LEARN TO COMPETE
This phase of long term athletic development focuses on continued physical development and on preparing for college play and national tournament play. Typically the age range is 15 - 17 for girls and 16 - 18 for boys. For the Learn to Compete phase there is a to-do list of preparation activities to help evaluate the player's skill level.
Here's the primary list of TPI Learn to Compete objectives.
- TPI level one screening will supplement selected function movement assessments to monitor progress in range-of-motion development.
- Strength development that continues the plan that already has been started.
- Biomechanics testing with the K-Vest 3D motion capture system done regularly is used to track both swing mechanics and how strength and flexibility training enhances range-of-motion.
- Advanced clubfitting is introduced and a schedule for checking club specifications is established.
- Physical fitness programs account for more than one third of the Train to Compete program. Physical conditioning is aimed at improving strength and power.
- Playing schedules and practice plans are refined to meet the needs of each player.
- Frequent competiions on regulation length courses layouts should be scheduled.
- Practice routines and pre-round preparation plans are refined with techniques used successfully in competitive tournament play.
- Rest and recovery techniques are refined.
Several windows of developmental opportunity characterize the Learn to Compete phase. (Windows of Opportunity illustration, courtesy of Greg Rose, TPI)
- Strength training is focused on the particular muscle groups that need continued development.
- Skills phase 2 continues the training begun earlier in development.
- Speed phase 2 training is essential for continuing the development of fast hands through impact.
- Flexibility training continues.
- Training for enhancing three-dimensional perception is increased.
Warm-up routines that cover mutiple layers of stretching drills are customized to each junior golfer. Practice circuits to refine golf skill fundamentals are developed. Challenging full swing, wedge play, and putting games are integrated into the overall training plan. Effective cool-down routines are incorporated.
Junior golfers interested in a career in competitive golf should establish an elite development plan that includes scheduled play, practice, training, and learning. A team of professionals is assembled for each golfer to provide elite learning sessions for development of golf skills, physical training, and management of the competitive game. Success in any elite development program requires the desire and the ability to commit to the required training.