Instruction
6 keys to coaching the current generation of junior golfers
The old, authoritarian approach to coaching does not work with this generation of junior golfers. We live in a vastly different era than what we as coaches and parents experienced, and referencing “what I did when I was your age” is simply not taking the time to understand the current junior golfers.
Communication is the foundation to coaching, and taking the time to understand how to better communicate with junior players will allow for faster, more in-depth understanding, more detailed and precise practice — and the ultimate goal, improved results and enjoyment.
When looking at the development and progression of the junior golfer, we must first understand the personality traits of this player. Using tools like a mental golf workshop profile allows coaches to have a better understanding of a player’s mind and how to best coach the player in a way that will appeal to his or her mindset.
So many golfers are in a rush to get results, and it’s especially prevalent in today’s junior golfers. There are always going to be standouts in junior golf, the players who have advanced far faster than their age group. The unfortunate thing is that most parents compare their child to these standout players, which often isn’t fair. A few years later, the playing field can level out, especially in a life-long game like golf.
Our role as coaches and parents is to help our junior golfers in understanding that small, incremental improvements are ones that build strong foundation and character. With these consistent improvements players will gain confidence, understanding and can to progress to a level of performance that they never imagined.
How do we do this? Here are 6 keys to coaching the current generation of junior golfers.
Developing the athlete in every player
This generation of golfers as a whole spends less time outdoors, less time playing sports and less time in good posture than generations past. This means players, coaches and parents need to spend far more time and effort developing the athlete in junior golfers.
Starting from the ground up, there needs to be a focus on connection to the ground through balance and stability, followed by creating the correct hinge in the pelvis and consistent posture. This will allow junior golfers to make far more consistent, dynamic movements and maintain better connection and angles throughout the motion.
A junior golfer undergoing a physical screening.
Of course, physical screenings will also help target imbalances in a young golfer’s body, which when combined with proper posture and mechanics helps reduce the chance of injury — for the rest of their junior golf careers and beyond.
Playing the instant-gratification game
We all live in a world fueled by instant gratification. Cell phones and social media allows us all the instant gratification of getting what we want when we want it for the most part, and this is especially true in younger golfers. Waiting for results is something that players are just not willing to do, and this hurts development when a junior golfer’s “buy in” to change and hard work has weakened.
Coaching juniors needs to be structured around players feeling a sense of achievement throughout their lesson, practice and the process of becoming a better player.
Becoming a tech-privy coach
The current generation of junior golfers is more visual than ever. They spend an enormous percentage of their free time looking at screens, whether it be their cell phones, computers or televisions.
Coaches should use this to their advantage with visual technologies. K-Vest, Zepp, Blast Golf, Trackman and other new technologies have visual components that can help the growth and development of junior golfers. They can aid them in immediately feeling the correct motion and getting instant feedback, as well as provide a sense of success and achievement (which you now know is vital to improvement).
Bio-feedback training is one of the greatest inclusions to our sport. While it has been around for a while, tools such are K-Vest allow us to help junior golfers gain improved awareness of their body motions. This allows golfers (especially juniors) to feel a stronger trust in the changes and motions they are making. It also offers them instant feedback when they make the correct movement patterns.
Creating a timeline for success
Competition is tougher than ever in junior golf, and as a result, heightened pressure and expectations are being placed on junior players from every angle. It is very easy for players to overestimate their current level of play by confusing where they want to be as a player with where they really are, and their parents, coaches and peers can make the matter worse.
The first step to creating a timeline for success is for a junior golfer to honestly assess their game through tournament average, GHIN Handicap, skills testing, Trackman combines and other assessment tools. Once a player has assessed their game, then it’s time to make a realistic timeline to succeed.
Goal setting is extremely important in young players, as it gives them something to work toward. Players need to be conscious of HOW to set goals. Having goals like “get into a great college” or “play on the PGA Tour” are great, because they gives them hope, but big, broad goals can also lead to frustration along the way. Players need to break their major goals into smaller, more manageable and attainable goals. They can set goals daily, weekly, monthly, etc., and this way they are going to get a sense of achievement while understanding the natural progression to becoming a great player.
Mastering the plan
Having a plan is like having a GPS; it allows juniors to remain on course, and when they detour slightly it gives them direction to get back on the right track. That’s why it’s so important that junior players develop a plan for every area of their game. This plan needs to include:
- Athletic/Fitness Drills: Drills that are based around creating correct posture, body motion and dynamic movements matching that of the golf swing.
