Eagle ClassLesson Plan # 1

Core Lesson: 9 Core Values and Code of Conduct Review 9 Core values: Respect, Sportsmanship, Integrity, Honesty, Responsibility, Judgment, Courtesy,

Confidence, Perseverance Healthy Habit: Safety – Keeping yourself safe on the golf course by paying attention while others are

swinging and playing; using safety zones during practice; applying sunscreen while outside and staying hydrated while exercising.

Rules of Golf and Etiquette: Play the ball as it lies, Order of Play, and Spirit of the Game Golf Fundamental: Get Ready to Swing - Hold, Set-Up, Aim and Alignment Homework: Page 1

Welcome – Since this is the first day of actual classes make sure that everyone receives a yardage book after class so that homework can be assigned.

Warm-Up: Golf Fitness Warm-Up Activity – Golf specific exercises. Such as toe touches, arm circles, stretching hamstrings, calves, triceps and shoulders (stretch across the body). See separate “Golf Circuit Warm-Up” handout located on the private coach website for further ideas.

Opening Questions: After completing the warm up, coaches and participants will discuss the following:

1. As a group, let’s name The First Tee’s 9 Core Values and Code of Conduct. (Found on the back of Eagle YB and Front Cover)

2. What core values are the most important to you and why?3. Do you ever encounter times in your life where it’s difficult to follow one or more of the core values?

Talk about it.4. What safety measures do you follow on the golf course? FORE, sunscreen, paying attention5. What is the importance of having an effective set-up (hold, stance, posture and alignment) before you

swing?6. Should everyone have the same grip? Why or why not?

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Rules of Golf and Etiquette:

Playing the Ball- Purpose: “play the ball as it lies” If the player’s ball comes to rest and is then moved by natural forces such as wind or water, the player

normally must play it from its new spot. If a ball at rest is lifted or moved by anyone or any outside influence before the stroke is made, the ball

must be replaced on its original spot. Players should take care when near any ball at rest, and a player who causes his or her own ball or an

opponent’s ball to move will normally get a penalty (except on the putting green). (Rule 9)

Spirit of the game: (Much like The First Tee’s 9 Core Values)

All players are expected to play in the spirit of the game by: o Acting with integrity – for example, by following the Rules, applying all penalties, and being honest

in all aspects of play. o Showing consideration to others – for example, by playing at a prompt pace, looking out for the

safety of others, and not distracting the play of another player. o Taking good care of the course – for example, by replacing divots, smoothing bunkers, repairing

ball-marks, and not causing unnecessary damage to the course.

Discuss Order of Play on tee box, in the fairway and on the green. Encourage pace of play by allowing players to hole out short putts. Discuss ‘line of putt’ and etiquette that goes along with it

Hold Cues:

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Set Up Cues:

Yes No No

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Alignment Cues:G o l f S w i n g A i m a n d A l i g n m e n t

Alignment is the concept of addressing the golf ball with your body and club face directed precisely at the intended target. If consistent results are expected, then a consistent alignment is necessary. Otherwise, if a player’s alignment changes for every golf shot, every golf swing must change in order to produce consistent results.

Determine a Target and Target LineOnce all other variables have been considered (wind, slope, hazards, lie, etc.), you must decide on a distinct point where you intend the ball to finish. Let’s assume a straight ball flight is desired; working the ball will come later. The target cannot be a generalized area, but should be as precise as possible. Consider a straight line from the ball to the target to be the target line. This will be the focus around which all alignment takes place.

Soling the ClubheadBegin with the clubhead. Clubface angle is one of only 2 major variables that determine the direction the golf ball will travel, so be precise. Be sure that the sole, or bottom of the clubhead rests completely flat on the ground. Neither the toe nor heel of the club should be raised higher than the other. In other words, the grooves on the clubface should be parallel to the ground. This will affect direction as well as consistency of contact.

Clubface AlignmentBe sure that the leading edge, bottom edge, and/or grooves of the clubface are set perpendicular to the target line. Depending on the club being used, a few degrees off with clubface alignment could mean many yards off line for the shot. When the club is set in the proper position, trust it, and leave it alone for the remainder of the setup.

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Body AlignmentAssuming you are hitting a straight shot, your body will be facing exactly perpendicular to the target line. An easier way to regard this problem is to look at line drawn across a player’s feet, knees, hips, shoulders, and even eyes. Ideally, all of these connecting lines should align parallel to the target line. This is one of the most important, but underrated aspects of the entire golf swing. Tour professionals check this alignment on a daily basis. Before you begin, notice that your body is aligning parallel to the target line and not at the target itself. Many players make the mistake of directing both the clubface and their bodies at the target. This would mean that the two lines are not parallel, but converging. For right-handed players, the body is aligned distinctly to the left of the target.

Using Golf Clubs or Tour Sticks for Alignment (Practice Only)To be sure that your alignment is correct, you will need a few extra golf clubs on the practice range. First, place one club on the ground, in front of the golf ball, directed straight at your target. It may help to stand behind the ball to be sure that you are accurate. This will highlight your target line. Toe Line / Body Line Next, place another club on the ground just in front of where your toes will be at address. This club must be set perfectly parallel to the target line club (shafts should be equidistant from each other at both ends). Take a moment to step back behind the ball and notice where the second club is pointing relative to your target. As mentioned above, this shaft (for right-handed players) should align well to the left of the target. These are parallel, not converging lines.

