beneficial and effective.
Ultimately, I think random practice has a mental benefit of simulating the course (as you don’t hit 7-irons over and over again). Not to mention, it will help you stay mentally engaged during your practice session.
3. Routine Practice
As mentioned earlier, practicing your routine is something that can help your game tremendously. However, most amateurs do not have a routine, let alone practice it on the driving range. But the sooner you get a routine, the sooner you can have more confidence on every golf shot.
Plus, it’s a great way to mix up your practice routines and commit to every shot so you focus during your session. For example, sometimes I will get a small bucket and go through my full routine on every single swing. I don’t hit the same club or same shot twice, just like a normal round of golf.
I try to make it as realistic as I can to a regular round of golf. This includes:
- Using a rangefinder to hit different targets.
- Create imaginary fairways and greens to select a target.
- Take practice swings behind the ball and walk into the shot.
This will help take your range game to the golf course and hopefully play better under pressure too. Learn more about pre-shot routines in golf next.
4. On Course Practice
The fourth practice style that is loved by so many players is known as on course practice. This is a time to work on different shots on the golf course that you can’t do on the driving range.
Which is how we should practice golf if you think about it. Unlike other sports, golf is practiced on the driving range then you have to play on the course. But in basketball or football, you practice on the same court or field you play.
On course practice is beneficial as you can hit all types of shots, have to navigate hazards, and hit from different lies. I can’t recommend on course practice enough for all types of players, but unfortunately, it’s not easy to do. Since courses have packed tee sheets, you need to sneak out in the evenings (usually weekdays) to enjoy a quieter course.
Read our full guide to on-course golf practice next.
5. Competitive Practice
The final type of golf practice is known as competitive practice.
I got this idea when working with a coach in 2017 who suggested I turn up the intensity of my practice session to make it more similar to competition. Because if you’ve ever played in a golf tournament before, you know it’s very different from a normal round of golf. Your heart rate increases, you feel pressure, and can hit some erratic shots.
To show up to tournaments prepared, try out competitive practice. This is when you increase your heart rate so it’s higher and possibly more similar to what it’ll be like in competition.
Here’s how it works:
- Go through a normal warm up session.
- Once loose, do an exercise for 10–15 reps (some ideas could include body weight lunges/squats, pushups, or burpees).
- Go through the pre-shot routine.
- Hit the shot.
This is not only a great way to practice playing your best under pressure, but acts like a mini workout as well.
To get into better shape, don’t forget to read our guide to golf workouts next. Plus, try out some of these golf stretches to avoid common injuries, too.
FAQs About Golf Practice
Keep reading through the most frequently asked questions and answers to learn more about types of golf practice.
What is golf block practice?
Block practice is hitting the same shot at the same target over and over again. This could be with a driver, woods/hybrids, irons, or wedges. It can occur on the driving range or simulator, but also the short game area and putting green.
What is the difference between randomized and block practice?
Randomized practice is when you change up targets and distances during a practice session. For example, if you’re hitting a gap wedge you might hit a full shot at one target, then the next ball to a different target/distance.
Is block practice good for beginners?
Yes, block practice is great for beginners who are just learning the basics of the golf swing. It’s also great to use when hitting with training aids and making swing changes. Just make sure to take regular breaks and always commit to the shot so you don’t just go through the motions.
Is random practice better than block practice?
Random practice can help you stay more mentally engaged and make it a more effective practice session. But it should be used in conjunction with block practice as well.
My Experience
All five of these practice sessions can help different parts of your game. Don’t feel like you just need to do block practice or random practice. Think of these five practice ideas as a menu, and choose 1-2 for each session.
This way you don’t get bored and stay mentally engaged in practice to acquire the skills needed. Here are two sample plans that I’ll use.
Long Game Practice
- 10 minute warm up
- 20-minute block practice (drill or training aid)
- 20 minute random practice
- 10 minute competitive practice or routine practice
Short Game Practice
- 10 minutes block practice with SW, then 10 minutes block practice with LW
- 20 minutes of random practice (flops, bunkers, hitting from rough, etc.)
- 20 minutes routine practice on the putting green
You can find out more about our short game practice routine here.
Final Thoughts
As you can tell, block practice should be a big part of your schedule, especially if you’re a beginner. It’s also good to do block practice when making swing changes or after a golf lesson to get comfortable with new changes.
Regardless of which style you choose, don’t forget the most important practice rule – make it fun!
If golf practice feels like a chore, you’re less likely to do it and won’t get the result that you want. Practice with a friend and/or add in competition or bets as well to keep things interesting.
To make the most of your practice sessions, read these articles next:
Michael Leonard
Michael is an avid golfer of 25 years who played in high school, college, and now competes in Arizona amateur events. He is a full-time writer, podcast host of Wicked Smart Golf, and mental golf coach.
