How to Practice With Purpose: Get More From Every Session

We’ve all been there—hitting balls on the range, hoping something clicks. But here’s the truth: mindless repetition rarely leads to improvement. At J Whitaker Academy, we believe if you’re going to spend time practicing, you should get something valuable out of it.

Here’s how to turn every session into a step forward for your game.

Before you hit a single ball, know what you’re working on. Is it strike? Start direction? Ball flight? Set a specific intention. “Work on my grip” or “groove my pre-shot routine” is far more effective than just “hit a bucket.”

Before you hit a single ball, know what you’re working on. Is it strike? Start direction? Ball flight? Set a specific intention. “Work on my grip” or “groove my pre-shot routine” is far more effective than just “hit a bucket.”

You don’t need 200 balls. You need 30 focused swings. Slow things down, rehearse, check your setup, and hit with intent. Take breaks. Reflect between shots. You’re training your brain as much as your body.

Don’t guess—measure. At the academy, we use TrackMan to give players data on every shot, from face angle to spin rate. But even if you’re practicing alone, use alignment sticks, video, or even a friend to give you feedback on your positions and ball flight.

Write down what you’re working on, what feels work, what doesn’t, and what results you’re seeing. Over time, patterns emerge—and improvement becomes more predictable.

Play “games” on the range. Try hitting 3 drives that land in a fairway target zone. Or play 9 holes in your mind, changing clubs and targets with each shot. Pressure practice sharpens performance.

Purposeful practice isn’t about grinding longer—it’s about working smarter. Whether you’ve got 20 minutes or two hours, train with structure, intention, and feedback, and you’ll start seeing real results where it matters most—on the course.

Book a session at J Whitaker Academy and learn how to train like a player, not just a practicer.