Periodization Training For Golf

The idea of periodization has been around a very long time for athletes at all levels. The concept is simple. If you started with the goal in mind, let's say it was to win the Club Championship or place in the top 3 in your next Amateur event, then you would plan accordingly.

Generally, an annual plan is used, although it is not uncommon to use longer periods of time especially when working with a younger developing athlete.

Periodization occurs when you break down all of the segments into actual manageable parts, always keeping the long term goal in mind. Your master plan may be broken down into which phase you are in, for example, are you in your competitive stage or pre-competitive stage? This information is then used to determine which strategies offer the most benefit at any given point in time.

If you use a holistic approach to golf improvement, then you also periodize each important component as in the physical, mental, technical and strategic side.

While this many sound like a lot of information to track, this is the very point of periodization. Breaking down all of the important parts into simple tasks you can complete daily and/or weekly which fit comfortably and naturally into achieving your long term goal.

What is the real payoff for you? Well, just like the pros, when you prepare in this manner you leave nothing to chance. You have less margin for error and a higher probability of meeting or succeeding your goals.

To give you an idea of how to periodize a program for golf, first consider your competitive season, then employ the following ideas.

Phase 1 - Restoring optimal flexibility or range of motion in hips, spine and shoulders.

Phase 2 - Choose adaptation exercises where the main objective is to involve many muscle groups while preparing joints, tendons and ligaments for the work ahead. Build a solid base of support through stabilization exercises.

Phase 3 - Build strength. Consider increasing your loads, time under tension and create an opportunity for increased force production.

Phase 4 - Power production. Not you can convert all of your previous efforts to completion of the process where all energy is stored and transferred in efficient movement patterns for the benefit of your golf swing.

Phase 5 - Active recovery and rest. Don't forget that every body needs a recovery period so it can maintain gains made throughout the year while protecting the body from injury.

Susan Hill is a CHEK Golf Biomechanic, golf fitness columnist to Golf Illustrated and President of Fitness for Golf. For exercises targeted to lower your handicap and give you a competitive edge every time you play, then visit http://www.fitnessforgolf.com

Putting Your Way To Superior Golf

If your were to ask any successful golfer or golf instructor what skill is the most important in the game, they would tell you putting. You have probably experienced or even witnessed a bad round of golf all of a sudden turn around due to some strong, proficient putting. It doesn't matter if you have been striking your woods and irons good all day. Just a couple of bad putts can make an otherwise good round of golf very frustrating and leave you with a feeling of disappointment.

Up to 40 percent of your total score is determined by putting alone. So many players get hung up on hitting the driver long distances, or getting to the green from just about any position on the fairway. It ultimately boils down to being able to putt the ball well that will be the difference between a good round of golf or a miserable one. There is no other way to put it other than you absolutely positively have to refine your putting skills to be successful at golf.

If you actually think about it, you can do some investigating on your own and find that there are several things you can do that will help your putting skills improve. The next time you find yourself around the magazine section of a store, browse through some of the popular golf magazines. These magazines will have articles by popular golf instructors, depictions, and even advertisements about ways to improve your putting. Don't just read the words, but try to envision what is being described by these professional teachers and see yourself applying these techniques the next time you play golf.

Make no mistakes about it, the absolutely best way to get better at putting is with plenty of correct practice. The greatest players to ever play the game have written in their autobiographies that this skill was the single most important key to their success on the golf course. They were constantly honing their skills from a very early age. It cannot be emphasized enough, improve your putting, improve your game. It is that simple.

The more you practice, the more confidence you will have in your putting skills. You will need to develop a routine and adhere to it every time you get ready to putt the ball. From your stance to the way you align the ball, every detail must be the same and consistent. Don't be using more than one putter. Stay with the same putter from practice all the way to an actual game. Once again, the key point is to remain consistent. Don't just go through the motions while practicing and then get serious when you are playing a round. You will be pleasantly surprised at how these minuscule things will improve upon your putting game.

For more information on improving your putting or anything else golf related, please visit http://www.Golf-Stuff.net