Golf Information

Strength Training For Junior Golf


Much debate has occurred about kids and strength training. There's been concern about growth plate damage. There's been discussion of whether it increases their likelihood of future success or simply places them at increased stress both physically and mentally. Here's a few notes on the correct way to have a junior golfer build a strong, healthy body. First there are definite differences between adolescent boys and adolescent girls with respect to strength and strength production. In boys, absolute muscular strength (the greatest amount of force an individual can produce) grows consistently between the ages of 7 - 19. In girls, strength gains are incurred on a consistent level until about the age of 15, when a period of stagnation occurs and strength gains plateau, and in fact begins to fall. By the end of the pubescent ages, boys are roughly 50% stronger than girls.

As your child begin a golf training program make sure proper instruction on exercise form is given. Adults can provide instruction and supervision to enforce safety and good technique. You can also consider hiring a trained professional to demonstrate proper form and safety measures. Most gyms have a junior program where they offer proper lifting techniques and protocols.

Golf training programs for juniors should emphasize the principles of lifetime fitness and proper exercise form so they receive maximum benefits from exercise while minimizing any risks. Adults who design training programs for their children should provide an environment centered on enjoyment, positive reinforcement and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Young golfers are not seeking to become bodybuilders. They should be trained to become strength builders. Junior golfers should start with body weight exercises that place an emphasis on many muscle groups and movement that mimics real life movements.

Junior golfers should begin each session with a short warm up of roughly 10 minutes. Jogging in place and jumping jacks are good warm up exercises. The workout session should end with light stretching. Don't overwork the muscles. Two or three sessions per week are adequate to improve strength, and endurance.

Monitoring the progress will give you a quick snapshot of what you've done and how best to progress from there. It's important to keep in mind for the junior golfer to add variety, consistency and fun to their workout sessions. Once something becomes a chore or is boring, interest is lost. Trying new exercises, working indoors and out, and not repeating the same process over and over will help keep the junior golfer dedicated to strength training.

Susan Hill is a nationally recognized fitness trainer, CHEK golf biomechanic and sports nutrition specialist. For more information on golf specific nutrition, exercises or stretches, visit http://www.fitnessforgolf.com.


MORE RESOURCES:

GolfDigest.com

6 questions for US golf tour in 2009
USA Today - 1 hour ago
By Doug Ferguson, AP Golf Writer KAPALUA, Hawaii — Ernie Els looked as though he had not shaved since the last time he was at Kapalua for the US PGA Tour's ...
This Week in Golf - January 8th through January 11th Sports Network
This week's golf tournaments The Canadian Press
Kapalua Plantation Course Outshines All Other Maui, Hawaii Golf ... Golf Vacation Insider
WorldGolf.com - Golf Channel
all 76 news articles


SuperSport

US golf banks on Tiger to get it out of woods
The Times, South Africa - 2 hours ago
IN A season of unknowns, count on the much anticipated return of Tiger Woods to brighten a golf landscape dimmed last year by his injury absence and clouded ...
Foes: Woods will be fine in '09 USA Today
Little to no bling without Tiger on West Coast swing San Diego Union Tribune
Tiger Woods' billion-dollar record, Daly's down-under, winter golf ... WorldGolf.com
AllAfrica.com - Fort Worth Star Telegram
all 99 news articles


Carbriwalk buys Mobile golf vacation firm
Bizjournals.com, NC - 4 hours ago
The Fairways, founded in 1990 in Mobile, sells golf vacations in North America. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. The company will be rebranded ...


Providence Business News

Rancho Cordova Mini Golf Course Slays Monster
News10.net, CA - 3 hours ago
RANCHO CORDOVA, CA - A chain of indoor miniature golf courses has won its battle to continue using the name "monster." Monster Mini Golf of Rancho Cordova ...
Monster Cable settles with mini-golf company Providence Business News
Monster Cable Tosses Lawyers, Settles Suit In Person WebProNews
all 5 news articles


Golfonline

Callaway Golf Inks Deal With Stuart Appleby
TheStreet.com - Jan 5, 2009
Callaway Golf (ELY Quote - Cramer on ELY - Stock Picks) said Monday it signed eight-time PGA Tour winner Stuart Appleby of Australia to a multiyear contract ...
uPlay Acquired By Callaway Golf socalTech.com
Callaway Buys uPlay, Signs New Pro San Diego Business Journal
Callaway Golf captures Appleby Golfonline
Consumer Electronics Net
all 32 news articles


Troon Golf to manage La Quinta Golf & Country Club in Spain
WorldGolf.com, AZ - 11 hours ago
Troon Golf, the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing is pleased to announce it has been selected to manage La Quinta Golf ...
Picket outside La Quinta golf club The Desert Sun
all 2 news articles


Lake Las Vegas named Top 50 Resort Golf Facility by Golf World
WorldGolf.com, AZ - 11 hours ago
Lake Las Vegas has been honored as a "Top 50 Resort Golf Facility for 2009" by Golf World Magazine for Reflection Bay Golf Club and The Falls Golf Club. ...
"From potatoes to putters" Bend Bulletin
all 2 news articles


TravelGolf.com

In Myrtle Beach to play golf? Head south to Pawleys Island
WorldGolf.com, AZ - 13 hours ago
WorldGolf.com reader Elliot DeBear shares his thoughts on a recent Myrtle Beach golf vacation that included tee times at Pawleys Plantation, ...
Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head? Who's got the prettiest golf on the ... TravelGolf.com
all 4 news articles


New regional air service to Hagerstown, Lancaster
Baltimore Sun, United States - 3 hours ago
Maybe this will provide the boost that the Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort needs. The struggling Western Maryland resort is about an hour's drive from ...
Cape Air to link Lancaster, Hagerstown to BWI USA Today
Cape Air to run flights between BWI, Hagerstown Daily Record (subscription)
all 25 news articles


BBC News

'Sonic boom' golf club may 'damage hearing'
Register, UK - 2 hours ago
By Austin Modine • Get more from this author Golf isn't exactly known as a sport of deafening noises, but a provocative (albeit suspiciously anecdotal) ...
High Tech Titanium Golf Clubs May Lead to Hearing Loss Gizmodo
Playing golf can 'damage hearing' BBC News
Golfers Beware! New Golf Clubs May Damage Your Ears Inventorspot
RedOrbit - Norwich Evening News
all 50 news articles

Golf - Google News

home | site map
© 2006