The National Association of Golf Coach Educators (NAGCE) offers a variety of programs. Two key programs are the Coach’s Certification Program and the Introduction to Golf Program.
For coaches who have the background and knowledge, the actual teaching of the game is an integral and enjoyable part of their responsibilities. However, coaches without this ability should seek alternative methods to secure technical swing assistance for their students rather than risk giving bad advice. One obvious resource, of course, is the local golf professional. In most cases, the golf professional will be more than willing to lend a helping hand.
Whether or not a coach is able to teach swing techniques, the coach is certainly able to provide motivation and guidance to students in their quest for a better golf game. There is no one way to attack a teaching challenge. A coach must be innovative and enthusiastic. Coaches would do well to learn more about, and keep abreast of, the instructional aspects of the game. This can be done through the reading of various instructional books and golf publications. It is, after all, never too late to become a serious student of the game. The National Golf Foundation has much to offer in the instructional area, including audio-visual materials, films, and a wealth of literature.
Members of NAGCE are encouraged to enroll in NAGCE’s Coach’s Certification Program. Certification consists of five, one-day educational workshops conducted by PGA and LPGA staff instructors. These workshops offer every unit of instruction needed to become a qualified coach. Once enough of your fellow local coaches have been identified as NAGCE members, a regional Introductory Certification Workshop will be scheduled at a NAGCE-affiliated golf club or learning center near you. A sample curriculum found in one tier of the certification program appears in this appendix to provide an example of the specialized instruction being offered.
INTRODUCTION TO GOLF PROGRAM
The Introduction to Golf program is designed to be used by youth organizations and middle school physical education classes to teach boys and girls the fundamentals of golf. The program consists of 10 levels of instruction that will properly prepare students to play golf. The instruction is offered in the form or counselor coaching and NAGCE PGA/LPGA staff instructor assistance.
The program consists of three components: the Counselor’s Assistant Practice System (CAPS), the Junior Certification program, and the Counselor’s Training Session. CAPS is a collection of training aids, videos, and handouts and is available from NAGCE.
Junior Certification Program
In an attempt to further involve PGA and LPGA professionals with their communities, NAGCE has created the Introduction to Golf Junior Certification program. This certification will be recognized by NAGCE-affiliated golf clubs and learning centers. Children who sign up for the Junior Certification program will complete 10 levels of coaching and instruction, earning various practice and playing privileges on completion of each level.
Each counselor can take as much or as little time as he or she needs to complete each level as long as the specified curriculum requirements are met by each student. For example, if a group is able to meet only once a week, it may take a month to complete level 1, which consists of four videos on the history of golf and quizzes. A group that meets three or four days in one week, at a summer camp, for example, could complete level 1 in two to four days.
The training aids, videos, and handbooks included in the Counselor’s Assistant Practice System (CAPS) make it possible for each level to be completed indoors, but only if it is absolutely necessary. NAGCE strongly recommends that the counselor secure the optimum environment for each level. NAGCE will assist youth organizations in their efforts to secure prime environments.
Almost every level can be administered by a NAGCE-certified counselor (see Counselor’s Training Session) since these levels consist of classroom instruction, testing, and fitness exercises. Local NAGCE PGA/LPGA staff instructors will assist the counselor with certification levels that consist of swing mechanics and technical golf instruction.
By completing the Junior Certification program, students will obtain golf knowledge that could have taken years to learn. Certain benefits will be awarded after completion of certain levels. After a student becomes a certified junior golfer, he or she will receive a diploma and identification card that will be recognized at NAGCE-affiliated courses and learning centers, where certified golfers will be approved for special rates and certain practice and playing benefits.
Counselor’s Training Session
The Counselor’s Training Session is administered by NAGCE staff instructors in regional clinics scheduled throughout the year at NAGCE-affiliated golf clubs and resorts. The three areas of instruction covered in the training session are
1. Concepts of golf instruction (how to coach a beginning player including a basic understanding of the principles and techniques involved);
2. CAPS training (how to use CAPS training aids and how they apply to error correction); and
3. Managing the Junior Certification program (how to organize children according to different age groups and skill levels and the best ways to complete each level and assist NAGCE staff instructors with certain lessons and instruction).
Methods of counselor instruction by NAGCE PGA/LPGA staff instructors include classroom lectures, practical exercises, and lesson tee instruction. Additional counselors (per youth group) may attend the training session for an additional fee. The training session is about eight hours long.
Upon completion of the training session, counselors will have a good understanding of how to set up and administer the Introduction to Golf Junior Certification program. Any counselors interested in obtaining certification as a NAGCE-certified coach may continue by enrolling in the NAGCE Golf Coach Certification Program.
