Performance by Design at International Junior Golf Academy (IJGA) develops elite players who are the aspiring Tour players of the future. Each player goes through a rigorous testing and blueprinting period from which their plans are created for them. The blueprint- ing period is the time after the testing is done, when experts arrive at the individual performance plan for each player. PUTTING SPORTS SCIENCE KNOWLEDGE TO WORK In the modern world of coaching, recognizing the im- portance of Sports Science in developing elite players is critical in helping to achieve these dreams. Sports Scientists have spent years observing and proving the- ories that are then accepted into the coaching world. When coaches provide a combination of expert and Sport Science-based knowledge, a young junior golfer has the best chance of developing into a great player. Crucial to that development is instructors understand- ing the different developmental factors of a young ju- nior golfer and how they influence the creation of spe- cifically designed, individualized performance plans. The latest golfing technologies such as Trackman, Sam PuttLab, 3D Biomechanics and Swing Catalyst, com- binedwith Physical Screening and Mental Conditioning, provide a rich depth of fact-based data. Any changes in a young golfer’s techniques and performance can be verified and managed for optimal training. Putting, chipping and pitching tests are also used to gather information about the player’s game. They highlight any weaknesses that need to be addressed. Strengths of the individual are also highlighted, to be used in golf course management. These observations help the instructor to know how the player deals with pressure situations such as a highly competitive tour- nament environment. Other important areas of testing include Creativity and Flair/Imagination. All great players have real creativity that allows them to “think outside the box.” This could be the difference between winning or not. TRAINING THAT CHANGES WITH THE GOLFER As junior golfers get older, their training schedules should change with them. Schedules should evolve from mostlydeliberate playin the earlyyears, to a more competitive and technical state at a later age. It should be suitable to the player’s individual needs, since ev- eryone develops at a different rate. Once a plan is devised, it’s time to put it into motion. This may begin with the technical aspects of the stu- IJGAGolfPerformancebyDesignBY DAN JACKSON The dream of many young people playing the game of golf is to play at the highest level possible, on the PGA or LPGA Tour. That desire to emulate the accomplishments and earn the accolades of their heroes is one of the driving forces that spurs their parents to give their children the best possible chances to achieve that dream. dent’s game, and the process of making necessary changes would follow the diagram displayed, starting with assessing current technique. PROGRESS THAT RELIES ON THE PROCESS The step process above is something that should be re- peated time and time again because this helps toward strengthening the technical changes and improving skills that can then be implemented on the golf course. When most juniors practice, they focus more on the resulting shot and less on the most important aspects, which are retention and transfer. Players mistakenly un- derestimate the long-term benefits of a steady learning process, lured by the excitement of immediate returns. If theydon’tseeinstantimprovementintheirperformance, they become frustrated and this hinders real progress. Junior development, when correctly focused on the needs and desires of the individual, can create a highly skilled and passionate player whose performance ceil- ing is under his/her own control. IJGA’s Performance by Design program takes every factor into account in an effort to best serve the junior golfer, which should be the number one priority. Dan Jackson is a senior Instructor at IJGA. He has worked with national teams and PGA and LPGA Tour players. Every junior requires a unique instructional approach 30 | December 2017 #juniorgolfmag Visit us at juniorgolfmag.net Being able to perform new skills on the course and under pressure Completing games and challenges that help toward improving specific technical positions Rest, reflection and stat analysis Learning new ways of playing shots Assessing current technique IJGA’s unique program delivers customized golf training/competition by Director of Golf Jonathan Yarwood and his team, performance training (physical, mental, technical and tactical), character building and an elite college preparatory education. For more information, visit IJGA.com.