LTP Running Your Themed Classes.docx

Welcome to the Learn to Play Golf Delivering your Themed Classes and Practice Clubs Training Module. This module will begin by providing an overview of the class plans for both elements, including the benefits, how to access them on the coaches toolbox and what they include. The next chapters will...

Welcome to the Learn to Play Golf Delivering your Themed Classes and Practice Clubs Training Module. This module will begin by providing an overview of the class plans for both elements, including the benefits, how to access them on the coaches toolbox and what they include. The next chapters will explore important guidance for running your themed class and practice clubs before the module finishes, with an overview of the most important next steps for you. In the Coaches toolbox, you can access the Themed Class plans for each level of the program. To access these plans, firstly navigate to the 3 Level Program Page. Navigate to the bottom of the page and the supporting resources section where you can access the class plan options. