Confidence Building For Junior Golfers

One of the challenges about being a young person is dealing with what feels like is a constant comparison to other people. This is true at school, in one's social circles, at home, and in the golf arena.

What many young people inevitably do during this time of analysis is begin to feel somewhat insecure about certain aspects of who they are. "I'm shorter than everyone." "I'm taller than everyone." "I'm skinnier than everyone". "I'm heavier than everyone."

This type of thinking leaks into golf, creating insecurities about the game. "I can't hit it as far as most kids." "I don't putt as well as he does." "We don't have as much money so I don't get the instruction that she does."

When this is going on inside one's head, it is very difficult to "play your own game". Instead, junior players often try to be someone they are not, try to keep up with what others are doing, or try to do things that are not in their capacity.

Not only does this emphasis on what others are doing frequently hurt a player's confidence, it also regularly impacts course management decisions. Among the common mistakes:

?Unconsciously pulling the driver out of their bag in order to hit it as far off the tee as possible.

?Automatically pulling 3-wood for the second shot into a Par 5.

?Consistently "under clubbing" by falsely believing certain clubs are hit further than actual results indicate.

?Making high risk/low reward shot selection decisions.

?Swinging the club harder to try to hit it further.

The solution to this is to be honest and objective about what strengths and capabilities you bring to the course as a player. This is what is referred to as "playing within yourself". Once you recognize and acknowledge what works for you, you will begin to play the game in the way that is best for you, rather than playing the game in order to try to do what others are doing or the way you think it should be done.

The truth is, whether judging against others in life or in golf, we will always find someone who is better at something than we are. It is hard to get our ego out of the way and lay up when our competitor can get there in two. It is difficult emotionally to hit 5-iron to a Par-3 hole when our competitor hits a 9-iron. It is a challenge to continue doing what you're doing if you see a competitor who is successful doing something different.

In life, those that are constantly following others lose a sense of who they really are. In golf, those that are distracted by others often get lost in constantly changing their game. Be like the best players in the world. The most successful golfers of any age figure out what they're good at, understand what works for them, and then make a commitment to stick to it.

Be the best player with what you have, rather than trying to be something that you're not.

Jeff served as Director of Mental Training for David Leadbetters Golf Academies, where he was instrumental in assisting in the development of the training programs and methodology that continues to produce golf champions around the world. Jeff works with several touring professionals and amateur players - assisting them in the creation of optimal training plans and developmental strategies. For more inforamtion on mental and physical training for golf, go to http://www.fitnessforgolf.com.

---

A Valuable Golf Workout Tip

Here is a golf workout tip that you can afford... Read More

Golf Fitness Training Made Easy?And Anyone Can Do It

Golf fitness training might sound grueling, sweaty and a lot... Read More

How to Unleash Your True Golf Potential (Part 1)

Time and time again we see today's golfers out on... Read More

Golf Grub

GOLO GOLF GRUB Fuel for the golfer."A good diet can... Read More

Improve Your Golf Game Using the Unlimited Power of Your Imagination

Today, it seems, that many people are all too familiar... Read More

Putting Causing You Some Problems?

You can be the greatest golfer alive but if you... Read More

Golf Exercise And Fitness? And Why You Can No Longer Ingnore It

No golfer can afford to ignore golf exercise and fitness... Read More

How to Develop More Consistency in the Golf Swing

Imagine every one of your shots in the middle of... Read More

Perfect Golf Swing Is Within Reach

The perfect golf swing. Aren't we all look for it?... Read More

Facts and Fallacies of Strength Training for Golf

Various aspects of golf training have expanded rapidly, but one... Read More

History of Golf- How it all Started

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

5 Easy Steps to Cleaning Your Golf Clubs and Improving Your Game

How can you lower your scores by simply cleaning your... Read More

Warm Up With A Back Exercise For Golf

Let's face it, if you are a passionate golfer who... Read More

Getting to the Core of the Problem with Your Golf Game

How do you fix it? Well, there's no magic core... Read More

Tips for Buying Used Golf Clubs

Used golf clubs can be great for those who are... Read More

Golf Fitness: The Quickest Way To Play Better Golf

Golf has always been viewed as a game of leisure.... Read More

Gaining the Correct Golf Swing Plane

The golf swing plane is the direction that your golf... Read More

Why Golf Fitness Stretch Training Is Important

Golf fitness stretch training is such an important part of... Read More

Backspin Advice

Lately, I have received many requests for 2 things.1. Advice... Read More

Discover How Golf Schools Can Help You Play Better

Services offered by Golf Schools need to be analyzed before... Read More

How Important Is A Golf Fitness Program

A golf fitness program can make the difference between you... Read More

Selecting A Golf Gift That No Golfer Will Forget

Even as you contemplate on getting a golf gift for... Read More

5 Easy Steps To Replacing Your Golf Grips

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

Learning The Correct Golf Instruction Swing Sequence

There are three segments of the golf instruction swing sequence.... Read More

What Are Custom Golf Clubs

Custom golf clubs are anything from a single club to... Read More

Effective Golf Fitness Equipment

Golf fitness equipment is designed to help a golfer build... Read More

The One Lever Golf Swing Involves Chipping And Putting

The one lever golf swing involves chipping and putting. To... Read More

Today?s Golf Schools Bring In The Elements Of Instruction And Fitness

What comes to mind when you think of golf lessons... Read More

How Golf Training Can Transform Your Game

Golf training has been brought to the masses thanks to... Read More

Are You Fully Committed to Playing Your Best Golf?

After taking golf lessons and/or attempting to make changes in... Read More

A Good Swing Starts with a Strong Base of Support

A good golf swing starts with a strong base of... Read More

How Power Play Golf Fitness Has Changed The Game

The sensational entry into the game by legendary golfer Tiger... Read More

Shoulder Stretches for Golf

Performing shoulder exercises and stretches are important to ensuring that... Read More