This may sound like the most basic golf tip of all, but when you want to improve your golf swing, don't forget to breathe.

Don't run off. I'll explain.

Think of the last time you were in trouble on the golf course. Remember what it was like. This most likely is going to cause tension in your body. And, with that tension your breathing is going to be restricted.

Take a few quick deep breaths right now. Come on. Just do it, for crying out loud.

Now think back to that tension-filled moment on the golf course I asked you to remember above. Does it feel different? When I do this simple exercise, it does. Simply because tension and breathing properly are not compatible partners.

Let's take the exercise a step further. Stand up in your golfing stance; legs spread shoulder width a part. Breathe in through your nose, evenly and fully. Breathe the air all the way in and down, fully expanding your lungs until you comfortably can't handle anymore. Hold it there momentarily and easily. Now, exhale, gently blowing the air out through the mouth.

You should feel your upper torso expand and relax; your arms should hang down now a bit more freely than before. You think this might be good for your golf swing?

I strongly recommend making deep breathing a part of your routine before every golf shot you attempt. This is should be the starting point for any action you have on the golf course.

Do this before every golf swing you attempt:

1) Position yourself behind the golf ball a comfortable distance; ten feet should suffice.

2) See your target line clearly and see, in the mind, your golf shot perfectly executed.

3) Comfortably take a full and deep breath, having the air gently fill your lungs. Hold it for a moment and then gently blow it out through the mouth. I find pursing my lips on the exhale helps with a full exhalation.

4) When this simple routine is accomplished, you are then ready to approach your golf ball. Do this and notice how relaxed you are as you stand over your shot.

In essence you're playing a little trick on the unconscious mind. Whereas the body and mind was once filled with tension and the breathing was restricted, now the breathing is full and the new message to all points of your being is "no more trouble here".

I can't stress how much I recommend this simple exercise. Put it in your golf bag and use it like you would any other golfing tool. You won't be disappointed.

At first I applied this technique when faced with any situation that I felt was stressful while playing golf. Later I began using it before every golf swing I was attempting. Now, it has spilled over, and I use in my daily routine away from golf. I hope you'll try it as well.

Stan Thomas has been playing golf since before dirt covered the earth. He knows he'll never master the game, but he can't deny the quest.

He invites you to visit his websites:

http://www.golfimproveswing.com/

http://www.squidoo.com/golfimproveswing/

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