Jeff Troesch, MA, LMHC
Mental Golf Expert
The Mental Game is devoted to golf sport psychology topics and issues. On a regular basis, we will select a topic pertaining to Sport Psychology and offer insights, research findings, information and answer questions from our readers. Whether you are a junior golfer looking to learn how to stay more relaxed and focused during a round, a parent seeking useful information on supporting and helping your golfer, or a coach exploring new and innovative practice techniques, this page is for you.

For more information on Jeff's programs, contact him at: jefftroesch@sbcglobal.net or 760-408-8480


GET HELP WITH A PRACTICE PLAN

by Jeff Troesch
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Among my clients one of the recurring discussions I have with various junior golfers and their parents revolves around how much a player should be practicing. Unfortunately, this question frequently creates conflict in many households, as parents are either concerned that their child is not spending enough time preparing adequately, or in fewer instances, they are concerned that their child is over training.

It is critical that there be consensus built in the family around how much time will be dedicated to golf activities on the part of the player. If there is conflict around this, often the player will feel guilty when not practicing and resentful when they are practicing. On the other hand, parents who have committed time and money to their child’s golf development have a right to demand a certain level of commitment on the part of their kid.

My recommendation in these instances is that the family uses their professional golf coach or coaches as the arbitrator of this question. If there is a question regarding how much practice, what type of practice, and for how long, I strongly propose that this question be left in the hands of someone who has the ultimate knowledge base regarding these questions. It is mind boggling to me how many parents spend loads of money on golf lessons and training for their kids, and yet still want to weigh in with their opinions on how much their child should train and what they should be working on. My short response to this concern is to say, “Let the coaches coach, and let’s let the parents parent”. It is difficult for some parents to let go of their desire to manage their child’s development, and some feel that they have a right to do so. I will not argue whether or not they have a right- but I will debate what is effective for the child and for the family system as a whole. Putting the burden on the instructor/coach to develop a practice plan for the young golfer is part of the professional’s job. If you are getting instruction from someone who is reluctant to provide input into the practice plan, you have the wrong instructor

Let’s reduce the tension in the family around the whole issue of golf practice, by asking the golf professional to assist in developing this. Let’s increase the enjoyment that each kid and the entire family can have by being clear about the path toward one’s golf goals, and being committed to adhering to that path. This way the parent/child relationship can be preserved, and the most competent person in the system- the golf professional- will determine how much, when, and what type of training in which to engage.

Archive

    

GET HELP WITH A PRACTICE PLAN

    You're Never To Good To Learn
    The Importance of Your Pre-shot Routine
    Seeing College Golf as a Beginning
    Golf as a Team Sport
    Pre-round Warm Up
    Stableford System Mentality
    How To Keep it Low
    Pre-round Preparation
    Take Full Response Ability
    Fear is Normal
    Swing Thoughts
    Playing On A Team
    Avoiding the Big Number
    Missing Your Shots
    Playing at the "Next Level"
    Be Emotional on the Golf Course
    Full-Time Junior Golf Academies
    Create a Mental Checklist
    Line or No Line?
    Identify Your Tendencies
    How To Keep The Past From Repeating Itself
    Have a Play for Slow Play
    5 Keys to Mental Toughness for Junior Golfers
    Alternate Shot Mentality
    Perseverance - The Fifth
    You Can Achieve Anything You Want
    Pre-Shot Routine
    Confidence in Competition
    Are You Mentally Tough Enough?
    Match Play Thoughts in Stroke Play
    Where Do You Want the Ball to Go?
    Mental Exercise for Winter
    4 Easy Ways to Take your Golf Practice to the Course
    Are You Taking Enough Risk with Golf… You Won’t Believe the Reward
    Assess, Don't Guess
    Anticipate or Expect?
    Just Because You Can, Doesn't Mean You Should
    Tolerance for Frustration
    Golf Course Mental Preparation for Junior Golfers
    Think about Where not How to Hit the Ball
    How Do You Define Success?
    Getting the Most Out of Your Golf Lesson
    Good Mental Warm-Up is Essential for Peak Performance
    Challenges for Junior Golfers
     Helping Junior Players Take Responsibility
    Post-Shot Tip for Juniors
    Build a Callous
    Go for a Solid ACE
    Maintain Patience – The Fourth “P”
    Be Positive - The Third "P"
    Prepare for the Future - The Second "P"
    Be Present – The First “P”
    You Play Like You Think
    Go For What You Want
    Junior Golfers Should Shift Their Attention
    Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable
    How Do You Respond?
    Are You a Scientist or a Judge When it Comes to Evaluating Your Golf Performance?
    Do You Have Passion for the Game?
    Remember Your Permanent Golf Traits
    How Does a Junior Golfer Learn Best?
    Stay Motivated to Play Your Best Golf
    Are You Fully Committed?