Identify the mobility device which the golfer will play from:
The Para-Motion is a mobility device that elevates the player into a golf-specific posture. These devices have many benefits for players with spinal cord lesions (SCL), although due to their high costs, they may not always be available to introduce a new player to the game.
The seat of an adapted mobility device can often be rotated to play from a seated position. Many everyday mobility devices can be easily modified to accommodate an effective seated playing position for golf.
The standard wheelchair can often be used to help new players sample the game. Accessibility and affordability are key considerations for players and coaches until more specialised and expensive devices are explored as the new golfer reaches the participant level. A wheelchair can provide a good starting point and will require some adaptation and securing with straps to help the coach identify the optimal positioning for the individual when using a full swing.
The following key considerations highlight the approach required to initiate a new participant playing from their standard wheelchair;
- No two athletes are the same. Each has a unique physique, strength, balance, physical or learning ability.
- Due to mobility restrictions, initial sessions from the standard wheelchair should take place on the driving range.
- Ensure your facility/coaching environment will provide access for wheelchair users.
- Generally, the first stage of working with seated golfers is to establish the seating/body position that works best with the athlete’s functional abilities.
- Every seated golfer will develop a unique style regardless of ability; what works with one seated golfer may not work with another. Be prepared to adapt and create challenges to make the sessions explorative and player led.
- An effective coach will experiment to determine what works best for each seated golfer. As a basic rule, more time is needed for skills to be practised, developed, and achieved to maximum ability when working with disabled athletes.
- Experiment with different positions. Positioning the chair into ‘open rotation’ and getting players to experiment with one hand can help generate speed. Decrease targets and distances to make things easier and more achievable.
- Have adapted equipment available. Clubs of different lengths, weights, sizes, handle sizes, and lie angles can accelerate a seated player’s learning and self-exploration.
- The same golf-specific drills as those for a non-disabled golfer will be relevant within the functional boundaries of the individual golfer.
- Learn to communicate and demonstrate golf shots from a seated position. This will also develop your understanding of a seated golfer’s potential constraints.
- As seated golfers play from a seated position, drills involving the upper body and arms will be the most prominent. However, a holistic approach to training is encouraged, and drills and movements involving leg and hip function should be included for golfers with this available function.
- Only a tiny percentage of wheelchair users cannot mobilise without their wheelchair. Help your participants make their own choices about whether/when they want to use their wheelchair. Do not assume.
- When talking to a wheelchair user, do so from a comfortable position for both of you. Sitting on a chair at the same eye level as the other person is often the simplest way.
- Talking to the participant can identify if they would benefit from additional strapping (readily available from mobility specialists), which can enhance balance, improve mobility and assist in developing clubhead speed and solid contact. Below is a small list of strapping which may help in your sessions:
- Chest and waist straps: These can improve balance and often confidence but can hinder reaching and rotational movement if not properly adjusted. Wrist straps may assist the individual in developing speed and can be very useful if the player is playing with one arm.
- Leg straps: A strap around the thighs or just above the knees prevents the legs from spreading and keeps the body moving as a unit. A strap in front of the knees or shins keeps the legs back and can assist in maintaining sufficient forward bend if required to secure consistent contact.
- Foot straps: These keep the feet securely on the footpad when turning or during leg spasms.
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