- Generic Drills: To be completed away from the golf ball, but with specific movement patterns relating to the golf swing.
- Motion Drills: These drills include the golf ball, and are split up into blocks/repetitions.
Serious junior golfers need a plan for every area of their game. But first, they must understand WHAT they are working on and WHY they are working on it. By doing this, it ensures they understand their plan and the improvement this plan will offer.
A plan must include two-to-three different phases of training:
- Technical training
- Pre-competition training
- Competition training
Breaking a plan into different phases allows players to work very hard on swing adjustments, short game, putting, mental process, and strength and conditioning during times between tournaments and in the offseason. Prior to playing tournaments, junior golfers want to reduce the technical work and increase the focus on routines, feel and start getting in to a more competitive mindset to aid with peak performance.
Challenging your junior golfers
Junior Players are more competitive than ever, and as opposed to countless hours of blocked practice (practicing the same skill over and over in large blocks/reps), juniors need to work through their plan and then finish each session by testing their skills and competing.
During practice, set up small skills challenges/games against other players, coaches and parents, etc. This will have them leaving the practice range in a competitive mindset, and they’ll learned to be less focused on technique when they’re under the gun.
The LPGA Tour is kicking off its 2026 season this week at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando, and the pros are dealing with something most Florida golfers rarely face: freezing temperatures.
“It’s colder here than in the UK at the minute, which is a first,” said England’s Charley Hull during Wednesday’s media day at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.
Even Lydia Ko, who lives at Lake Nona, seemed surprised by the cold snap. “We’re pretty much getting to below zero in celsius here, which maybe in other parts of the country they would be thankful, but when you’re in Florida it is a little bit of a surprise,” she said.
If the world’s best players are adjusting their games for cold weather, recreational golfers should, too. Here’s how to play smart when the mercury drops.
Understand What Cold Does to Your Game
Before you change anything, you need to know what you’re fighting against. Cold air is denser than warm air, which means your ball won’t fly as far. Period.
Hull noticed this immediately during practice rounds at Lake Nona. She mentioned hitting a gap wedge into the 18th hole during a previous win but needing a 4-iron during Tuesday’s practice round. That’s a difference of four or five clubs for the same shot.
Action item: Expect to lose 5-10 yards on every club in your bag when temperatures dip below 50 degrees. Plan accordingly and don’t be stubborn about club selection.
Layer Up Without Restricting Your Swing
Hull admitted she wore three pairs of pants during practice. While that might be extreme for most of us, staying warm is critical to playing well in cold conditions.
Your muscles need warmth to function properly. When you’re cold, your body tightens up and your swing gets shorter and faster. Neither of those things help you hit good golf shots.
Action item: Wear multiple thin layers instead of one bulky jacket. Look for golf-specific cold weather gear that stretches with your swing. Keep hand warmers in your pockets between shots. And don’t forget a good hat because you lose significant body heat through your head.
Take More Club Than You Think You Need
This is where ego gets in the way of good scores. When it’s cold, the ball doesn’t compress as well off the clubface. Combined with denser air, you’re looking at serious distance loss.
The pros at Lake Nona are dealing with a course that measures 6,642 yards but plays much longer this week. If they’re adjusting, you should too.
Action item: Take at least one extra club on every approach shot. In temperatures below 40 degrees, consider taking two extra clubs. It’s better to fly the ball to the back of the green than to come up short in a bunker.
Adjust Your Expectations on the Greens
Cold weather affects putting in ways most golfers don’t consider. The ball is harder and doesn’t roll as smoothly. Your hands are cold, making it harder to feel the putter. And if there’s any moisture on the greens, they’ll be slower than normal.
Ko mentioned that she still sometimes reads the greens wrong at Lake Nona despite being a member for years. Cold weather makes that challenge even tougher.
Action item: Hit putts more firmly than usual. The ball needs extra speed to hold its line on cold greens. Take a few extra practice strokes to get a feel for the speed before you putt.
Embrace the Mental Challenge
Hull said something interesting about cold weather golf: “I like the mental toughness of it.”
That’s the right attitude. Everyone on the course is dealing with the same conditions. The player who stays patient and doesn’t get frustrated by the extra difficulty will come out ahead.
