Nina Caldwell
Coaching middle school golf can be a challenging but rewarding task. It is important to remember that middle school golf players are likely just being introduced to the game and may have varying levels of interest and skill. The main goals for a middle school golf coach should be to create a fun and engaging environment, teach the basics of the game, and focus on improving individual players' skills. It is also crucial to get to know each player, their background, skill level, and goals for the season, in order to tailor practices and drills effectively. While it is important to teach the rules of the game, coaches should also focus on course etiquette, such as where to stand and when to be quiet. Additionally, coaches can assign leadership roles to more experienced players to help mentor younger players. Overall, middle school golf coaching should be about creating a positive experience for players and fostering a love for the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 2-22 |
| Player goals | Breaking 90, breaking 80, improving short game, etc. |
| Coaching style | Fun, focus on basics, rules, and short game |
| Player skill level | Beginner, intermediate, advanced |
| Player age group | 11-14 years old |
| Practice structure | Challenges, contests, prizes, drills |
| Practice focus | Chipping, putting, driving, swing technique |
| Rulebook | 34 rules, 78 pages |
| Team dynamics | Assign captains, pair top performers with younger players |
| Player improvement | Identify weaknesses, focus on specific skills |
| Outside help | Reach out to local teaching pros, get video of swings |
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Make it fun
Golf can be a challenging sport to get into, so making it fun is a great way to ensure your players keep coming back and develop a passion for the game.
Firstly, it's important to remember that not all the kids will be equally interested in golf. Some will be keen to improve and work hard, while others will be there just to have fun and might not be so engaged. It's important to cater to both types of player. For the less interested kids, drills and lessons might not be the best approach, and could even put them off the game. Instead, focus on making sure they enjoy themselves and learn the rules and basics of the game.
For the more engaged players, it's still important to make the game fun, but you can also focus on improving their skills and strategy. One way to do this is to teach them the rules and let them know what to do in different situations. For example, teach them where to stand, when to be quiet, and what to do on the green. This will help them feel more confident and ensure they don't get embarrassed when playing against other schools. You could also teach them some simple golf terminology, like "bogey" and "eagle", which are fun to say and will make them feel like part of the golf community.
Another way to make golf fun is to encourage friendly competition. You could set a challenge where each hole has a certain goal, like the fastest played, fewest putts, or longest drive, and whoever achieves the goal gets a prize. You could also create a positive atmosphere by celebrating every good shot and near miss, and giving lots of encouragement and high-fives.
It's also important to be patient and remember that each child learns at their own pace. This will help them feel less pressure and enjoy the game more. You could also suggest that they watch professional golf tournaments to see the pros in action, which can be inspiring and educational, and might ignite their passion for the game.
Finally, golf is a technical sport with a lot of nuances, so it can be helpful to break the game down into bite-sized pieces so that the kids don't feel overwhelmed. Focus on the fundamentals and work on their mental game, teaching them to focus on the present shot and not dwell on the last one.
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Basics and rules
Coaching middle school golf is a challenging task, as you will encounter players with varying skill levels, from beginners to more experienced golfers. The basics and rules of golf are essential aspects that you should cover in your coaching. Here are some guidelines to help you get started:
Understanding the Rules
It is important to have a solid understanding of the rules of golf. The rule book for golf is relatively concise, with only 34 rules spanning 78 pages. Spend time familiarizing yourself with these rules and consider seeking resources like "Golf for Dummies" by Gary McCord, which can provide a comprehensive guide. Knowing the rules will enable you to effectively teach and guide your students.
Teaching the Basics
Focus on teaching the fundamentals of golf to your middle school team. This includes covering topics such as the different types of swings, the backswing, and the pivot in the downswing to produce shaft lean at impact. You can also incorporate chipping and putting exercises into your practices. Additionally, teach them course etiquette, such as where to stand, when to be quiet, and what to do on the green.
Assessing Skill Levels
Before the season starts, take the time to understand each player's golf background, skill level, and goals for the season. Ask them about their specific objectives, whether it's breaking a certain score, improving their short game, or making it to the all-state team. This information will help you tailor your coaching approach and create detailed practice plans for each player.
Encouraging Fun and Competition
Remember that middle school golf should be enjoyable for the students. Incorporate challenges, contests, and prizes to make learning fun. Competitive drills and games can also be introduced, along with a weekly qualifying round to determine the playing team for the week. This promotes a democratic environment and gives all students a chance to showcase their skills.
Individualized Focus
If a player is struggling with a particular aspect of their game, make that their focus for improvement. For example, if a student is having difficulty with putting, you can set up a short putting drill with four balls from 3-5 feet away, aiming to make 20 putts in a row at each of the four locations. This individualized attention can help them develop the necessary skills and build their confidence.
Seeking Support
Don't hesitate to reach out for assistance from local teaching professionals or PGA and LPGA certified pros in your area. They can provide valuable insights and guidance. Additionally, consider collaborating with swing coaches that your players may already have, ensuring a consistent and complementary approach to their development.
