Trevor Ng
Middle school golf practice should focus on making the game enjoyable for students while teaching them the basics of the game. It is important to teach them how to stand, hold the club, and act on the course. Coaches can incorporate fun games and challenges to teach fundamentals and push dedicated players to practice. For example, a closest-to-the-pin chipping game can help teach new players the fundamentals of chipping while pushing more experienced players to improve their skills. Additionally, coaches can encourage competition by simulating tournament experiences, which may motivate players to seek out individual instruction. Middle school golf practice should also include putting and chipping drills to build a solid foundation for students' future golfing careers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Coaching style | Encourage competition, but also make sure the students are having fun |
| Drills | Chipping and putting drills, grip, stance, swing mechanics, small swings, half swings, full swings |
| Games | Short game challenges, closest to the pin, 7s |
| Tournament experience | Simulate tournament experience as often as possible |
| Course management | Understanding what clubs to use, where to stand, when to be quiet, what to do on the green |
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What You'll Learn
Chipping and putting drills
Chipping and putting are essential skills for middle school golfers to master. Here are some drills that can help improve their short game and build a solid foundation for their future golfing endeavours.
Chipping Drills
PGA pro Ben Emerson recommends the following drills to improve chipping technique and feel:
- Aim the clubface directly at the target and make slow swings with an open and closed clubface. This helps golfers find a happy middle ground and improve their accuracy.
- Remove your lead hand and place it on your thigh. Grip the club with your trail hand and make short swings, allowing gravity to take over and drop the club onto the ball through the hitting zone. This improves the release pattern and spin.
- Play a game called 'Darts' to introduce an element of pressure. Throw six balls randomly around the green and chip them into a four-foot circle or an imagined circle. This helps prevent deceleration through impact.
- Use an alignment stick to prevent wrist flicking when chipping. This will help teach the body the perfect form.
- Practice swinging your club while maintaining a "Y" shape with your arms. This will help perfect the feel of the swing.
- Practice chipping from different distances, such as 5, 10, and 15 yards, to build confidence and muscle memory. Use a hula hoop or any shaped object as a target.
Putting Drills
Putting drills can be incorporated in various ways:
- Set up a putting game called "7s" if you have access to a large practice putting green. A group of 4 golfers putt from hole to hole, with each choosing the next hole.
- Incorporate putting into the chipping drills by setting up a 9 or 18-hole "course" around the putting green, with each hole being a par 2. This adds an element of fun and competition while improving their short game.
- Encourage students to work on their putting stroke, course management, and aiming away from trouble.
Remember, middle school golfers are primarily looking to have fun, so incorporate games and friendly competition into their practice routines!
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Short game challenges
Middle schoolers either already play golf and are good at it, or don't play at all. So, it's important to keep things fun and engaging. Here are some short-game challenges to try:
Chipping and putting drills
Set up a challenge where students must chip and putt from nine different spots on the green, treating each location like a par-2 course. Up and down is par, and chip-ins are birdies. This will help them work on their short game and accuracy.
Chip shots
Pick three spots on the green: one short, one middle, and one long. Students will start with three chip shots at the short target, then move to the middle, and then to the long, before going backward. This will help them control the distance of their chip shots while using just one club.
Slam dunk
Have students take a bunch of balls and pick a make-able range to chip from. The challenge is to see how many balls they can "slam dunk" into the cup without the ball touching the green.
H-O-R-S-E
When at the range, students can pick a target and see if they can match each other. The first person to spell H-O-R-S-E loses.
Tiger Woods' routine
Take one club and try to hit the ball with nine different trajectories: Draw, Fade, Straight Shot, High Draw, High Fade, High Straight Shot, Low Draw, Low Fade, and Low Straight Shot.
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Swing mechanics
Pre-Swing Fundamentals
Before you even begin to swing, it's essential to have the proper grip and stance. These are the fundamentals that will set the stage for a successful shot:
- Grip: Most of the pressure in your grip should be on your top three fingers: the pinky, ring, and middle fingers. The V-shape formed by the thumb and index finger should point towards your right shoulder if you're right-handed and towards your left shoulder if you're left-handed. The grip should be firm yet relaxed. Practice different grips like the overlapping grip, interlocking grip, and the 10-finger grip to find the right balance for you.
- Stance: Start by standing with your feet about shoulder-width apart, parallel to your starting line. Bend your knees slightly and keep your weight in the middle of your feet. Bend at the waist, keeping your hips back, and let your arms hang comfortably. The grip end of the golf club should line up with your toes, and your arms should form a triangle with your chest.
Backswing
The backswing is crucial in setting up for a powerful and accurate downswing. Here's what you should focus on:
- Smooth and Controlled: Focus on a smooth, controlled motion when bringing the club back. Avoid swinging the club too far back, which can lead to a loss of balance.