Action item: Lower your expectations by a few strokes. If you normally shoot 85, accept that 90 might be a good score in 40-degree weather. Focus on solid contact and smart decisions rather than perfect shots.
Warm Up Longer and Smarter
This might be the most important tip of all. Cold muscles are tight muscles, and tight muscles get injured easily.
World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul revealed she’s been protecting a wrist injury that bothered her late last season. Cold weather makes those kinds of injuries more likely if you don’t prepare properly.
Action item: Spend at least 20 minutes warming up before your round. Start with stretching, then hit easy wedge shots before working up to your driver. Keep moving between shots on the course to maintain body heat and flexibility.
The pros at Lake Nona this week will adapt and compete at the highest level despite the cold. You can do the same at your local course by following these tips and keeping a positive attitude.
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “Playing Through” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.
Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!
Brooks Koepka is back on the PGA Tour, and whether you love him or hate him, the guy knows how to win when it matters. After his LIV Golf stint, the five-time major champion returns this week at the Farmers Insurance Open.
What makes Koepka fascinating? He doesn’t fit the mold. His swing isn’t textbook. He doesn’t obsess over mechanics. Yet he’s won three PGA Championships and two U.S. Opens, regularly making it look easier than guys with prettier swings.
So, what can average golfers learn from someone who treats the game so differently? Quite a bit.
Stop Overthinking Every Shot
Koepka describes his approach as “reactionary” rather than mechanical. While most tour pros grind over swing thoughts, Brooks sees the target and hits it. No mental checklist.
This might be the most valuable lesson for weekend golfers who’ve watched too many YouTube swing videos.
How to actually do this:
On the range, hit five balls where you stare at the target for three seconds prior to addressing the ball. Don’t think about grip or stance. Just burn that target into your brain. You’ll be shocked at how pure you hit it when your brain focuses on where the ball is going instead of how you’re swinging.
Next time you play, give yourself a rule: Once you pull the club, you’ve got 15 seconds to hit. Koepka is one of the fastest players on tour because he doesn’t give his brain time to sabotage him.
If you feel tension in your hands at address, you’re trying to control too much. Koepka’s grip pressure is famously light. Loosen up until the club almost feels like it might slip, then add just enough pressure to hold on. That’s your swing thought: soft hands, see the target.
This approach works better under pressure. When you’re standing over that shot with water left and OB right, the last thing you need is a mental checklist. See it, feel it, hit it.
Play to Your Strengths (Even If They’re Not Pretty)
Koepka uses a strong grip that wouldn’t pass muster in some teaching circles. But he’s built his game around what works for him, elite driving distance and recovery skills. He doesn’t try to be someone he’s not.
Here’s how to build your game like Brooks:
Look at your last five rounds and figure out where you’re actually gaining strokes. Bombing it off the tee, but can’t hit greens? Lean into it. Play courses where distance matters more than precision. On tight holes, grip down on your 3-wood instead of trying to thread a driver through a keyhole you’ll miss seven times out of ten.
Koepka knows he can scramble, so he’s not afraid to miss greens. If you’re deadly from 50 to 75 yards, start leaving yourself those distances on the par 5’s instead of going for them in two every time.
Know when to take your medicine. Koepka in the trees at the PGA? He’s punching out to 100 yards, not trying to bend a 6-iron around three oaks. You’re in the rough with a flyer lie and water short? Hit your 8-iron to the middle and move on. That’s not playing scared, that’s playing smart.
Save Your Best for When It Counts
Here’s a wild stat: Koepka’s putting average in majors is often more than a full stroke better per round than in regular events. He elevates when pressure is highest.
How does an amateur tap into that gear? It’s not about trying harder, it’s about caring differently.
Here’s what actually works:
Decide which rounds matter to you. Club championship? Member-guest? That annual trip with college buddies? Circle those dates and treat them differently. Koepka doesn’t care much about regular tour events, but majors? That’s when he locks in.
Two weeks before your big round, change your practice. Stop beating balls mindlessly. Play nine holes in which every shot has consequences. Miss the fairway? Hit from the rough on the next hole too. Three-putt? Twenty push-ups. Koepka’s practice intensity ramps up before majors because he’s rehearsing pressure, not just swings.
Develop a between-shot routine that resets your brain. Koepka is famous for his blank expression after bad shots. Try this: After any shot, take three deep breaths while walking, then find something specific to notice, a tree, a cloud, someone’s shirt. That’s your reset button. By the time you reach your ball, the last shot is gone.
