|
|
 |
Junior Golfers “Jump”
into Position at Impact
by Susan Hill, nationally recognized fitness trainer,
CHEK golf
biomechanics and sports nutrition specialist |
Each and every week I get
questions from parents and competitive junior golfers
regarding how to physically improve for golf. Last week I
got asked a great question that has implications for the
majority of juniors that I work with. Whether your junior is
11 or 17, this is a common concern among juniors of all
ability levels.
"I have an 11 year old daughter who plays competitive golf.
On her downswing with her driver, at or about the point of
impact, her left foot jumps. They say this jumping reduces
distance of her drives. I have also noticed this jumping
with a lot of young golfers. Does this show a weakness in
her body or arms? They say she will stop jumping as she
grows older and stronger. Can you please help my daughter
stop this jumping? What strengthening exercises/drills would
help stop her jumping?" Thank you, Renato
In answering this question, this is both a physical and
technical (swing instruction) issue that comes into play.
According to Gary Gilchrist (http://www.garygilchristgolf.com),
Director of Instruction at the IJGA, who has a history of
developing talent in junior golfers like Michelle Wie, Paula
Creamer, and Sean O’Hair, "the body reacts to the club face
or the plane of a juniors swing. They need to swing the club
in balance and from the inside once the club comes down
steep they stand up on their toes to square the clubface
through impact. I see this a lot. Improving mechanics and
also having the right equipment will help. Strength training
and stability training can also help tremendously."
From a physical perspective, juniors use a lot of excessive
movement in their lower bodies because of a lack of
stability. So, here is an exercise that can help strengthen
the outside of the hip muscles.
Start by placing both feet inside of a fitness band with
feet about shoulder width apart and with slight tension in
your outer, upper hip area. You should maintain an athletic
upright posture throughout this movement with shoulders and
chest up and knees slightly bent. Increase the tension in
the band and stress to the muscles by stepping out to the
side with your right foot a few inches. Continue taking
lateral steps to the side. After 6 to 8 steps, switch the
direction and place emphasis to the opposite side for the
same number of steps.
  |
|
|
