Imagine wanting to reach a distant goal and then taking a stance that points you somewhere else. Just like this happens in life, so it does in sports as well, and this is almost always a recipe for inconsistency.To get away repeatedly with such inconsistencies using sheer luck, forget being a good sportsperson-instead, choose a career in pretending to serve the public.

One of the first fundamentals taught in target-oriented sports is the proper adjustment of the body and equipment in relation to the target. I have found that beginners and even average golfers are almost always deficient in this respect.

Poor alignment is why you often see amateurs hitting the ball on a straight flight path right into trouble. If club golfers would just align properly, their game can quickly improve.

A major factor that needs to be understood for achieving consistent alignment is that the clubface has to be in line with the target before aligning the body or feet. A common mistake amateurs make is aligning their feet first and then trying to adjust the clubface in the right direction.

An alignment technique that some people use is the image of railroad tracks, with the outside track being the target line and the inside track being the line of the feet. A problem with this method is that since you have to rely on the image in your head, you cannot be sure that it will provide consistent results unless you spend hours of practice honing your visualisation skills.

There are several other methods on how to align properly. One is that while practising on the driving range, you place a club on the ground near your feet parallel to the target line. This helps ingrain a sense of proper alignment and builds confidence in your set up. However this method is just for practising, and cannot be used on the golf course.

Here are some tips on building up a routine that will allow you to consistently and comfortably point yourself in the right direction.

1. While taking aim, always first stand behind the ball on the target line (the line that runs from the ball through the target) and pick a point on the ground no more than six inches in front of the ball.
2. Approach the ball from the side and address it by placing your feet together. From this position, align the clubface towards the line of the point that you've picked in front of the ball. Don't look towards the target while trying to align the clubface-focus on that immediate point only.
3. Once the clubface is correctly positioned, adjust your stance so that the line of your feet is parallel to the target line (90 degrees to the bottom of the clubface). For consistency, line up the clubface to the reference point and then concentrate on the feet. Also make sure your hips and shoulders are parallel to the target line.
4. Finally, without lifting your upper body or turning your shoulders, turn you head and look toward the target. If you lift your head or rotate your body you will alter your mind's perception of where the target lies. Look at the target only to verify your alignment.

You should know that even tour professionals have to work regularly on alignment, since it is one of the keys to consistent shot making.

Deepak Acharya is a golf instructor and Head Golf Professional at Gokarna Forest Golf Resort & Spa, Kathmandu. [email protected]