The Bottom Line
Brooks Koepka’s return reminds us there’s no single path to success in golf. His “substance over style” approach proves that results matter more than looking good.
You don’t need a perfect swing; you need a reliable one that holds up under pressure. You don’t need to hit every shot in the book; you need the shots you can count on. And you don’t need to play great every time; you need to play great when it matters.
Welcome back, Brooks. Thanks for the reminder that golf is ultimately about getting the ball in the hole, not winning style points.
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “Playing Through” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.
Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!
Blades Brown made a big impression last week in the California desert, and not just because he’s only 18. He put up numbers that would catch any weekend golfer’s attention. Most of us won’t hit 317-yard drives or find 86% of our greens in regulation, but there’s a lot to learn from how Brown managed his game at The American Express.
Here are three practical lessons from his performance that you can use on your own course this weekend.
Step 1: Give Priority to Accuracy Over Distance Off The Tee
Brown’s driving stats are impressive. He averaged almost 318 yards off the tee, ranking 12th in the field. More importantly, he hit 76.79% of his fairways, tying for fourth place in the tournament.
Think about that ratio for a second. Brown could have swung harder, chased more distance and tried to overpower the course. Instead, he played smart golf and kept his ball in play.
Your Action Item: Next time you’re on the tee box, ask yourself a simple question before pulling the driver. Do you need maximum distance here, or do you need to be in the fairway? If there’s trouble lurking or the hole doesn’t demand every yard you can muster, take something off your swing. Grip down an inch. Make a three-quarter swing. Do whatever it takes to find the short grass. Brown’s approach illustrates that fairways lead to greens, and greens lead to birdies. He made 22 of them last week, along with an eagle.
The math is simple. When you’re hitting three out of every four fairways like Brown did, you’re giving yourself legitimate looks at the green with your approach shots. That’s when scoring happens.
Step 2: Commit To Hitting More Greens
This is where Brown really separated himself. He hit 62 of 72 greens in regulation, an 86.11% clip that tied for first in the entire field. Read that again. An 18-year-old kid tied for the lead in one of the most important ball-striking statistics in professional golf.
How did he do it? By keeping his ball in the fairway (see Step 1) and giving himself clean looks with mid-irons and wedges.
Your Action Item: Start tracking your greens in regulation. You don’t need a fancy app or a statistics degree. Just mark down whether you hit the green in the regulation number of strokes. Par 3s in one shot. Par 4s in two shots. Par 5s in three shots.
Once you know your baseline, set a goal to improve it by 10%. If you’re currently hitting five greens per round, aim for six. The beauty of this approach is that it forces you to think strategically about club selection and shot shape. Brown’s strokes gained approach number was positive (0.179), meaning he was better than the field average. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be on the dance floor more often.
When you hit more greens, you eliminate the need for heroic short game shots. Brown only had to scramble 10 times all week, and he got up and down 70% of the time. That’s solid, but the real story is that he rarely put himself in scrambling situations to begin with.
Step 3: Minimize Mistakes And Stay Patient
Here’s the stat that jumps off the page: Brown made only three bogeys all week. Three. In four rounds of professional golf against the best players in the world.
He also made just one double bogey. That kind of clean card doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you play within yourself, avoid the big miss and trust that pars are never bad scores.
Your Action Item: Before your next round, decide that you’re going to play boring golf. No hero shots over water. No driver on tight holes just because you can. No aggressive pins when there’s a safe side of the green.
Brown’s performance shows us that consistency beats flash every single time. He didn’t lead the field in any single strokes gained category, but he was solid across the board. That’s how you post numbers and cash checks.
Give these three steps a try. Your scorecard will thank you.
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “The Starter” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.
Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!
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Steven
Nov 10, 2016 at 2:48 pm
It is funny how many of the comments completely miss the arguments in the article. The article acknowledges that people in previous years would “find it in the dirt” but that the new generation doesn’t learn that way. Grant may have said the “game” is different, but the article is talking about the way people learn. He is 100% correct. New neuroscience research indicates “finding it in the dirt” is the least effective way to learn a motor skill. While some people may have succeeded doing that (there are exceptions), most just found a flawed swing. Spaced, variable, interleaved, and assessment based learning is the fastest way to develop motor skills (and educational learning as well, but not part of this article).
