Teaching Kids Golf Swing: Tips and Drills

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Teaching Kids Golf Swing: Tips and Drills

Golf demands accuracy, calmness, and self-control, making this sport great for kids to build these traits. The basic concept of golf is relatively simple, but it can be one of the most difficult sports to learn because of the techniques kids need to master. Teaching golf to kids can help create a lasting passion for the sport—but it all begins with the swing. Right swing can boost kids’ game a lot, and we've made this guide to teach kids golf swing and help them improve their skills.

Kid Holding Golf Club

Golf Swing Fundamentals For Kids

How kids grip the club is crucial for a good swing. In a junior golf program, kids typically learn about three primary kinds of grips: the overlapping, the interlocking, and the ten-finger grip. With expert golf lessons for kids, they'll get to practice holding the club in different ways to find out what feels right and gives them better control and comfort. Kids need to be taught to stand with their feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight evenly distributed. Straight back, square shoulders, and keeping their head up are the important things to learn.

The club should glide away from the ball right along the target line. Lift the club smoothly back over the shoulder and torso, keeping the grip nice and relaxed. Young golfers need to move their weight from the back to the front foot and engage that core to generate some power. A good follow-through is an indicator that kids have executed their swings correctly.

Also Check: Guide To World's Best Golf Academies & Schools.

How To Teach Kids Golf Swing

Adult teaching golf to kid

If you use these tips to teach kids golf swing, they'll definitely get more interested and their game will get better.

1. Begin with Demonstration.

The first thing to do when teaching kids golf swing is to show them how it’s done right. Take it slow and break it down step-by-step so they can really see what you’re doing. While you’re demonstrating, talk about which muscles are at play and how the energy moves from their body to the ball.

2. Learning Pitch and Putt.

It’s always good for the child to start with short distances and play on a short hole. If there is no chance of playing 9 or 18 holes on a Pitch and Putt, take on the par 3's of the course with a junior golfer. This is the best way to transfer passion for this sport and introduce golf to them.

3. Break Down the Swing Mechanics.

Tell the kids that swinging is like a domino effect starting in the legs and moving up to the clubface to hit the ball. Their hips, shoulders, and wrists should work together well because that makes the difference in how good the swing is.

4. Practice Backswing And Downswing Separately.

It will be easier for children to practice every swing phase individually. Teach the children that the energy for the shot accumulates during the backswing while dissipates during the downswing in striking the ball. Insist on proper posture and weight transfer while executing these movements to get better control.

5. Playing The Target By Approaching.

Set up different targets from an imaginary tee in the approach area, then switch off hitting three shots each towards the imaginary flag, and whoever gets the ball closest scores some points. Approaching close to that marked center is like aiming for a target. Over time, you can push the target a little farther away.

6. Direction and Slopes.

One of the big things to remember when practicing golf is figuring out how to control the direction of the ball so it lands where you want it to. Draw a line with two sticks and a little space toward the hole so kids can try to get the ball to roll between the two edges. As the kid gets the hang of it, stretch that path further away in the same spot where the ball gets kicked.

7. Let’s Talk About Target Alignment.

Getting kids to align properly is super important. Show them that their body and the clubface need to line up with the target. And, just so you know, if they’re not aligned right, it’ll mess up the ball’s path no matter how hard they swing.

8. Show How To Balance Between And Control.

Knowing the balance between power and control is important to develop a smooth pace and tempo throughout the swing. Explain to kids that an extra amount of power can affect precision. Encourage them to influence the club with a neutral grip, with hands set equally on the club. Gently bent their knees to help maintain the consistent swing plane.

9. Use Motion Tracking Devices.

Try tracking their swings with any motion-tracking device available. That tool gives swing speed, swing angles, and feedback data; interpret that in common terms and make some recommendations to improve those areas.

9. Try Props and Tools.

Add props and tools to make learning technical and interesting. Find alignment sticks to help facilitate kids' proper alignment, foam balls that will not hurt them but keep them focused, and swing trainers to reinforce their arm swing and body rotation.

10. Use Visuals and Videos.

Through videos and animations, teaching kids golf swings can be fun. You may show them slow-mo clips of a professional golfer that illustrate how the club face hits the ball at particular angles. This can help them learn grip, golfing stance, and swing mechanics properly.

11. Develop Consistent Practice Routines.

Teaching golf swings with consistency delivers better results. Body routines should include warm-up drills, swing practice, and feedback sessions. Repetition will ultimately help children analyse the movements naturally, coming through in steady improvement.

Simple Golf Swing Drills For Children

Girl Holding Golf Club to swing

Right kids' golf swing drills help them to learn match play rules and winning tactics for golf. Here are some fun golf drills for kids to make learning more efficient:

Practice swings

After getting the basic swing technique down, set to nail different kinds of swings, such as:

  • Grab the club and swing the left arm back until it’s level with the ground. Record kids and check the video to see if their arm is parallel. Take the driver and just take these little slow chips with your right hand. Go much slower than usual to pay great attention to keeping that right arm and hand in the correct spot. 

  • Focus on keeping the kids’ feet side by side. When able to do so, play a slow swing, and push pace faster than half speed. Gradually increase the pace until swinging at full speed.

  • Let kids stand in the normal golfing stance. When coming down, draw the front foot back to the inside of the back foot.

Putting Drills

Putting needs a lot of precision and control, so beginners need some time to get the hang of it. Throw in these putting drills during golf lessons for kids to help them get started:

  • Set up some tees in a circle around a hole or target, keeping it about 3 feet away. When they sink a ball into the hole, they'll continue as they advance from one tee to another.

  • Stick a stuffed animal like 2 feet behind the target or hole. Then test to see if they can get the ball in the hole or past it without hitting the toy.

Chipping Drills

Chipping is super important and honestly, often easier for kids to pick up than driving. Kids get a kick out of seeing how high the ball goes when they nail a chip. These drills will make golf a much more fun activity for them:

  • Create a hula hoop around a hole or target and place balls parallel to each other, 5 ft. apart, over 40 ft.

  • Let the child try to hit the closest ball into the hoop and attempt to chip the ball into the hula hoop. When they make it in, move to the next one, and when they miss, go back and try again.

  • Place a wire basket on the ground near the kid and see how well he can chip the ball into it. Move the basket back 5 feet each time the junior golfer makes it in.

Also Check: How To Play Golf | Guide For Kids & Beginners.

Final words

Kid's golf swing techniques teach them resilience, focus, and self-discipline. It does not only offer muscular strength but also additional improvement of their motor skills and coordination. Teaching a child to swing a golf ball involves patience and slow and steady learning. It entails perfecting the stance, grip, and swing moves. Teaching kids the fundamentals of golf swing will improve their playing experience throughout their lives. We hope this guide helps you with teaching kids the best golf swing. Good luck!