May 17, 2008 













Stretches For Young Golfers

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

One way to reduce injury risk for young golfers is to have them stretch before playing.

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 upper and 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 swayback 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.

Fitness Tip Archive
Tip #30Greg Norman's Workout
Tip #29The 15-Minute Workout
Tip #28Peaking at the Right Time
Tip #27Three Steps to Better Nutrition
Tip #26Nutritional Overview
Tip #25Nutrition for Golf Energy Needs
Tip #24Club Release
Tip #23Energy Transfer
Tip #22Defining the Forces of the Golf Swing
Tip #21Coordination for the Golf Swing
Tip #20Strengthening Your Postural Muscles
Tip #19Posture Means Power
Tip #18Postural Stability for a Consistent Swing Plane
Tip #17Strength for Maximum Distance and Control
Tip #16On-Course Warm-Up
Tip #15Stretches For Young Golfers
Tip #14Golf Stretching Routine
Tip #13Mobility Versus Stability
Tip #12Flexibility For Full Swing Mechanics
Tip #11Driving Range Evaluation Form
Tip #10Functional Performance Model
Tip #9Screening Procedures
Tip #8Golf Fitness Evaluation
Tip #7Motor Learning & Nutrition
Tip #6Functional Flexibility
Tip #5Cardiorespiratory Endurance
Tip #4Swing Sequence
Tip #3Improve Your Fitness - Improve Your Game
Tip #2Fitness Essentials for Golf
Tip #1Introduction to Complete Conditioning for Golf


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