Cleveland Golf for Juniors

Start As You Would Like To Continue

I think it was Cleveland Golf who first introduced clubsets for kids that looked as smart as the adult versions. During a child golf lesson, when they show up with these fine sets, I can see how proud they are.

At our course they receive free golf instruction and I coach them for half the time and try to play various golf games for the rest of the time. I'm not preparing them for the PGA or LPGA, I am just making sure they simply enjoy themselves. During a child golf lesson, there can't be a more important moment than that first communication within the very first lesson. How can the coach make the kids golf lesson a magical experience?

Its easy. What do kids love? They love to have fun and that's what has to be on offer straight away.

Those who are good with kids achieve this by naturally showing interest in the kids name and conversing with them at their level.

During a child golf lesson, there can't be a more important moment than that first communication within the very first lesson. How can the coach make the kids golf lesson a magical experience?

Its easy. What do kids love? They love to have fun and that's what has to be on offer straight away.

Those who are good with kids achieve this by naturally showing interest in the kids name and conversing with them at their level.

"Hello Peter, so you're six. Can you count to six? I need to know because later on, when you swing, you’ll have to count."

Of course, let him count to six. He wants to show you.

We’ve now arrived at an important junction. Peter's just counted and I come in with,

"Whoa, where did you learn to count that fast. That's too fast for me. Could you count again, only a little slower.”

This is of course followed up with plenty of encouragement.

When the lesson starts like this it seems to flow. Using this process, the mood for the pupil and coach has been set for the rest of the session.

Let's start teaching!

How can I get Peter to have fun and learn to hit a ball at the same time? Shall I start with the grip, or the stance, or the swing mechanics?

Well, yes and no. Give him a club and explain that his first task is to swish the sole of the club along the grass. Let him do that a couple of times and if he holds the club with the target hand low, then swap them about explaining this is the way Tiger does it.

I wouldn't get too technical here. Get both hands on and make sure they are close together but not joining.

Next, stick a tee into the ground and let him swish at it until it flies out. It's time to stick a ball down. Now comes the most important part.

Let the counting begin!

"Peter, at the top of the back swing say 'one' and when you swish the grass/ball say 'two'."

He should do this with the practice swing and then with the ball.

You'll notice at first that the timing is better with the practice swing.

At the very end of the back swing... "ONE"
As the club swishes the grass/ball... "TWO"

You'll be amazed at the results. It's as easy as one, two.

Sometimes if there's a hiccup with this, I'll put the club away for a while and play catch with him using the same method. ONE at the end of the back swing and TWO when he lets go. Have fun. ONE - TWO.

Keep going with this until the two simple words are said at the right time, be that with club and ball or just playing catch.

The basis for this kids golf lesson has been well planted and he'll associate the swing with these two simple words. Golf or any gross motor skill like walking, throwing, or catching are simpler if the conscious mind is occupied with simple timing thoughts and not over complicated mechanics.

Keep it simple. There aren’t any complicated directions used to help with the mechanics of throwing or walking.

"One _ Two"

"A _ B"

"Doe _ Ray"

or as Timothy Gallwey suggests in his book, 'The Inner Game of Golf,`

"Back _ Hit"

It’s not the words but the timing and rhythm that are of top importance for a kids golf lesson. They love these tasks and will be entertained as long as the coach mixes variety with a little encouragement.

Go to the homepage from cleveland golf

Go to the previous page from cleveland golf