Golf Information

Junior Golfers Gain A Competitive Edge By Building A Stronger Body


Strength training for juniors is supported by organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Each of these organizations encourages children's participation in appropriately designed training programs as long as they are competently supervised.

Many research reports conclude that juniors can benefit from strength training programs through the improvement of motor fitness skills, self esteem, overall strength and physical and emotional well being.

For those juniors who are anxious to get an early start with strength training as a perfect compliment to their golf game, let's review the importance of form, function and good nutrition. These principles serve as the foundation for junior fitness and a lifetime of health and wellness for your young athlete.

Form. Each exercise we perform has a specific method of set up, instruction and properly executed form for each movement. There are muscles which stabilize while other muscles activate. Each plays a role in an exercise. When we compromise on technique or what is considered good form, injuries occur. When we place inappropriate loads on unsupported bodies, we no longer create an opportunity for growth, but rather continue to place unnecessary stress on our bodies. Take the time to learn proper form and lifting techniques. Once your child learns the basics, make sure they are properly supervised as they learn about their bodies and their new found capabilities. Remember these principles will serve as the foundation for their future so take the time to help them understand the importance of safety and appropriate lifting techniques.

Function. Once you set safety and proper form as your priority, it's time to choose an appropriate exercise program. Many young players ask about the right number of sets and reps for their age. Just remember that young players are not aspiring weightlifters or bodybuilders, but rather strength builders. Junior golfers should begin with body weight exercises that place an emphasis on many muscle groups and movement patterns which mimic real life movements such as pushups, pull-ups, and multi directional lunges. Weights can be used, but the focus should be light weights and higher repetitions. Simply choose 5 or 6 exercises and perform 15 to 20 reps while continuing your concentration on good form and technique. Never compromise on the quality of your movement in favor of increased repetitions. Begin with only a few repetitions until you master an exercise. Parents or instructors should provide clear instruction and close supervision.

Good Nutrition. As role models, parents have the responsibility to educate their children on the importance of proper nutrition. I'm sure, as adults, we've often wondered how different we would have viewed food if our parents had spent more time with us. Regardless of their age, it is not too late to teach them about fueling an athletic body and powerful mind. In the end, food fulfills three basic requirements. These are to provide fuel for their bodies, regulation of their metabolism and to support new tissue growth. Children who golf need an abundance of nutrients in the form of variety, balance and moderation. In the absence of proper nutrients, you sacrifice their growth as well as their future golf performance.

Susan Hill is a CHEK Golf Biomechanic, Sports Nutritionist and President of Fitness for Golf. For exercises and articles specific to junior golfers, then visit http://www.fitnessforgolf.com.


MORE RESOURCES:

Washington Post

The Full Tilt Poker.net World Series of Golf Signs Multi-year Deal ...
FOXBusiness - May 10, 2008
LAS VEGAS, May 9, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ ----Described as the most innovative golf event since the Skins Game, The Full Tilt ...
Without Tiger, golf tournaments lack something special Detroit Free Press
Women's Golf In Position for Playoff at NCAA Regional LSUSports.net
Adam Scott eyes No.2 world golf ranking Sydney Morning Herald
Live-PR.com (Pressemitteilung) - SportingNews.com
all 334 news articles


Leader Post

Golf-Goydos stunned to be in control at Players Championship
Reuters.uk, UK - 21 hours ago
You have to go by the track record and on this golf course, mine stinks." Goydos, a double winner on the PGA Tour, has missed four cuts in nine previous ...
Golf-Players Championship a brutal challenge for Els Reuters UK
A DEVIL OF A HOLE Electric New Paper
It's shaping up to be a big golf weekend at The Players Florida Times-Union
ESPN - Reuters.uk
all 173 news articles


CBS agrees to air World Series of Golf tournament in June
San Jose Mercury News,  USA - 46 minutes ago
AP LAS VEGAS—Organizers of an amateur golf tournament with rules loosely based on poker say they have signed a multiyear deal with CBS to air the event on ...


Miniature Golf Tips That Can Help on the Big Course
New York Times, United States - 1 hour ago
Being a good miniature golfer can help you in regular golf, or as the professional mini golfers sometimes call it, “big golf.” “When I play regular golf, ...
Golfers Tackle a Whimsical Game New York Times
all 2 news articles


This Golf Hazard Is Scaly
New York Times, United States - 1 hour ago
What is it about miniature golf courses that players just can’t stay out of the hazards? I was mostly thinking about when you hit your purple ball in the ...


LA Canyon News

Players Championship perfect venue for Weekley's honed ball ...
ESPN - May 10, 2008
The wind was howling, and golfers will tell you how much havoc that can cause for a golf swing. But there is a reason Weekley has become a millionaire ...
Kim lets his golf do talking now The Argus
Unlikely friends Anthony Kim and Boo Weekley play well together Chicago Tribune
Weekley, Kim Make An Interesting Mix On The Golf Course Palm Beach Post
Times Online - ESPN
all 49 news articles


Turkish Press

Golf-South Africa's Otto wins Italian Open
Reuters UK, UK - 7 hours ago
MILAN, May 11 (Reuters) - South African Hennie Otto secured a maiden European Tour victory after a one-stroke triumph over Briton Oliver Wilson in the ...
Shiv Kapur tied 29th in Italian Open golf Thaindian.com
Golf: Milan magic from Dredge ic Wales
Golf-Otto takes four-stroke lead at Italian Open Reuters.uk
New Zealand Herald
all 351 news articles


Yahoo! Eurosport

Golf-American Goydos stays one ahead at windy TPC at Sawgrass
Reuters.uk, UK - 2 hours ago
By Mark Lamport-Stokes PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida, May 11 (Reuters) - American journeyman Paul Goydos stayed on track for a surprise victory by preserving a ...
Goydos, Garcia find common ground on leaderboard - Golf ESPN
Golf | Goydos seizes lead in Players Seattle Times
Chopra drops to tied 20th at Players Championship golf Thaindian.com
Times Online - Reuters.uk
all 1,756 news articles


Wings' Kyle Quincey and mom Debbie: Special note, family golf ritual
Detroit Free Press, United States - 13 hours ago
The Quinceys -- Debbie, husband Marty, Kyle and Kevin -- have made a habit of playing golf on Mother's Day and Father's Day. Debbie made sure Kyle got tee ...


GolfDigest.com

Golf's newest high-tech gadget enhances fan experience
USA Today - May 9, 2008
Hopping around from hole to hole to follow action at a golf tournament just got a whole lot easier. Kangaroo Media, in conjunction with the PGA Tour, ...
If you're on, it's a beautiful thing at TPC Sawgrass - Golf ESPN
Don't confuse TPC with one of golf's true majors Lake County Record-Bee
Wind keeps golf fans cool at Players Florida Times-Union
Augusta Chronicle (subscription) - GolfLasVegasNow.com
all 130 news articles

Golf - Google News

home | site map
© 2006