The First Tee Drill Works On Balance

We’ve just wrapped up spring Volunteer orientation and training. Many of our new and returning volunteers joined us to get re-acclimated and excited for 2018. A big thank you to all in attendance! During training, one volunteer noted it always seems as if the boys in class are trying to ‘swing out of their shoes’ and fall all over the place wanting to hit it far while the girls seem so ‘in control’ of their shots. While this analogy doesn’t hold true for all the boys and girls in programs – my daughter being a perfect example – it does bring up a great point about the importance of Balance and how it’s addressed during programs at The First Tee. All participants, age 7 and up, begin in the PLAYer program at The First Tee. After a quick review of the curriculum for this nine week program, you will see balance mentioned across multiple platforms – warmups, body awareness activities, golf fundamentals and life skills curriculum. Terms such as body balance, body awareness, a balanced start, a balanced finish and being balanced during your swing are just a few of the balance components implemented during the PLAYer curriculum. Clearly, The First Tee is indicating that balance is important in our everyday life – both off and on the course! One really fun balance activity I enjoy doing with participants, no matter their golfing ability, involves using a pool noodle. It’s an activity you can practice in your back yard or at the driving range – no matter how young or old you are! This activity will test your current balance while helping you find better balance. First, pick a target. Set something up, a bucket or hula hoop will work, about 30 yards away from where you’re going to hit. Next, your pool noodle. I’ve seen two types of noodles at the dollar store, thin and thick. Adults, use the thicker, kiddos the thinner. Many of us use a golf club or alignment stick when practicing, today, instead of using a straight object for alignment, you’re going to line up the noodle and stand on it. For round one, set up as if you’re going to hit a golf ball, but instead of swinging a club, simply toss the ball towards your target. Don’t forget to make your normal swing motion! For round two, grab your club and practice brushing the grass a few times. Then, round three, it’s time to pitch balls into your target while still standing on the noodle. Too easy? Try doing all three with your eyes closed! Once you’ve completed this activity, remove the noodle and begin hitting pitch shots like normal. How does it feel? Are you grounded? Stable? In balance? As our very observant volunteer noted this week, an unbalanced swing is not likely to set the stage for a positive outcome on the course. Our goal will be to help participants find their balance on the course and later transition that application to being balanced in their weekly activities, and mindsets, at home, school and with friends. So, once you’ve headed out and tried this noodle drill, shoot me a note and let me know your findings!