Golf
Articles & Tips
Golf Basics For Kids
by 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. Ths article provided
courtesy of http://www.golf-swing-guide.com
