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GENERAL SECTION HEADER
TEACHNG ATHLETIC MOTION
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with the parents, because it shows thought and At this age, it is very important to find interest-
effort went into the teaching. ing ways to teach the kids how to practice. This is
The last point with this group is equipment. I a skill that they can carry through their whole life
cannot stress enough the importance of proper as a golfer. I highly recommend using the basic
length and weight clubs. Improper equipment practice sequence of Block-Variable-Test. This also
can ruin the initial golf experience for juniors as keeps them moving and challenges them. The
well as cause motor skill pattern issues that will be instructor should not be timid in terms of challeng-
discouraging and difficult to overcome, and is a ing them slightly. They view that challenge as your
major factor in kids not taking to the game. recognizing them as older and more mature. Be
• Fun • Competition • Partners • positive always, but blend in constructive points
• Integrate other sports • Age specific aids • for improvement and set up tests to gauge their
• Appropriate clubs • learning progress and retention.
2) Middle school age: When teaching the swing, focus on balance,
2) Middle school age: For starters, with this
age, group teaching is much less effective. Keep stability, and sequence. You can also introduce
presentations to a minimum and do not expect the concepts of face, path and low point, but
to hold their attention for longer than a couple of keep it simple. When they hit bad shots, instead
minutes. Remember, this is the smartphone gener- of patronizing, challenge them to explain what
ation. Technique also becomes much more im- happened and always make them feel involved
portant because these kids are stronger and what in the learning process as well not being overly
they learn, conceptually and physically, will deter- directed. The quicker they learn the basic
mine whether they stay in the game or give it up. concepts and understand their own swings,
At this age, the importance of the short game the more likely they will enjoy improving and
should be emphasized. The instructor should work practicing. The one big advantage for teenagers
all parts of the game. Use groups for quick points, is the ability to adjust motor skill patterns more
but keep things moving as fast as possible. Get into easily than adults. Therefore, the instructor should
a one-on-one teaching situation quickly. Good not hesitate to make swing adjustments.
putters are born at an early stage of golf learning. Lastly, teenagers want two things in their
Putting setup and stroke fundamentals provide instructor: credibility and a sense that you are
an easy opportunity for improvement. Chipping genuinely interested in helping them. Credibility
is incredibly important at this age because it can comes with demonstration as well as explaining
rescue them from bad shots and keep the score the why’s. If they understand why they need to
down when they play, which is critical to keep do something, they will buy in. Genuine care
them engaged in the game. and concern should come out in the way you
Kids at this age will rebel against “little kid” interact with them and the genuine enthusiasm
games, so focus on finding ways to teach you display. If they feel you are not genuine or are
technique without becoming too rigid. They are going through the motions, they will shut off.
listening; they just do not want you to know it. For • Individual instruction when possible •
a retention check, challenge them to teach back • Very short presentations • Teach practice •
to you what they have learned. In contrast, set up • Teach swing technique • Teach short game •
drills that create a challenge and at the same time • Be genuine •
teach technique.
Golf Teaching Pro 29 SUMMER 2020