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Competitive drills
While coaching middle school golf, it is important to keep the students engaged and having fun. Here are some competitive drills that can be incorporated into the practice sessions:
The Ring Drill
This drill can be set up in various ways, but the basic idea is to create a target for the players to aim for. You can use "rings" or circles made with string and tees, with the goal being to make each putt within the designated circle. Give each ring a point value, for example, 1 point for a ball inside the biggest ring, 3 inside the middle, and 5 inside the closest. This will encourage players to focus on their speed and accuracy.
The 3-Club Challenge
This classic challenge/drill teaches players how to hit a wide variety of shots with a limited club selection. It will also help them understand course management and that sometimes the typical shot is not always the most effective. You can modify this drill to allow for 4 clubs, including a putter.
Bunker Drill
This drill will help players understand how to get the ball out of a bunker trap and how the club interacts with the sand. Draw a small rectangle in the sand around the golf ball and remove all the sand from inside the rectangle. Set up with the ball slightly ahead of the centre and with more weight on the front foot. Open the clubface to prevent the leading edge from digging into the sand and swing, letting the trail hand work down and under.
Chipping Drill
A common mistake for beginners is to rely solely on their highest lofted wedge for all types of chip shots. This drill requires players to use different wedges or irons to see which club produces the best result. It encourages the use of lower lofted wedges to eliminate chunked or bladed wedge shots.
Putting Drill
Set up 5 tees surrounding a hole, with each tee a different distance from the hole. Players must start at one tee and make the putt before moving on. If they miss, they must go back to the beginning and make all 5 putts consecutively. This drill helps players improve their putting skills and can be varied by changing the length of the putt.
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Swing techniques
Golf swing techniques can be challenging to teach and learn, but with a little knowledge and practice, your middle school golfers can sharpen their skills. Here are some detailed tips for coaching middle school students on their golf swings:
Grip
First things first, ensure your students have a comfortable grip. There are many variations of grips, including interlocking and overlapping, and it is important for students to experiment with different grips until they find one that suits them.
Stance and Posture
The correct stance is crucial. Students should stand with one foot ahead of the ball, with their feet a little wider than shoulder-width apart. The golf ball should be towards the middle of their stance. When swinging hybrids or drivers, the front foot should be played slightly more towards the front; smaller clubs like irons require a shift towards the middle of the stance.
Backswing
To start the backswing, students should shift their weight to their back foot and rotate their torso. This is a crucial part of the swing, and students should pay attention to the distinct phases of the backswing.
Downswing and Follow-Through
Instruct your students to swing the club down, dragging the club head, and ensure they follow through with the swing. A smooth, fluid motion is ideal, and students should visualise a circular motion when swinging.
Weight Distribution and Shoulder Alignment
Students should focus on their weight distribution, ensuring it is slightly more on their lead side, creating a 60-40 distribution. This will help move the shoulder forward, correctly placing the circle of the swing. The low point of the swing should be directly under the lead shoulder when the lead arm and club align.
Remember, it is important to keep things fun and engaging for middle school students. Celebrate their progress and near misses, and consider reaching out to local teaching professionals for additional advice and insights.
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Course behaviour
Golf is a game that requires etiquette and an understanding of the rules. As a coach, you will need to teach your players how to act on the course, where to stand, when to be quiet, and what to do on the green. These are things that are often overlooked, but they are essential to playing the game and can be the difference between a good golfer and a great golfer.
Firstly, teach them the rules and etiquette of the game. This includes the basics such as how to stand, how to hold the club, and how to swing. But also, how to act on the course, as mentioned above. You can refer to the official rule book, which is only 34 rules long and 78 pages. It is important to explain that sometimes the rules can work in their favour. You can also refer to books like 'Golf for Dummies' by Gary McCord, or online resources such as YouTube videos, for further guidance.
Secondly, teach them about course management and the mental game. This includes decision-making and strategy, which will help them make better shot choices and lower their score. It is also important to teach them how to handle the pressure and stress of the game, especially in competitive situations.
Finally, it is important to keep it fun. Golf can be a stressful game, especially when starting, so it is important to ensure the players are enjoying themselves and celebrating their successes. You can do this by creating contests and challenges, rather than drills, and focusing on their successes and near misses.
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Frequently asked questions
Focus on making sure the students are having fun and learning the basics. You can do this by having them play challenges or contests with some type of prize.
Teach them how to act on the course, where to stand, when to be quiet, what to do on the green, etc. You can also teach them the rules of the game, so they are not embarrassed when playing against another school.
Have that be their main focus for the coming week. For example, if a player is struggling with putting, implement some drills. A short putting drill could be setting four balls down from 3-5 feet away and having the player make 20 putts in a row at each of the four locations.
It's okay if they don't always listen. Celebrate their wins and deal with showing them their mistakes later.