- Shoulders and Hips: Rotate your shoulders while keeping your arms straight and your wrists firm. Your weight should shift to your back foot, and your hips should rotate slightly.
- Club Position: At the top of your backswing, the club should be parallel to the ground, with the clubface pointing slightly downward. This sets up an efficient transition into the downswing.
Downswing and Follow-Through
The downswing is where power and accuracy come into play. Here are some tips:
- Transition: The transition from backswing to downswing is vital. Think of your backswing as a wound-up coil, storing energy that will be released in the downswing.
- Balance and Momentum: During the downswing and impact, focus on keeping both feet planted, then let the momentum of your body take you towards the target.
- Hold Your Finish: After impact, hold your finish position for a few seconds. This helps with visualization and the ability to recover from bad shots.
Additional Tips
Some extra considerations to improve your swing mechanics:
- Practice Journal: Use a practice journal to track your progress and identify areas for improvement. This helps you stay focused and motivated.
- Training Aids: Tools like Swing Align, grip trainers, alignment sticks, and swing analyzers can provide valuable feedback and help you correct issues with your swing.
- Short Game: Focus on your short game by adjusting your setup, stance, and positioning to get the ball closer to your target. Choose the right club for the length and trajectory of your shot.
- Practice with Different Clubs: Practice switching between long and short clubs. This helps you maintain consistency in your swing.
- Visualization and Patience: Visualize your swing and the desired outcome. Golf takes time and patience to master, so don't rush the process and allow yourself to gradually improve.
Remember, the key to improving your swing mechanics is consistent practice, patience, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes.
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Course management
Understanding the Basics
Start by teaching your students the fundamentals of course management, such as where to stand, when to be quiet, what to do on the green, and how to act on the course. These basics are often overlooked, but they are essential for players to know.
Practice from Green to Tee
Encourage students to work from the hole outwards. Start with putting and chipping, then move on to irons and finally, the driver. This will help them build a solid foundation for their game. Emphasize the importance of mastering the short game, which will benefit them more in the long run than just focusing on driving the ball far.
Decision-Making
Teach them how to make smart shot choices. Explain that course management involves aiming away from trouble and playing for the bogey. This will help them avoid unnecessary mistakes and improve their overall game.
Simulate Tournament Experience
Create a competitive environment by simulating tournament experiences. This will not only make practice more engaging but also help students understand the pressure and nuances of tournament play.
Individual Training
Use tournaments to identify top talent and provide individual training opportunities. This way, you can offer personalized instruction and feedback to help each student improve their game.
Encouragement and Fun
While course management is essential, remember that middle schoolers primarily want to have fun. Encourage them, celebrate their good shots, and make the learning process enjoyable. This will help foster a positive association with the sport and keep them motivated to improve.
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Simulate tournament experience
Simulating tournament experiences is a great way to prepare middle schoolers for competitive golf. Here are some ways to do this:
Virtual Tournaments
Virtual golf tournaments are a great way to simulate tournament experiences from the comfort of your home. GOLFZON, for example, offers a network play option that allows players to compete with others across the country and the world. One of the benefits of virtual tournaments is that they offer instant feedback on performance, allowing players to adjust their swings or club choices. Additionally, virtual tournaments provide access to elite courses that players may not otherwise have the opportunity to play on.
Intra-Squad Match Play
Organizing intra-squad matches can simulate tournament experiences and help identify players with strong nerves. This can be a fun way to introduce competition within the team and provide a change from regular practice routines.
Short Game Drills and Prizes
While keeping the focus on fun, coaches can incorporate short game drills and chipping games with prizes for added competition. This not only keeps the players engaged but also helps them develop their skills in a challenging yet enjoyable environment.
Course Management
Teaching course management strategies is an important aspect of simulating tournament experiences. This includes aiming away from trouble spots and playing for bogey. By understanding course strategy, players can make more informed decisions during tournaments and navigate their way through challenging holes.
Rules and Etiquette
Familiarity with the rules and etiquette of golf is essential in tournament play. Coaches can incorporate rules and etiquette lessons into practice sessions to ensure players are well-versed in golf's nuances. This includes understanding penalties, scoring, and player conduct on the course.
By utilizing these methods, coaches can effectively simulate tournament experiences for middle school golf players, helping them develop their skills, strategy, and competitive mindset in a fun and engaging environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Middle school golf players just want to have fun, so make sure your practices are enjoyable. Focus on the basics, like chipping and putting drills, and short-game challenges. Celebrate every good shot and near miss.
Check out the book *Golf for Dummies* by Gary McCord. You can also reach out to local teaching professionals for advice and tips.
Work on grip, stance, and swing mechanics. You can also do closest-to-the-pin chipping games, and putting games like 7s.
Spend 30 minutes on the driving range, then 30 minutes on chipping and putting drills with feedback from the coach. Then, walk 9 holes, turn in scores, and discuss.
