Tip #15: Stretches For Young Golfers

Youth sports, including golf, have increased in both numbers and popularity.

With the appearance of new, young talent in the PGA, LPGA, and Nationwide tours, children are starting to view golf as being very cool.

Because children have not completed their physical maturation, an injury at this time could result in permanent developmental disability and lead to long-term functional problems.

One of the ways to reduce injury risk for young golfers is to have them warm up and stretch before play. These same preventive procedures also should enhance their performance ability.

Because the trunk serves as the link between the upperand lower bodies, it must be strong enough to transfer forces between these segments.

The child is at greatest risk for injury during a growth spurt, which is when large increases in height are observed. During this stage, the child has a tendency to develop tight low back, hamstring and hip musculature in combination with weak abdominal muscles and a sway back posture.

This can lead to compensatory maneuvers and increased injury risk. Problems can range from common strains and sprains, to fractures, disc injuries, vertebral wedging, stress reactions, vertebral slippage, and over-use injuries.

Make training modifications for any golfers under 20, especially those undergoing the added vulnerability of a growth spurt.

Rehabilitation and prevention programs can range from strengthening and stretching exercises to immobilization and, in some instances, rest.

Remembering that the muscles might not grow as fast as the bone, flexibility becomes imperative during this critical developmental period.