For most of the northern Europe the climate dictates that we will not be playing and competing much over the Autumn/winter period.
So what should you be doing over this period?
Should you put the clubs away in the garage and wait for the better weather to arrive?
Should you spend hours at the range hoping your swing improves?
Should you buy the latest new golf clubs on the market?
As a golf coach I encourage all of my pupils to meet up to discuss and evaluate the passed season. This evaluation is vital for the golfer and coach. We can get to see if set goals were not reached, reached or surpassed. We can discuss what we both feel has been the positive and negatives of the season.
Any good golf coach should offer constructive and non judgemental praise or criticism of both the golfers and his/her own performance during the year.
The meeting also offers the chance for the golfer and coach to discuss an Autumn /Winter plan of improvement.
I look at six areas of improvement in all of my pupils
- Swing mechanics
- Shot making ability
- Physical conditioning
- Equipment assessment
- Mental approach
- Course management
Each area has equal importance for evaluation and improvement. A small improvement in each of these six area will lead to a larger overall improvement.
Physical conditioning and mental approach may not be key in your thoughts when it comes to improving your golf game, but let me assure you they are as vital as swing mechanics and course management. If your own coach does not posses the knowledge to help you in these two areas, I am sure he will have contacts who will.
Check out these 2 websites for help in these areas.
www.mytpi.com will help you find for a qualified golf fitness professional in your area.
www.am-performancesolutions.co.uk Andy Morrison has a great online mental coaching programme.
If the 2010 season was not what you wanted and you did not achieve your set goals now is the time to make sure 2011 will be.
Take control of your future. Plan now for next season
Nice Post Andy,
ReplyDeleteDo you schedule a yearly review with all your students or only those that worked with you throughout the season?
JG
With all students. between now and the end of october. would always be my time to arrange evaluation meetings. Its great to get them away from the lesson tee and the course. Normally sit in the bar over a drink and have a relaxed talk.
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