Is it recommended to take a practice swing?

I've always heard that it is recommended that one take a practice swing before hitting in order to get a feeling of swinging from whatever lie your ball is in. However, whenever I take a practice swing and then step up the last couple inches to my ball I get ball-bound, nervous, and tense. I then have to force myself to swing, which usually doesn't turn out very well. On the other hand, if I just step up to my ball without taking a practice swing, I find that I stay fairly relaxed, and hit the ball much better.

So, is it acceptable to forgo the pratice swing? Or should I take a practice swing but do it differently (any suggestions?) to see if I can avoid getting nervous?

It's quite acceptable to swing without a practice swing. I've done it for quite some time.

However, over the weekend, I had the local USGTF guy come by my house and talk to me about my swing.

Normally, I shun any advice from this guy, but long story short, it really improved my swing.

Needless to say, I needed a practice swing or two before my real swing to get the feel. Then I made a nice, easy swing, and hit some great balls this weekend.

What I think happens is when I take a practice swing there's no pressure to make a good shot, so I'm not nervous. However, as soon as I step up to the ball now my swing is going to count, thus adding nervous pressure to my playing. I think that when I was hitting without a practice swing I didn't have enough time to get nervous about hitting a good shot.

Any ideas on how to reduce nervousness after taking a practice swing or two? Taking a practice swing is probably something I should do.

I never used to take a practice swing and sometimes still forget - all part of my rushing around without a proper routine - but when I do the ratio of good (or better) shots to poor (or worse) improves dramatically.

The key for me though is to rehearse the shot parallel to the shot I'm about to play and as soon as it "feels right" step forward and play without thinking - otherwise, like you I can get "ball bound, nervous and tense" and I've wasted the practice swing.

Will try that next time I get out. Thanks.

DON'T.

Please don't take any advice from me, I'm giving up the game, welding my clubs together and sending them to the Tate Modern.

They may appreciate them more than me.

Why oh why does this happen?

Yesterday: Woods not great but acceptable - at least picking up my tee and strolling forward, rescue / utility suddenly clicks, short game definitely coming together, putting fine. Then bam. Each of the Par 3s bang, chunked at 45 degrees oob right at least once.

What I Learn From The Golf Channel Is Make Three Golf Swing Visualizing What You Shoot Will Be Then Aproach The Ball And Hit It (it Help You To Doit Whitout Put Much Pressure On You)

Even if you dont take a practice swing, waggle the club twice before you hit. This will release tension from your hands.