| One question that I am frequently asked is whether | | | | round of golf. But, if it is being taken to the extreme, |
| a baseball swing can be ruined by playing golf. I have | | | | I need to know. I want that player to stay focused |
| rather strong feeling concerning this topic. It is my | | | | on what he needs to do to help his baseball team. If |
| opinion that playing golf can ruin a baseball swing in | | | | he is considering playing golf over baseball, then that |
| certain circumstances. | | | | is an off season decision that he and his family must |
| There are four circumstances that determine how | | | | make. In the meantime, I need his full commitment |
| harmful or detrimental playing golf is for a baseball | | | | and his "sense of urgency" should be in the sport of |
| swing. Those four different circumstances are: | | | | baseball. |
| 1. How hard did the baseball player have to work to | | | | 4. How athletic is the player? |
| master his baseball swing? Was it difficult for the | | | | Some kids are such a gifted athlete that playing golf |
| player to perfect his baseball swing? | | | | every day of the season does not affect their |
| The chances that the golf swing will harm the | | | | baseball swing. They know that both the golf and |
| baseball swing are greater if the player is less skilled, | | | | baseball swings are basically the same swing but the |
| a mechanical learner, or had a difficult time learning to | | | | ball is just at a different level. They feel that playing |
| swing the baseball bat properly. And if a young kid | | | | golf helps them to learn to better focus their eyes |
| has not yet mastered the baseball swing, the last | | | | on the baseball. These players are so talented and |
| thing he needs to do is to go play a couple rounds of | | | | skilled they feel that that each swing type helps the |
| golf. If the player is a baseball player that has to | | | | other by relating back certain points to focus on. |
| work hard at keeping his swing tuned, I would | | | | Therefore, I feel that the more talented, more |
| recommend that the golf be played after he season | | | | athletic, and more mentally confident a player in, the |
| is over. | | | | less the chances are that his swing will be harmed by |
| 2. What time of year is the golf being played? | | | | playing golf. |
| Timing is everything! That certainly can be said for | | | | Coaching Point: In all of these factors, there is a |
| playing golf in the middle of baseball season. I would | | | | mental side to the controversy. You and I know that |
| strongly try to discourage baseball players from | | | | every player has heard or been told, more than |
| taking to the links right before a big game, the league | | | | once, "If you play golf, your baseball swing will |
| championships or just as the playoffs are beginning. | | | | suffer." If he does go to the course and plays a |
| I do not see anything wrong with playing golf out of | | | | round of golf and his first couple at-bats are bad |
| season. But I would not experiment with my golf | | | | ones, there may be a beginning of a "mental slump" |
| game during baseball season. I have two reasons for | | | | or the player may question, in his mind" "Is my swing |
| this; 1) Muscle soreness may result from swinging the | | | | as good as it was?" |
| golf club. 2) The player may pick up a bad habit that | | | | So in conclusion, you may ask, "Should I allow my |
| may hurt his baseball swing at a crucial time of the | | | | Child to Play Golf"? My answer is simple, consider, the |
| season. | | | | factors I have discussed and make the best decision |
| 3. How much golf is being played? | | | | for your child. However, if you child shows the |
| The main reason I ask this question is that I want to | | | | potential to be a future prospect in baseball, keep |
| know what is being neglected to get the time to | | | | him off the golf course, and in the batting cage |
| play golf. If golf is becoming a daily activity, then | | | | instead. |
| what time sacrifices are being made? Has the player | | | | I hope that you found this article to be informative |
| cut back on baseball practice time to play golf? Is the | | | | and interesting. I really appreciate you taking the tile |
| player taking his golf more serious than his baseball? I | | | | to read it. I wish you and your team the best of luck |
| want my players eating, breathing and sleeping | | | | in the coming season. Have a great day, Nick. |
| baseball. I do not mind if they play an occasional | | | | |