Golf: 'Shelves'

To encourage the pupil to adopt a correct stance and ball position for pitching. Encourage the pupil to stand with the feet together, pointing toward the ball. (1) Pupils should then move the feet equal distance either side of the ball so the outsides of the feet are as wide as the shoulders, the ball in the centre of the stance. (2)

To encourage the pupil to develop feel for controlling the length of the swing in order to control the length of the ball flight Encourage the pupil to imagine a number of ?shelves? at various heights relating to body parts: e.g. level with the thighs, waist, navel, chest and shoulders (1). The pupils should practice swinging the hands level with each of these shelves (in the back / forward swing) and monitor the distance of ball flight (2).

To encourage the pupil to focus on their intending land point when chipping. Place a circle of tees, hoop etc around one to two paces onto the green. Encourage the pupils to start by throwing the ball underarm to develop the feel for the required distance then move onto a chipping club and encourage the pupils to land in this circle and monitor how often they hit the land point and to the roll distance with created with various clubs.

To encourage the pupil to focus on their intending land point when chipping. Place a circle of tees, hoop etc around one to two paces onto the green. Encourage the pupils to start by throwing the ball underarm to develop the feel for the required distance then move onto a chipping club and encourage the pupils to land in this circle and monitor how often they hit the land point and to the roll distance with created with various clubs.

To encourage the players to maintain firm wrists throughout the stroke. Encourage the player to prepare as normal for chipping  then slide the remainder of the handle under the cuff of a sweater or hold firmly against the forearm, of the arm nearest to the target  When making the stroke this relationship should be maintained  Many players tend to use the wrists to attempt to scoop the ball into the air rather than using a descending blow with the wrists firm. Be sure to remember that this is a drill only and is illegal to use when playing.

To encourage the pupil to develop a feel for correct weight distribution Encourage the pupil to set up ready to hit the ball then place a ball beneath the heel of the foot furthest from the target to encourage the pupil to place more weight on the leg nearest to the target (1). This position should be maintained throughout the stroke (2). If the pupil consistently struggles with this skill get them to raise the rear heel above the ball and keep it in this position throughout the stroke (3).

To encourage the player to develop a feel for correct weight distribution Encourage the player to set up ready to hit the ball then place a ball beneath the heel of the foot furthest from the target to encourage the player to place more weight on the leg nearest to the target  This position should be maintained throughout the stroke  If the player consistently struggles with this skill get them to raise the rear heel above the ball and keep it in this position throughout the stroke.