Golf Training Principles That Produce Results

Time is a precious commodity when it comes to golf. We need to set aside time for practice, play and training in addition to managing our jobs, our families and other priorities and interests. Training should be a compliment to our complete process of development for a better game. Let's keep things simple when it comes to golf training by focusing on those things that can make a solid difference in the shortest period of time.

Performing too little is the same as performing too much. In either case, this is not a productive approach. Overtraining is a common problem among elite athletes and it isn't any different for golf. Your body needs an opportunity for repair, remodeling and growth so give it proper rest to see the best results. The opposite effect can also occur which is performing too little. If you follow one of the principles of progressive resistance then you should always use resistance that is greater than what your body is accustomed to.

Power is driven from the core. The abdominal muscles should never be trained in isolation because they are never an isolated movement in golf. Core training serves as the foundation for strength, power, speed and all elements of movement. When performing rotational movements, make sure you set your body in the proper position first. Begin by establishing good posture. Specifically, this means placing your feet about shoulder width apart with chest up, shoulders back and down and navel pulled in. This creates a solid position which actively engages the core so you can achieve optimal training results. When performing rotational movements like wood chops and medicine ball tosses, always check to make sure your movements are core driven.

Muscle integration is superior to isolation. Functional training for golf is a system that focuses on training the body the way it will be used when you compete or play. This makes it the most efficient and effective form of training today. Functional training improves athletic ability, enhances performance, and reduces injuries while developing golf specific movement patterns. The goal becomes not only the development of more efficient patterns of movement, but endurance patterns as well so the motion has a better chance of being repeated swing after swing.

Balance is an essential element. Balance comes in many forms when you think about golf training. Each golfer should strive for improved balance by assessing strength and flexibility discrepancies looking for opportunities of self improvement. Look at your body as individual segments comparing your top half to your bottom. How strong is your upper body compared to your lower body? How does the strength of your mid section compare to the strength of your lower back? Next, take a look at your flexibility. How is the rotation of your shoulder joints on your left arm compared to your right? Is your left side less flexible than your right? Is your lower body tighter than your upper body? Each of these assessments are considerations in seeking a higher functioning, more balanced body for golf. Weaknesses create opportunities for injuries to creep in as well as ways for the body to perform less optimally.

Susan Hill is a fitness trainer, CHEK golf biomechanic and sports nutrition specialist. Her work has been featured in Golf Illustrated, Travel Golf, SELF magazine and Resort living. For on-line golf specific exercises and stretches, visit http://www.fitnessforgolf.com

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Myrtle Beach Golf Vacations and Hurricanes ? How to Weather the Storm

Hurricane season in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina runs from June... Read More

Golf Swing Tips Will Not Work By Themselves

Golf swing tips are rampant! Golfers can't get enough of... Read More

How To Create Better Shoulder Stability For Golf

Shoulder stability is essential to packing a powerful golf swing.... Read More

How To Unleash The Power Of Your Core

The golf swing relies upon core strength, endurance and proper... Read More

Beginner Golf Swing Instruction Tips

If you are a beginner at the fine sport of... Read More

Annika Sorenstam- The Legendary Female Golfer

Even those not normally interested in golf, usually recognize the... Read More

The Golf Training Exercises You Need To Improve Your Game Are Very Simple

Golf training and conditioning exercises are not as difficult as... Read More

Golf Flexibility For The Senior Golfer

Golf flexibility is the biggest term you hear when the... Read More

Improving Your Golf Balance

The need for balance for golf just sounds so simple... Read More

Baggin It Right...Raises Your Game

Even the most casual of golfers needs a golf bag.... Read More

What Are the Best Exercises for the Golfer?

With all the talk about the players on tour getting... Read More

Using A Golf Swing Trainer May Surprise You

Many amateur golfers start out playing golf for fun. Most... Read More

Your Putter Fitted Perfectly in 5 Easy Steps

Ever wonder why putting is so difficult for you? Want... Read More

Fitness Ball Training for Golf

There are many training tools available to help achieve better... Read More

Is Golf Conditioning Exercise Too Strenuous

Is golf conditioning exercise so strenuous that most people will... Read More

5 Easy Steps To Replacing Your Golf Grips

Replacing your golf grips is like servicing your car; you... Read More

Golf on Historic Rice Plantations of South Carolina; a Special Treat! Plan Your Next Golf Vacation!

Nothing could be finer...Just a few short miles south of... Read More

How A Golf Exercise DVD Can Save You Time And Improve Your Game

Using a golf exercise dvd is a great alternative to... Read More

Golf Swing Simulators

Are you looking for a way to play golf during... Read More

What Night Golf Ball should I use for my Glow Ball event?

Believe it or not, there are three different types of... Read More

How to Become a Real Golf Bandit

It all started when he lost three games in succession... Read More

How To Play Better Golf

High handicappers, low handicappers and even the pros consistently have... Read More

Why Golf Swing Training Aids Have Not Worked For You

Golf swing training aids have a bad reputation with most... Read More

Ratings and Ranking Golfers

Who's the best?Who's the best golfer in the world? Not... Read More

History of Golf- How it all Started

Since before the time Mary Queen of Scots was disciplined... Read More

The Size and Weight Of A Golf Ball

Golf ball manufacturers pay attention to how most weekend golfers... Read More

Hogans Real Golf Secret

Ben Hogan's secret was his extraordinary ability to focus. This... Read More

Increase Your Rotational Strength For A More Powerful Golf Swing

Every golfer dreams of a fluid, unhindered golf swing. So... Read More

Golf Stance And Its Physical Requirements

Golf stance is one of the most ignored terms and... Read More

Mental Toughness Training for Golfers: How to Conquer Pre-Game Jitters

The first tee shot can often make or break a... Read More

Understanding The Physics Of The Golf Swing

Some golf players have been able to increase their game... Read More

Do You Know These Benefits Of Golf Schools?

Benefits of Golf Schools are many particularly for the beginners... Read More

The Reason Why Clone Golf Clubs Are Worth It

When it comes to choosing a new set up of... Read More