1) De-thatch yard with a motorized de-thatcher (YardVac, Blue Bird or Jacobsen, can be rented at local rental shops.)
2) Rake off all thatch with a hand rake.
3) Scalp yard with a "Reel Type" mower to 1/2" above dirt. This may require several passes over the yard.
4) Edge the yard.
5) Fertilize the yard (Scotts Turf Builder, etc.).
6) Water if necessary (early morning).
7) Maintain the grass height during the year at 3/4" to 1" above the dirt for your weekly cutting height.

For best results, don't forget to have your blades sharpened after scalping.