I receive many e-mails and calls regarding my advice on how to help a junior golfer create a ‘peak’ in his or her performance. Theoretically, you can train a golfer of any age or gender by altering their training program to better suit the goals of each season or in consideration of individual tournaments. So, which training principles work best and is it always a good idea to create this kind of peak as a junior?

Some old school thoughts on training include the notion of specialized training. Specialized training includes selecting exercises and movement patterns that re-enforce the same movements used in the golf swing. In doing so, junior golfers could develop results faster and reach their goals quicker.

While studies have continued to validate ‘specialized training as a viable means of fast performance development, there were also inherent risks especially with youth. By training too specific too early, children experienced a higher burn out, more inconsistencies in performance overall and experienced more injuries. In addition, this method led to a more narrowly focused concentration of muscle and organ development.

Compare this approach to multilateral training which focuses on fundamental skills and general athletic movements. Results of two similar studies (Harre 1982) and (Nagormi 1978), a multilateral approach had slower immediate performance improvements, but created more consistencies in performance, fewer injuries, a longer athletic life and best performance results at 18 and older. This happens to coincide with physiological and psychological maturation.

The question in junior golf should no longer revolve around whether or not they should engage in physical fitness training (the answer is YES!), but rather which method will give each student the long term results they seek.

Source: Tudor O. Bompa, Ph.D, Total Training for Young Champions.

Susan Hill is a CHEK golf biomechanic, sports nutritionist and fitness trainer. For more information on her golf specific programs, visit http://www.fitnessforgolf.com.