GP Junior (Mar-April 20) Cover- GP | Page 19

Instruction Putting and short game Over time, putting and fi rst progressive exercises should be introduced. Putting is a good way for children to get used to the golf ball and celebrate their fi rst successes. Putting is not as fun for many children as training on the driving range, so you should include enough games here. “Katz und Maus” is always a highlight in the training sessions. knowledge of the rules, there is nothing standing in the way of the handicap and fi rst attempts can be made on the fi eld. Initially, the concentration will probably not be enough for a whole round, maybe not even for nine holes, but that will improve with the time, practice and above all development of the children. It is important here to put fun in the foreground and not to push the children to anything that they are not yet ready for. Long game First competitions As soon as the children have a feel for the rules and safety precautions on the golf course, you can gradually integrate the long game into the children’s training. With younger children it is important to make the training very varied, because the concentration span does not last as long as with adults. It is important when starting golf with children that the focus is not on handicap or tournament success, but above all on enthusiasm for golf and the fun of playing. The rule here is that development should take priority over golfi ng quality, especially the development of a high level of motivation. However, if your child is already ready, you can start with competitions suitable for children, for Training with older children and adolescents can be a bit more technology-intensive and competition- oriented, because at this age much more concentration and independence can be assumed during training. example with tournaments with adapted track lengths. Conclusion: In summary, it can be said that no clearly defi ned age for starting golf can be determined. This decision can only be made on the development of your child. It is important that the golf entry is as fun and age-appropriate as possible and that fun is defi nitely in the foreground. Children should fi nd the joy of golfi ng themselves and should not be pushed to do something that they do not want to do out of their own conviction. For a good start in golf, it is important on the one hand that the golf coach shows a lot of dedication and likes to work with children, but on the other hand that the parents do not put too much pressure on them, as this can quickly reduce the fun in the sport. With these tips, nothing stands in the way of a great golf start for your child! Play on the pitch If the children and adolescents then have the necessary level of play and suffi cient At the beginning it is only important that the children have fun on the golf course and thus spend a lot of time in the fresh air. The additional sporting activity also promotes concentration, which can also be helpful in school. GolfPlus Junior March-April 2020 19