 One of the most frequent questions
I am asked at tournaments I attend or over the
phone, is "what are the critical factors for
success with junior players?"
In my experience as a former junior golf Dad
and in working with junior players here in
Richmond, VA, I have come to believe that the
two most important factors are having a plan
and intensity. Let me briefly talk about
each.
Being successful in this sport cannot happen
by accident. Both the parents and the player
have to have a plan to maximize the chances
for success. To me that means sitting down and
talking about schoolwork and it's importance,
tournaments to play, calendar scheduling, and
planning time for practice and instruction. It
has to be somewhat formal, where dedicated
time is taken to have a plan for at least the
next three months and maybe even six months or
a year.
The other factor is intensity. By intensity I
mean the player has desire, focus,
committment, and is willing to make goals and
make them known to others. The most important
of these is desire because it drives all the
others. With no desire or passion, there will
be no drive to succeed. This most important
characteristic will be seen in behaviors such
as always asking go to the course, wanting to
learn more by asking questions, and
challenging themselves to achieve personal
bests even when they practice (25 5 footers in
a row). A championship desire never needs to
be asked "don't you want to...?" by their
parents. More about focus, committment, and
goals in later columns.
So when a player is taking stock of where they
have to be to succeed, ask the
questions "What's our plan?" and "How much
intensity is shown by the player?"
Play well everybody!
|
Back to News & Views