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Golf coach Ashley Knoll shares a simple 10-second pre-shot routine designed to create a freer, more natural swing — no extra practice required. The routine combines a calming breathing exercise with an open-hand drill that grooves the right swing shape for your grip. If tension or overthinking is holding your game back, this could be the reset you need.
Ashley Knoll – Game Improvement
Ashley Knoll’s premise is refreshingly straightforward: the golf swing takes just one second, so trying to think through mechanics mid-swing is already too late. Instead, this video walks you through a repeatable 10-second routine you can use on every shot to prepare your body and your motion before you step up to the ball. It suits golfers at any level who want to feel less rigid and more in control.
Key Takeaways
Breathe before you swing
Breathe before you swing
Inhale through your nose for a five count and exhale slowly through pursed lips for a ten count — this physically drops your shoulders, opens your chest, and softens your grip before you even take a swing.
Use three continuous open-hand swings
In the six seconds before your shot, make three continuous back-and-forth swings with your trail hand open on the grip — this naturally produces a flowing, on-path motion without any conscious thought about technique.
Match your hand position to your swing shape
Where you place your open hand on the grip (top, side, or bottom) determines the shape of your swing, so keeping it consistent in the same position throughout the drill trains the correct motion for your natural style.
Try the full routine at the range — one breath, then three open-hand swings before each shot — and notice how much freer your motion feels when you step in to hit. This video is well suited to golfers who struggle with tension or overthinking, and who want a practical, repeatable process they can take straight onto the course.
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