Indy Golf Coach

In June we’ll be starting the next round of junior golf classes. These two classes are our versions of TPI’s FUNdamental Cyclone and SMASH Zone developmental programs. The Cyclone is for kids ages 6-9 and SMASH Zone for ages 10-12. (We have a separate high school golf fitness program for ages 13 and up.)

Here’s a review of the Cyclone from last summer.

We started with a 6 week program for Fundamental Phase Juniors ages 6 – 9 years old. This phase is all about learning and mastering the fundamental movement skills before learning sports specific skills, including golf.

Fundamental movement skills addressed:

1. Locomotion skills – running, jumping, dodging, skipping, hopping, bounding, sprinting

2. Stability skills – (ABC’s of athleticism) agility, balance, coordination, speed, change of direction, disassociation

3. Manipulative/Object Control skills – ABC’s of athletics) throw, kick, strike, catch, dribble, dodge

4. Awareness – spatial awareness, kinesthetic awareness, body awareness, rules

Program Objectives

1. Make sure FMS are mastered, skill acquisition makes up 90% of the program.
2. Perform fundamental pre and post screen to monitor progress in FMS development.
3. Utilize games to capitalize on the first speed window by encouraging agility, quickness, and change in direction activities.
4. Physical fitness should be 10% of the program and focus on body weight exercises for stability and overall mobility.
5. Two 60 minute sessions going through the FUNdamental Cyclone per week.
6. One to nine holes a week of on course activities that simulate golf, keep it FUN.
7. Appropriate weight and length of golf clubs is paramount in this phase.  Only need 4 clubs.
8. Concepts of grip, posture, alignment, ball position, balance and weight shift may be introduced.
9. Intro to rules of the game, safety issues on the course and golf etiquette.

Pre-Test/ Screen Results:  (Taken on July 7, 2009)

Fundamental Movements Screens:

1. Locomotion – (Some kids clearly have not developed these skills.)

• hopping (Most difficult)
• skipping (Need more separation and coordination)
• sliding (Feet were crossing, lack of coordination)

2. Object Control -

• throwing (Not much weight shift or rotation)
• striking (Good overall with different implements)
• green bowling (Lack of visualization, speed control)

Fundamental Movements & Power Screens:

• Multi-Segmental Flexion/ Toe Touch (Most kids could TT)
• Multi-Segmental Extension/ Backward Bending (Some loss of spinal curve)
• Multi-Segmental Rotation (Good)
• Single Leg Balance (Very Difficult)
• Overhead Deep Squat (Depth was good, lack stability)
• Standing Broad Jump (Difficult to land and stick)
• Vertical Jump (Good start for most)
• Seated Chest Pass w med. ball (Not much speed/strength)

Post-Test/ Screen Results & Summary:

We worked through the list 2 times a week.  Our Junior Cyclone consisted of a dynamic warm-up and 8 stations.  We cycled the juniors through each station, lasting 5 minutes.  We added a new skills to stations for progression.  The last 10 minutes were left for games or contests at the end.   Overall, each junior improved their physical capabilities and movement skills.  In just 6 weeks, we we very pleased with the results.  Most importantly, the juniors had a blast while building a stronger foundation for any sport, not just golf.

The LTAD helps to develop golfers from pre-puberty to retirement.   I share the opinions of most experts sources are saying that a child who develops a better base of FMS will develop golf skills at a faster rate and will peak at a higher level of expertise. I look forward to improving our Long Term Athlete Development program and know it will deliver superior results.

CONTACT US to get your child signed-up for one of these classes or to get more information.