National Association of Golf Coach Educators Golf Coach Effectiveness Program
Sport Philosophy and Psychology
Tier I Development
“The title of coach goes to one who is able to assist young golfers to develop their athletic potential and self-confidence. Therefore, be a model of good example.”
(R. Winters)
Presentation time: 30 to 45 minutes
The ABCs of Golf Coach Education
I. Developing a coaching philosophy
1. Prioritize learning to attain competence and confidence.
a. Establish a motivational climate for athletic growth and skill learning.
b. Learning is a never-ending process; it needs to start somewhere.
c. You are the key to a child’s initial start in golf.
2. Set the young golfer’s needs first, yours last.
a. Understand your commitment to the sport and the activity. What do you expect to gain from coaching?
b. Coaches need to understand that adolescent athletes want to participate, have fun, and demonstrate their skills. The outcomes of winning, trophies, and awards are secondary to the primary need for participation and having fun.
3. Understand the quest for excellence.
a. Golf involves winning, losing, competing, having fun, and developing skills.
b. Where do they all fit in? What is your priority?
II. Understanding the seven characteristics of highly successful coaches
1. Hold the idea that golf is fun. Successful coaches make practice time and the process of competing fun. They develop competence in golf skills.
2. Provide corrective feedback in a positive and helpful manner.
3. Conduct a program that is based on organization and structure. Successful coaches use time with players to achieve a maximum effect. They lead by a positive example and expect the same of their players.
4. Never criticize the performer, but provide honest and realistic feedback about the performance. Always build confidence.
5. Have a plan or vision for themselves and their team. Successful coaches set goals and achieve them. When they meet those goals, they establish new ones.
6. Be receptive to new ideas of how to teach and become better coaches.
7. Coach, but don’t over-coach. Successful coaches allow talent to flourish without holding the reins too tight or bogging their players down with too much information or analysis. Remember KISS (keep it simple and specific).
III. Providing a platform for success: three keys to coaching success (the positive approach)
1. Listen to your players and ask them to tell you what they want and expect from the team. Build a working alliance with your players based on honesty and trust. To expect honesty and trust from your players, you must first be an honorable and trusting person.
2. Believe in your players and always find the time to enhance their competence, confidence, and self-esteem.
3. Have faith in your ability to make the right decisions. You will have to make decisions based on what you feel is best for your team. Take the time to think things through, and then make your decision based on an objective assessment of the facts at hand.
National Association of Golf Coach Educators Golf Coach Effectiveness Program
Sport Philosophy and Psychology
Tier II Development
Presentation time: 2 hours
The ABCs of Golf Coach Education
I. Understanding your coaching philosophy
1. Base your philosophy on the great contemporary coaches: Wooden, Hayes, Knight, Smith, Paterno, Lombardi, Rotella, Nilson, Leadbetter, Haddock, Penick, Rehling, Riley, and others. Take the best from all the rest!
2. Understand the quest for excellence. Help your players develop proper motor skills.
II. Understanding the seven characteristics of highly unsuccessful golf coaches
1. Lack enthusiasm to be with young people. Unsuccessful coaches lack the personal motivation to coach. (They just want to be able to participate and play golf themselves.)
2. Make golf work. They take the fun out of pursuing the mastery of the skills needed for golf success.
3. Have poor communication skills. Unsuccessful coaches don’t have time for questions or discussions concerning the welfare of the athlete or team. They fail to build a trusting and honest relationship with team members.
4. Don’t be open to new ideas, training, or ways to make themselves or the team better. Unsuccessful coaches lack a commitment to self-improvement as well as individual and team improvement.
5. Have the same response set for everyone. Unsuccessful coaches have a monotonous or critical (negative) attitude toward everything about the team, the schedule, and the competition.
6. Fail to develop individual skills. Unsuccessful coaches fail to tap into key areas for improvement.
7. Lack discipline and standards of conduct for individuals and the team.
III. Understanding the seven characteristics of highly successful coaches
1. Hold the idea that golf is fun. Successful coaches make practice time and the process of competing fun. They develop competence in golf skills.
2. Provide corrective feedback in a positive and helpful manner.
3. Conduct a program that is based on organization and structure. Successful coaches use time with players to achieve a maximum effect. They lead by a positive example and expect the same of their players.
4. Never criticize the performer, but provide honest and realistic feedback about the performance. Always building confidence.
5. Have a plan or vision for themselves and their team. Successful coaches set goals and achieve them. When they meet those goals, they establish new ones.
6. Be receptive to new ideas of how to teach and become better coaches.
7. Coach, but don’t over-coach. Successful coaches allow talent to flourish without holding the reins too tight or bogging their players down with too much information or analysis. Remember KISS (keep it simple and specific).
