|
Categories - Copywriting - Shopping - Free Online Business Help - Telecommunications
Services
Articles: Sports - Kids
Golf
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.
|