No matter how many windmills and waterfalls they throw at you, miniature golf is really just a series of putting greens. Grip the putter securely, and swing from the shoulders, not the wrists. Don’t shift your feet, and keep the putter face square.

2. Walk the course.

Become familiar with the obstacles and tricks if you’re playing adventure-style golf, and the layout of the holes if it’s a more traditional putt-putt course. Your miniature golf score card may give you an overview of the course, along with the par for each hole.

3. Focus on the hole.

Tune out distractions like revolving wickets and fire breathing dragons by maintaining a Zen-like concentration. Winning at miniature golf can also mean overcoming off-course distractions like mosquitoes (a hazard of night play) and summer thunderstorms, and navigating unplanned obstacles like wandering toddlers, spilled ice cream cones and the occasional squirrel.

4. Save strokes.

To stay on or below par, avoid hitting too hard (it’s putting, not the long game). Look for direct-route alternatives which skip the castle drawbridge or water hazard; they’re usually hidden in little-noticed corners. Bank putts off bumpers and other obstacles and check your second-shot lie from both sides of the hole to choose the best angle.

5. Take your game to the next level.

Once you’ve amazed your family and friends, and allowed your minigolfing buddies to buy you a round of root beers at the snack bar, it may be time to think about hitting the tour or turning pro. The World Minigolf Sport Foundation runs competitions like the British Open International Minigolf Tournament, the US ProMiniGolf Tour sponsors its own Masters and for more serious putt-putters there’s the Professional Putters Association.

Courtesy of eHow.com

Right-handers, place your left hand near the knob at the end of the bat and your right hand above that. Left-handers, use the opposite placement.

2. Grip it.

Place the curve of the bat in the middle of your fingers, not in the palm of your hand, and grip the bat firmly. Gloves can help you avoid blisters and have a better grip.

3. Stand in the batter’s box.

Different locations relative to the mound provide advantages for various types of pitches. For example, standing toward the rear of the batter’s box gives you slightly more time to react to a fastball.

4. Assume a comfortable and effective stance.

Try various foot angles and positions until you find one that works for you. Slightly bend your knees and spread your legs wide enough to maintain balance, usually a little more than shoulder width apart.

5. Get ready.

Hold the bat near the top of the strike zone, with your hands at about the height of your armpits. Hold your arms slightly away from your body but not extended. Bend your knees

6. Step into it.

Step toward the pitch as the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. Keep your head and upper torso steady, eyes focused on the ball, as you stride toward the ball with your lower body.

7. Lock in.

Keep your hands and shoulders still as you move toward the pitch.

8. Eyes on the ball.

Recognize the pitch, and then go after the ball. Keep your swing level and stay behind the ball, exploding into the pitch.

9. Shift your weight.

Complete the swing by pivoting forward and shifting your weight from your back foot to your front foot, bracing your front leg as your back foot turns.

10. Follow through.

Keep your elbows close to your body as the bat follows a compact circle through the strike zone. Try to watch the bat strike the ball, keeping your head steady and chin tucked in. Remember to follow through, swinging the bat completely around your upper torso – don’t stop the swing when the bat hits the ball.

Courtesy of eHow.com