IV. Dealing with performance and other issues: sources of competitive stress for junior golfers
1. Performance issues
a. |
Playing up to personal standards |
b. |
Playing up to coach’s standards |
c. |
Worrying about playing poorly (e.g., a difficult shot, a difficult course, a tough opponent in match play, or a superior opponent) |
d. |
Impressing teammates, opposing team members, parents, and coaches |
e. |
Worrying about not making the team or traveling squad |
f. |
Worrying about letting the team down |
g. |
Lack of practice and preparation |
h. |
First tee shot |
i. |
Hitting or playing in front of people |
j. |
Playing in poor conditions and inclement weather |
k. |
Being psyched out by the opposing team or another team member |
l. |
Not being able to hit the ball far enough, and getting out-driven by other players |
m. |
Losing to a rival |
2. Personal struggles and relationship issues
a. |
Balancing schoolwork with golf |
b. |
Time spent away from friends and other activities |
c. |
Amount of practice to develop competency |
d. |
Cost of playing and practicing |
e. |
Pressure to beat teammates |
f. |
Striving to meet coach and parental expectations |
g. |
Lack of personal instruction (feeling that coach is playing favorites with instruction time and playing status) |
h. |
Self-image is directly linked to score |
i. |
Disagreement with coaching change about lineup or what number position the player will assume |
j. |
Questioning mental toughness and dedication to the game (Do I really want to be here?) |
k. |
Other’s view of golf as a “privilege” or “wimp” sport |
V. Handling key issues with parents, coaches, and junior golfers
1. Dealing with parents of the golfers
a. Let parents know how the program will be run and what you expect from their children and from them. Also, let them know what they can expect from you.
b. Enlist the help of other parents, volunteers, practices, cars to other tournaments, etc. (Seek help—it allows others to participate and frees you up to do the more important tasks.)
c. Plan a night together with the parents and hold a meeting to discuss the season and team/individual goals.
d. Discuss the topic of having parents come and watch their children play in tournaments, matches, qualifying rounds, etc. Provide the parents with the opportunity and invitation to participate in golf.
e. Discuss the topic of dress, personal conduct, and decorum.
2. Dealing with parents as “coaches”
a. Know when to listen, when to not interfere, and when you need to have input.
b. Always allow parents to share their views, but don’t always succumb to pressure.
c. Treat parents as vicarious coaches who must allow their children to succeed and fail without fear of retribution or being made to feel poorly about their performance.
d. Inform parents of how to talk and listen to their young golfers. (Help them provide a safe environment and allow their golfers to vent their feelings.)
National Association of Golf Coach Educators Golf Coach Effectiveness Program
Sport Philosophy and Psychology
Tier III Development
Presentation time: 2 hours
The ABCs of Golf Coach Education
I. Understanding the psychological and emotional differences between boys and girls
1. Competence and confidence
2. Skill ability, muscular strength, and endurance
3. Feedback and response confidence
4. Team unity and competition
5. Team effectiveness and cooperation
6. Psychological and emotional differences
7. Individual differences between the sexes
II. Coaching the players who play the game: Performance issues—helping players tap into their potential
1. Dealing with competitive anxiety
2. Coping with failure and turning it around
3. Providing a crash site for poor rounds and providing a success platform for those who play well
4. Establishing a mindset and attitude for the individual and the team
5. Understanding slumps (becoming a slump buster!)
6. Finding ways to develop and build confidence
7. Believing my score is my self-esteem and my self-image
III. Dealing with burnout attributed to golf
1. All players experience “staleness.” If left unnoticed or left to cure itself, burnout may occur.
2. In studies taken with high school golfers, every high school golfer in a (1990) study experienced burnout to some degree.
a. |
Lack of variability in practice and competitive situations |
b. |
Too much practice or playing, with too little time to recharge or renew motivation source |
c. |
Reaching goals and failing to set new ones, leading to stagnation of talent and goal attainment behaviors |
d. |
Being overly competitive (wanting success too much) |
e. |
Playing well, then going into a slump and never recovering |
f. |
Playing the same course, day after day |
g. |
Not reaching expectations |
h. |
Pressure from coach, teammates, parents, and friends |
i. |
Pressure from self (competitive anxiety, worry, or doubt) |
j. |
Inability to find help when truly needed |
IV. Providing a foundation for personal growth and success
1. The idea of walking, talking, and acting like a champion
2. Getting the idea across that golf is a reflection of life with obstacles, difficulties, disappointments and expectations not met, success and sorrow, joy and great happiness
3. The game of a lifetime and a lifetime playing the game