A junior golfer’s first practice sessions should build habits that make every later skill easier to learn. Start with a comfortable grip, a balanced stance, and a clear way to aim. Then introduce basic putting and chipping, where young players can see how the clubface and swing affect the ball. Keep instructions simple and practice short. The goal is not to make every shot perfect; it is to help the golfer repeat a sound setup and make purposeful contact.
Start With a Comfortable Grip
Teach the golfer to hold the club securely without squeezing it. The fingers should do most of the holding, while the hands stay relaxed enough to let the wrists move. Check that both hands work together rather than pulling in opposite directions. Grip styles vary, so focus first on comfort, control, and a clubface that can return square to the ball.
Use a short club and rehearse the grip before hitting. Have the junior golfer set the hands, look at the clubface, then make a few slow swings. If the club twists or slips, adjust the hand placement and pressure. Repeat the same simple check before each shot so setting the grip becomes part of the routine.
Build a Balanced Stance
A steady stance helps young golfers swing without losing balance. Start with feet about shoulder-width apart for a full swing, knees softly flexed, and weight spread across both feet. Let the arms hang naturally from the shoulders. Avoid forcing a rigid posture; a comfortable, athletic position is easier to maintain and repeat.
Practice the setup without a ball first. Ask the golfer to take the stance, pause, and make a slow swing while staying balanced through the finish. For shorter shots, narrow the stance and keep the body quiet. These small adjustments teach that stance supports the shot rather than serving as a fixed pose.
Teach Alignment Before Power
Many beginners aim their feet at the target, even though the clubface should point toward it and the body should stand parallel to the target line. Pick a visible target, such as a flag or practice marker. Set the clubface first, then place the feet and shoulders. This order gives the junior golfer a repeatable way to aim.
Use two alignment sticks or clubs on the ground, if available: one along the target line and one along the toes. Keep them outside the ball’s path and remove them before swinging. Without equipment, choose a spot a few feet ahead of the ball and aim the clubface at it. Check alignment regularly, but avoid changing several parts of the setup at once.
Add Putting and Chipping Basics
Short-game practice gives juniors a manageable way to learn contact, direction, and distance control. Begin putting from a short distance on a flat area. Set the face toward the target, use a relaxed grip, and make a small stroke with a steady rhythm. Focus on rolling the ball through the target area rather than hitting it hard.
For chipping, choose a clear landing spot near the green and use a small swing. Keep the grip light, feet relatively close, and weight slightly toward the front foot. Let the club brush the grass instead of trying to scoop the ball. Practice a few shots at a time, changing the distance only after the golfer can make controlled contact.
Keep early sessions brief and give one clear cue at a time, such as “aim the face” or “finish balanced.” Mix setup rehearsals with a few purposeful shots, then pause before attention fades. Notice repeatable actions, not just where the ball ends up. This helps juniors understand what they can control and makes practice more encouraging.
Begin with grip, stance, and alignment, then carry those habits into putting and chipping. These fundamentals give junior golfers a practical routine for preparing to hit and a way to learn from each shot. Keep sessions focused, adjust one detail at a time, and consider a lesson with Kelowna Junior Golf when your golfer is ready for guided practice.