The article also discusses the new generation of golfer. The argument here is that “finding it in the dirt” won’t motivate this generation and will cause them to play other sports or not really improve. Visual aids, technology, and other devices are both fun and the way millennials encode information for learning. Trying to get a feel player to use tech doesn’t work. I think Grant’s argument is that the new generation is more visual/tech learners than the older feel players.
I applaud Grant’s work because it is based on research. If the data indicates something doesn’t work, then let’s stop using the same method. Let’s progress to new teaching.
Smokin' Gun
Nov 10, 2016 at 9:01 pm
Yawn…
4right
Nov 8, 2016 at 10:36 am
The opening sentence should have read “in my opinion”. What kind of life experiences can you have at your age saying the way a person like me teaches juniors is better??? I sat next to Harvey Penick in Austin, you know who Harvey was right? He taught the best way ever, you have no clue what you are talking about… I’m 83 years old and have played golf over 75 years…
Looper
Nov 8, 2016 at 11:10 am
The author is correct in saying the game has changed… They play now using a golf ball, golf clubs, and a golf course, trying to make it the least amount of strokes possible… Ok, ok, the game is exactly the same, it hasn’t change in any way shape or form. I play today like I played 30 years ago… Crazy article, zero experience…
Stooooop typing!
Nov 7, 2016 at 9:12 pm
Seriously! What’s with the long stupid comments
Rors
Nov 7, 2016 at 9:37 pm
Best comment ever!!!!
Grant Balcke
Nov 7, 2016 at 7:55 pm
Thank you all for your comments and feedback on your views on Junior Golf and every comment has its valid points.
The goal behind this article is the educate Coaches, Players and Parents to the differences in the game now, How to better communicate the message to Juniors and the highlight the importance of having a PLAN to get a player from where they are NOW to their GOAL.
I have taught Junior players in 3 countries over the past 12 years and from all demographics. Beginner, Tour Player, Young, Middle aged, Elderly, Wealthy and the less fortunate and regardless of the level, the financial backing a player has they still need a PLAN and to understand WHAT they are working on and towards and WHY they are working on it.
I also grew up ‘Digging it out of the dirt’ ‘Playing local Muni Courses’ and yes Commitment, Heart, Determination and many other attributes make for great players.
Great players will come from a variety of different backgrounds, different countries and different opportunity and there is no ONE way to do it all we can try to do as Coaches and Instructors is give the best possible opportunity to each and every player.
A coach should never feel HE / SHE is the reason a player went to college, went to the next level, all we can do is give the best advice and opportunity possible and treat every player as the individual they are.
If player and Coach or Player and Parent can share a common goal and be working in the same direction towards that goal anything is possible and this is true no matter the age or level of play.
Growing the game of golf and maintaining the enjoyment at every level is always extremely important and something that Parents and Coaches should always place as top priority.
Lets give the best advice we can from the knowledge and experience we have both as coaches and as players to help the next generation of players achieve their goals.
Mark
Nov 7, 2016 at 2:02 pm
I coach HS golf. I’ve sent three players to the next level in the last four years. I focus on competition and short game. I see so many of these juniors with these pretty swings, but no heart. If they end up under a tree, half of them can’t figure out how to get up and down. Drive for show, putt for dough.
prime21
Nov 7, 2016 at 5:01 pm
You’ve “sent” or you’ve “watched” 3 players go to the next level? How does drive for show, putt for dough even apply here? Are you teaching them to putt from under a tree? Are they recovering from being under a tree (3 shots) or truly getting up and down from under a tree? Either way, does that really measure the amount of “heart” they have? Your commentary leaves me with more questions than answers, which is never good for a post. Perhaps YOU should have put more heart into your effort here.
Smokin' Gun
Nov 7, 2016 at 12:51 am
Don’t agree that this is what it takes. The difference between excellence and mediocrity is COMMITMENT!!! Anyone could be great, you are burning out these juniors…
Rors
Nov 7, 2016 at 11:09 am
On point!!!
Smokin' Gun
Nov 7, 2016 at 12:47 am
This is basically saying kids going about their golf in other ways will not get to a higher level…This article is so misleading in every way. I’m in my mid 20’s, have played golf since I was about 8 or 9. I Played golf, no lessons, just me, my brothers, and my pop. I played to scratch at about 14, and won several events, was even recruited by my university. Determination, heart, and commitment… I would put how I did it against any of your machines any day…
Sometimes a Smizzle
Nov 7, 2016 at 9:23 pm
Not to mention some luck finding a good swing or your pop taught you well. If you can play to a scratch handicap at 14 then i hope you are better now.
Smokin' Gun
Nov 7, 2016 at 9:58 pm
Play to +3.1. I am working fulltime now, but still play all the big USGA amateur events. Got thru the first round of last years US open Q, only to lay an egg the next round. I have qualified for my state open the last 3 years, and my highest finish is T10… Will remain an Am just because it’s not my job, just my passion… My dad sucked as a golfer, but was a major champion as a dad… Never forced, never yelled, never disappointed, he said things just are what they are… He’s 91 and still plays. Thanks for the support…
Pingback: 6 keys to coaching the current generation of junior golfers – Swing Update
Fuzz
Nov 6, 2016 at 3:43 pm
Agree 100% with all of this, great summary. Only thing I would say is the players pictured probably represent the top 1% of junior players. Keep it fun should be a top priority, it’s more than ok to have a generation of casual golfers as well.
Par4
Nov 7, 2016 at 12:30 am
Probably less than 1%, and one thing they forget to mention is the cost of all this. 50-75K a year (including academics) at these golf schools. IMG, Bender, etc… Growing up there was no way my parents could afford that, let alone I would never want them too… I grew up on a dusty muni, learned to take it out of the dirt, rocks and stuff, and loved everyday I played. My dad would toss the ball around and I would find a way. I see kids on the range everyday being instructed, nothing wrong with it, but they don’t know how to play… My dad was the one and only influence I needed, he helped me learn to play my way. I Played in high school and was fortunate enough to play 3 years in college.
Par4
Nov 7, 2016 at 12:34 am
Agreed, plus coaching like that is ultra expensive. Makes the percentage even less than 1%. The one problem I witness is that these kids are all coached up and they don’t have the most important ingredient, they can’t play a lick on course…
prime21
Nov 7, 2016 at 4:53 pm
What kids are you looking at? An example of a few does not make for an example of all. The one formula which will never change is that if someone wants it bad enough, regardless of their age, they will work it out. However, determination alone cannot defeat poor form/mechanics, period, no matter what sport you are talking about. Obviously “your way” worked for you, but what if your goal(s) had been to play at a D1 college, or on Tour? Would you have accomplished your goals then? I am not coming at YOU in any way, shape, or form, I am, however, calling out your use of a blanket statement, which I find to be simply ridiculous. “I did it this way, so everyone should do it this way” is a selfish, jaded perspective that only carries weight for the individual that made the statement. Much like your statement, there are many “blanket” comments used in this article as well, though I believe you both had the best of intentions in mind. Trying to figure out how to be on the “same wavelength” as today’s youth is certainly a challenge, especially if one is 10 to 20 years older than their student. However, it is no different now than it used to be, in that a great coach must figure out how to communicate with each of their students on a personal level. If we compared 1984 to 2000 and 2000 to 2016 it would be easy to spot differential. Great instructors, however, will be able to spot the similarities. They will be able to communicate with their 10 year old student just as well as their 16, 28, and 65 year old students. Is your father a great instructor? I’m guessing probably not. Was your father a great instructor for you? Absolutely he was. Because in the end, all great instructors share 1 common trait, they CARE about their student & they care about the outcome. Having the ability to connect on a personal level is what separates good instructors from GREAT instructors, period. Then and only then can a great Coach determine the best course of action for their student, using whatever aid, technology, or form of feedback that will work best for each individual student.
The article states, “Coaching juniors needs to be structured around players feeling a sense of achievement throughout their lesson, practice and the process of becoming a better player”. Should this be viewed any different with a student at the age of 40? I think not. Differentiation makes things harder, not easier. It is the same now as it was then, and as it always will be, successful instruction occurs when Student & Teacher are on the same wavelength, working towards achieving the same goal(s). “Right and Wrong” can only be recognized through trial and error and should be determined on a case by case basis, period. What worked for one may very well work for another, but then again, it also may prove to be detrimental. That is up to each individual to decide. There is no perfect for everyone, but everyone can find perfect for themselves!
Rors
Nov 7, 2016 at 8:25 pm
Blah blah blah…