Golf Basics For Kids
Hana Lee
When teaching golf to kids, FUN is the name of the game. Throw in all the technical jargon at the beginning and you will effectively kill a child's desire to learn. Allow a child to “play” golf for enjoyment, and he’ll become a life-long convert of the game!
Hours of practice will only overwhelm a child, so just allow him or her to practice a little bit at first, say 30 minutes. This will keep motivation for practice high.
And it's okay to let them start by hitting the ball hard. That's part of the fun! Don't worry about their grip right off the bat. Just have them keep the right hand under the left and then swing away!
I’d also make sure the child keeps his or her feet on the ground while following through.
Now, if you want to buy a child's set of clubs, that's fine, but you're likely to do just as well with a used set of women's clubs. They're lighter and nice for kids. All you need is a women's 9 iron, a 6 iron, 3-wood and a putter.
Let your child start out with little chipping and putting games. This play will help him or her get the feel for the club and the ball. Kids can bounce the ball off the face of a wedge and try hitting leaves or twigs.
Little contests and games keep motivation high. Avoid pressure or competition early on. You want your child to enjoy the game and want to play it every chance they get, not end up so confused and unfocused that they can't figure out what to do and just quit in frustration.
If you’re encouraging, your child will love for you to play alongside of them. Just don't start demanding wins and emphasizing competition, or you'll pop the enthusiasm really fast.
Children will move along as they're ready. Letting them progress at their own pace prevents future burnout. Never make a child play the game, unless he wants to. The game should be fun, and a simple joy. Laugh and have a blast yourself!
If your child's interest increases, you might consider golf camp or some private lessons with someone experienced in teaching children. If you do seek a personal instructor for your child, watch how the person teaches first. You really want an encouraging person with a knack for teaching kids.
Also, please remember to teach your child the etiquette of golf. Little things are very important, like… Don’t talk while someone else is swinging. Don’t step in front of someone while they’re swinging. Stand still. Don’t walk in front of someone else’s line or through line.
Finally, never criticize. Praise their shots and swings. Encourage them to correct certain moves, but don't dwell on what was done incorrectly.
If you concentrate on the most important aspects of golf – the enjoyment and the basics – you may end up with a child who rivals you on the range and who enjoys a lifelong love for the game.
About the author: Ths article provided courtesy of http://www.golf-swing-guide. com
The latest information and news on Golf:
A golf outing is scheduled later this month to benefit central Lake County residents with special needs. Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County Superintendent Carolyn Chambers said about $10,000 was raised during the golf outing last year.
GOLF
Newton Public Golf Course Friday Men 1. Loren Tedder Jr., Steve Brewer, Dave Schmidt, Ed Salsbery. 2. Shawn Hege, Jeremy Young, Greg Wagner, Tracy Cash.
GOLF ROUNDUP: Bulldogs cut through wind, L-P
STREATOR? The Streator golf team took the "D"off of "wind" in its Tuesday match with La Salle-Peru. At Streator Country Club, the Bulldog linksmen topped visiting La Salle-Peru 160-173 to improve to 2-1 in Northern Illinois Big 12 competition
Golf course turning the corner
The Mesquite Municipal Golf Course has seen an increased commitment to customer satisfaction since the city took over management of the course, according to parks and recreation department officials.
Golf Digest's Green Star Award
This might be the role model for every golf facility that thinks it can't afford to go green. Madden's on Gull Lake in Brainerd, Minn., is Golf Digest's lone recipient of our Green Star environmental award for 2010. Our panel of judges, which includes representatives from many facets of the golf industry and leading environmental organizations, believes that only Madden's meets the standards set ...
Golf Course Etiquette: Can it be saved?
I would like to see the major golf magazines do an article about golf course etiquette. I have played over 90 rounds the last 2 years (mostly as a walk on single) and am still amazed by the total lack of golfer respect exhibited on a golf course.
Golf course renovations postponed
Planned renovations for Chase Oaks Golf Club have been held off until next year, city officials say.
Golf greens not up to par after hot summer
Many golf courses around the Triangle aren't looking so green these days. Excessive heat and humidity during the summer months has taken its toll on the greens.
Golf tournament to benefit family of woman killed in Greeley Mall this summer
The 20th annual Amy Anderson Golf Tournament and Poker Run will benefit the family of Kimberly Fletcher, who was 32 when she was killed when a truck ran into the Greeley Mall VisionWorks this summer.
Golf team keeps building on young foundation
Armada head varsity golf coach John King will continue the building process he began last season with a young, raw group of golfers. His girl's team will look to improve on a 1-1 start to the season with another set of up-and-comers and two solid captains.