JUNIOR GOLF INSTRUCTION: SIX TIPS TO HOOK KIDS ON GOLF…without spending a lot of money or having to travel to remote location.
Junior golf education has been around for a long time, but the one thing that is very new to all levels of new and junior golfers is being able to learn the game of golf off the golf course, thus making it easier to practice, more convenient and a great deal more affordable. Below are six tips that combine traditional junior golf educational methods with this new found freedom golf has never been able to take advantage of.
TIP #1: LET THEM LEARN ON THEIR TERMS:The most important step to teaching kids golf is to bring golf into their world and make is accessible and fun for them to play and eventually practice. This means make their golf experience regular by playing around their yard, neighborhood, park or schoolyard. With the almostGOLF limited distance practice golf ball, kids learn with a ball that fits their size, weight and strength. This means they are able to experience success a lot easier and a lot faster than with a traditional golf balls.
TIP #2 MAKE IT MORE LIKE PLAY THAN PRACTICE: Remember, play came first for all of us. The more fun you have, the longer they are going to stay with it and the more they will develop their abilities.
TIP #3 MAKE YOUR GOLFING FUN: Let go of control. Let them make the rules and call the shots. This reduces the frustration factor in both of you. Remember, play came first...junior golf instruction came second.
TIP #4 MAKE PLAYING ANDPRACTICING GOLF CREATIVE: Golf is a game of getting a ball from one place to another using a club. Now that you can leave the golf course, that takes on a whole new definition especially when its around your yard or neighborhood. The only limit you have is your own creativity. You can make your almost-Golf Course any way you would like. The more creative, the more fun your youngster will have.
TIP #4 POSITIVE REINEFORCEMENT: Golf can be a tough game and it takes a lot of hits before a child can consistently hit the ball with satisfaction. So help them along. Give them perspective. Show them that they will get there if they just keep trying one step at a time. The more posititive and supportive, the better chance you have of your students or children enjoying the game of golf.
TIP #5: HAVE FUN PLAYING GOLF YOURSELF: This is the litmus test of good teaching. If you are not infecting your students with possibility, fun, excitement and wonder, you are most likely not having fun. This is what junior golf instruction is all about. Ideas, modeling and inspiration. Modeling is everything. If you are having fun, there is a good chance they are having fun. So be creative, supportive, challenging, playful and communicative and your junior golfer will catch on and want to play golf for their entire life.
TIP #6: TEACH GOOD GOLF SAFETY HABITS: Kids tend to act first and think later. In golf, the effects of a misstep can be grave. First, teach them to never hit a white golf ball off a golf course. Have them learn with yellow, blue or orange almostGOLF balls. On the range have your child occupy the stall infront of you. Off the course teach them to be aware of who is around them and never hit when players are behind them.
