Instilling strong work ethic important when working with junior players

The most rewarding aspect of teaching junior players is helping them establish a strong work ethic. Learning to practice correctly at a young age will instill a strong work ethic that will stay with them for a long time.

Malcom Gladwell stated, "It takes 10,000 hours of practice to become a professional." Practicing correct fundamentals and having a strong work ethic will result in students achieving their goals. As seen throughout the world of sports, it is not always the athlete with the highest degree of potential that achieves greatness, rather it is the athlete with a superior work ethic who achieves the most success.

Understanding the basic fundamentals of the golf swing at an early age will result in the junior achieving high levels of success. Grip, posture, alignment, static and dynamic balance are all extremely important swing concepts young students must master. These basic fundamentals will be the foundation of their golf game throughout their golfing career.

Learning how to practice properly is the difference between the students who achieve success and those who don't. By focusing on fundamentals it will help the student to practice more efficiently. A quality practice session encompasses not only full swing but also short game and preshot routine.

Golf develops character, integrity and honesty because the kids have to be responsible for scoring and following the rules of golf. Golf is one of the few sports where athletes regulate the rules by calling a penalty on themselves.

I have noticed when teaching kids that their physical fitness levels need improvement. Instilling a physical fitness routine will help the student develop greater muscle mass along with flexibility. Providing students with a dynamic stretching routine, basic strength building exercises and a cardiovascular workout plan will help their overall physical condition.

This is also a great opportunity to establish some goals for the child by setting three-month, six-month and one-year goals. This can help them chart their progress and help them stay on a path to success. What a great life lesson to learn.

As an instructor I have had the opportunity to coach kids from all around the world. Golf is a great tool to help young people establish life learning skills, it builds self-esteem and, long after their playing careers are over, the skills learned through golf help them in their everyday life. Feel free to call or email me with any comments or questions regarding junior programs.

Tom Leese is the director of instruction at Red Rock Country Club. He can be reached at 858-2498 or tom@mastergolflasvegas.com.