Instruction
The Importance of
Body Control
EACH ATHLETE IS DIFFERENT at
every age and everyone benefits from a
needs analysis. Each golfer tells us what
they want; it is our job to identify what
they need by determining what they can
do, and what they cannot. If we can first
eliminate what they cannot physically
do, then we can focus on what they need
in order to be successful.
It comes down to the ability to con-
trol your body, which then influences
tempo, power, impact, posture, and bal-
ance. Being able to control your body is
key, from putting to driving. No control
means no accuracy and no consistency.
Of course, this is easier said than done.
So what’s the “secret sauce?” If you
gave me all the paints Picasso used or the
same ingredients as a master baker, the
results would not come out the same. The
instinct, the process, the time developing
a craft and a skill is what makes working
with a certified strength and conditioning
specialist undeniably special. What we do
is not rocket science—it is actually more
complicated. Rockets can be replicated
exactly the same. Not one human is the
THERE ARE THREE PRIMARY REASONS GOLFERS WORK WITH US:
36
TO HIT THE BALL
FARTHER. TO STRIKE THE BALL
MORE CONSISTENTLY. TO PLAY GOLF WITHOUT
GETTING HURT.
Whole-body strength
training is key to driving
the ball with consistency
and power. It is awesome to hit
the ball a mile, but if it
is a mile in the wrong
direction, then it is
not beneficial. We are designed to help golfers
understand how to optimally
move in their body. If a golfer can
effectively and efficiently swing
the way they need to, they will be
successful. Being durable is the
key to playing golf for a lifetime.
V I R G I N I A G O L F E R | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 19
same, and therefore they cannot be treat-
ed the exact same way.
Setting up a junior athlete for a posi-
tive lifetime experience for fitness/per-
formance is critical. An adult athlete who
has had a bad experience in the fitness/
performance industry is even harder
to reeducate because they already have
a negative disposition. We encourage
our athletes to learn every day. We are a
school, an institution of athletic develop-
ment instruction primarily for children.
And if you missed the development as a
child, it’s time to go back to school and
learn again. It is a long-term approach
built one day at a time. We encourage
our athletes to challenge themselves
physically and mentally. Of course, we
also encourage fun. What is the point
of doing something if you really don’t
enjoy the process most of the time? It
is the culture that we have created for
our athletes.
Pfluger is the founder and president of
RVA Athletes, which is dedicated to
helping athletes ages 8 and up reach and
exceed their natural athletic potential.
vsga.org
by GLENN PFLUGER,
founder and president, RVA Athletes