Just do it

St Andrews University and US scientists said they had established that too much analysis made the golfer's game worse.

They said thinking too much about the previous shot can disrupt performance.

In total, 80 golfers were given shots to practise until they got it right. Those who discussed their putting between strokes took twice as long. . .

Psychology Professor Michael Anderson, from St Andrews University, said: "This effect was especially dramatic in skilled golfers who were reduced to the level of performance of novices after just five minutes of describing what they did.

Is it the thinking, or the talking that does more harm? This BBC article is rather vague in that regard -- despite spending 409 words to say what Nike summarized in three.

Posted by David on January 30, 2009 11:17 AM