4 | June 2017 #juniorgolfmag Visit us at juniorgolfmag.net Integrated Training Improves Multiple Skills BYDR.STEVENLORICK FITNESS ZONE Junior golfers are athletes that must train in a systematic and integrated training program to remain physically and mentally healthy. It is important to understand the delicate balance between the mind and the body of a junior athlete. The development of a young athlete should be in sync psychologically, physically and emotionally for the highest level of performance. For example, there can be psychological stress on a junior female athlete who believes her anatomy puts her at a disadvantage to her male counterpart, or on the junior male athlete who is shorter than his classmates. So consideration for psychological well-being, as well as physi- cal realities, should be a developmental part of any training program for junior athletes. PSYCHOLOGICALBALANCE A young person’s reality will demonstrate a complex relationship between physical, psy- chological and emotional health, which is why quality of life improvement is a main ingre- dient of an integrated training program for junior athletes. Self-perceptions for junior golfers can be built through health and fitness exercises that promote body competence and self-esteem. Junior golfers can spend many hours isolated socially without the camarade- rie of teammates and the social challenges of a team sport. Young athletes need activities that are diverse, fast-paced and dexterous to create stimulat- ing environments that help increase golf per- formance, prevent injuries and improve their quality of life. FUNSPORTSBUILDCONFIDENCEANDHEALTH A successful golf training program for young- sters is an integrated mix of activities that are fun, challenge their physical ability and improve their coordination. Physical games that encourage the junior athlete’s intellectual commitment and emotional competence can lead to proficiency in a variety of sports. Research shows that when young athletes re- call previous experiences of success in other sports, they can increase their general ath- letic performance. For instance: Training a right-handed golfer to dribble and shoot a bas- ketball left-handed or teaching a left-handed golfer to throw a football right-handed can de- velop a young athlete’s confidence and overall well-being. With that in mind, here is a typical basketball dribbling drill that might be taught. 1. An instructor sets up 5-10 cones on the ground in a random S-type pattern, spaced approximately 2-3 yards apart. 2. Junior golfers line up on the right side of the cones. Starting with their right hand, they follow the pattern of the cones by weaving in and out of the cones with the ball until they return to the starting point. 3. Once the junior golfers reach the starting point, they switch hands to start the same drill over again with the left hand. Partici- pants can be timed to create a competition. This is a great drill for young golfers because the formative years may be the best time for youth to experience lateral movements that improve the motor skills associated with swinging the golf club, weight transitioning from the top of the golf swing to the impact position and the balancing effect of equal hand dexterity for the prevention of injuries. IMPORTANCE OF MULTI-SPORTTRAINING When creating a systematic and integrated training program for the junior golfer, cre- ativity is important. Unfortunately, traditional golf fitness programs may only include assess- ments, body awareness drills and swing flaw corrections, which can be considered boring. Multi-sport activities, on the other hand, can raise the heart rate over an extended period of time and increase the fun level of training. Certain drills should increase heart rate One of the most enjoyable ways to engage a youthful golfer is to circuit train with multiple sports. By utilizing a multi-sport platform, the junior golfer has the opportunity to move in three different planes of motion. These activ- ities help improve the young golfer’s physical health, mental well-being and overall perfor- mance on the golf course. Just as important, it answers affirmatively the three basic exercise questions: Is it safe? Is it progressive? Is it fun? Dr. Steven Lorick, EdD, MBA, is the CEO of HyBridZone and President of Leadbetter Golf Performance. He is recognized by the Titleist Per- formance Institute, Nike Golf and The National Academy of Sports Medicine as a subject matter expert in golf performance. Dribbling exercises teach dexterity Balanced training includes leg movement