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:

GolfDigest.com

Storms on the Horizon For the Golf Industry
New York Times, United States - 1 hour ago
Behind the massive hedges that surround the lush tropical setting of Trump International Golf Club here, the top 32 golfers from the 2008 season on the LPGA ...
Sorenstam ready for final LPGA bow, but she's not retiring USA Today
Golf-Sorenstam poised for emotional farewell on LPGA Tour Reuters.uk
Sorenstam's place in golf history, especially at home, stands ... ESPN
GolfDigest.com - WorldGolf.com
all 24 news articles


Holiday Travelers Unwrap 'Christmas on the Coast' Fun at Sandestin ...
MarketWatch - 8 hours ago
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort's "Christmas on the Coast" is a unique collection of the best in holiday experiences from November through the New Year. ...


Dominican Republic Named 'Golf Destination of the Year'
MarketWatch - 11 hours ago
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, Nov 18, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The Dominican Republic (DR) was named the "Golf Destination of the Year for the Caribbean and ...


Earthtimes (press release)

CORRECTING and REPLACING Beach, Golf and Ski With the Embassy ...
MarketWatch - 9 hours ago
Winning guests can play a round of golf stateside at the beautiful Embassy Suites Greenville Golf Resort & Conference Center in South Carolina, ...
Dalaman property enjoys the ‘Hilton-Effect’ Easier (press release)
all 12 news articles


Sport-Haley, Inc. Reports First Quarter Unaudited Results
MarketWatch - 9 hours ago
Sport-Haley, Inc. designs, purchases, contracts for the manufacture of and markets women's and men's fashion golf apparel and outerwear under the SPORT ...
Sport-Haley (SPOR) Reports a Q1 Loss StreetInsider.com (subscription)
Sport-Haley, Inc. Reports First Quarter Unaudited Results International Business Times
all 12 news articles


Arkansas women's golf coach picked for Hall
SportingNews.com - 1 hour ago
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) -- Arkansas women's golf coach Shauna Estes-Taylor has been selected for the National Golf Coaches Association Coaches and Players ...


Golf notebook: Pair of local golfers still have shot at card
San Antonio Express, TX - 1 hour ago
Beginning action today at the Lantana Golf Club in North Texas will be Boerne's Jimmy Walker, who gained a partial exemption in the Tour's qualifying ...
Three local golfers seek Texas Senior Open title San Marcos Daily Record
all 2 news articles


Callaway Golf Company Declares Dividend
WELT ONLINE, Germany - 6 hours ago
Callaway Golf Company (NYSE:ELY) announced today that the Board of Directors has declared a dividend of $.07 per share, payable December 17, 2008, ...


Annual golf tournament raises money for charity
Houma Courier, Louisiana - 5 hours ago
Curtis Blanchard uses his club to point to where Wayne Blanchard should putt the ball during the 9th Annual Grant a Wish Foundation Golf Tournament at ...


Hauter Signs with Illinois Golf
Central Illinois Proud, IL - 24 minutes ago
Hauter, the 2007 class 1A state golf champion, signed his National Letter of Intent to play at the University of Illinois Tuesday. ...

Golf - Google News

home | site map
© 2006