Checking Body PositionWhen you are set up to the ball, hold still. Have someone hold a shaft across your heels, knees, hips, shoulders, and eyes while ensuring that all lines are parallel to both clubs on the ground. If one of these lines is significantly off-line, you will need to re-orient yourself and set up over again. When all of your lines are parallel, you will be aligned target-ward. This will give you the greatest chance of making a golf swing that is on plane, accurate, and consistent.

You might also note that because your right hand is positioned slightly further down the club than your left hand, your right shoulder may in fact be situated slightly lower than your left shoulder. This tilt in our shoulders is certainly okay and is actually expected. Alignment problems arise however, if we allow our shoulders to open, so be conscious of this tendency. Alignment calls for regular attention and maintenance as it directly affects the path that the club head will travel on, as well as how consistent your shots will reach your target.

In summary, the target line is defined as a straight line from the ball to our intended target. Start by setting the club face down on the ground first, trust it, and then let it serve as a guide for the rest of your set up. All of your body lines including your feet, knees, hips, and shoulders should be parallel to your target line. Because your right hand sits on the club lower than your left, your right shoulder may be situated slightly lower than your left. This is perfectly fine, just don’t allow your shoulders to open or close as this will affect the path that your club is going to travel.

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tThe purpose of this lesson is for players to review the 9 Core Values and check for understanding and application. The first activity is a putting game where players will be given definitions and then be required to match it up with its corresponding core value. The other activity will be on the course where the coaches can go over rules and assess the participant’s level of golf skills.

Review 9 Core Values: Respect, Courtesy, Responsibility, Honesty, Sportsmanship, Confidence, Judgment, Perseverance, and Integrity.

Activity 1: 9 Core Value Putting Challenge

Objectives of Game: To call upon participant’s knowledge and understanding of the 9 Core Values. The goal is to be the first team to successfully complete the putting/word challenge.

Objectives of Golf Fundamental: Get Ready to Swing – hold, set-up and aim and alignment.

Supplies: Definitions of the 9 core values and answer sheet are printed out and laminated in a coach’s packet, pencil or pens to write on answer sheet, putters, golf balls, tees or small cones.

Description of Set-Up: Coaches will select 3-4 holes on the practice putting green to use for this activity. Place 3 tees evenly spaced around each hole. At each hole make a short putt (3-7 feet), medium putt (8-15 feet), and a long putt (15-30 feet). At each putting station, there is a definition of a core value face down secured by a tee. (see diagram below)

How to Play: Break students up into groups of 2 or 3 (2 is recommended). Each group starts at a different hole. At each putting station, by the starting position, there is a definition of a core value face down secured by a tee. Explain that they are to use the definitions on the card to complete the Core Value Challenge. The trick is they can only turn over the card if BOTH players one putt from the short hole and two putt from the longer holes. They must make the putt back to back. The first group to finish putting and who completes the definitions correctly, wins! REMEMBER! The Core Value definitions are numbered SO if they start at hole #5, they must record their answer on 5, just as they would if they were starting on a hole for a shotgun start!! The answers MUST be in the right order!

Extra Credit: Have participants write down the Code of Conduct under the answer sheet.

Coach Notes: Coaches should be observing to see whether the activity is too easy or too difficult. If participants are struggling, remind them to lean on one of the core values that begins with a P (don’t tell them it’s perseverance!). Adjust the length of putts as necessary. If you provide any instruction, keep it focused on set-up and alignment alone. We want to keep the focus on Get Ready to Swing which is the golf fundamental for this lesson plan.

Activity 2: GO PLAY!!

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Before heading out to the course, (and while on the course) talk about the Spirit of the Game and the showcased “Rules of Golf”. This is also a great time to assess the skill of the players. Work on aim and alignment while on the course.

Bridge to Life: Use the following questions to help participants apply their “on-course” work to their “off-course” activities and experiences.

1. Did you have to demonstrate a core value in any of today’s activities? Explain.2. Was it important to review Getting Ready to Swing (Hold, Set-up, Alignment)? Why?3. What did you learn about your golf game while you were on the course?4. How will this information help you improve in the future?

Lesson Plan Progression: Activities will follow this sequence. Light stretching and practicing as participants arrive Warm-up discussion questions on the 9 Core Values. Explain activity and break into groups Participants complete Core Value Putting GO PLAY! Bridge to Life questions

1. Responsibility : the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone.

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2. Integrity: the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.

3. Respect: a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something because of their abilities, qualities, or achievements.

4. Judgment: the ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions.

5. Courtesy: the showing of politeness in one's attitude and behavior toward others.

6. Perseverance: persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.

7. Confidence: the state of feeling certain about the truth of something

8. Honesty: telling the truth or able to be trusted and not likely to steal, cheat, or lie

9. Sportsmanship: fair and generous behavior or treatment of others, especially in a sports contest.

Answer Sheet:The First Tee of the TriadNINE CORE VALUES

1. __________________ 2. __________________ 3. __________________ 4. __________________ 5. __________________ 6. __________________ 7. __________________ 8. __________________ 9. __________________

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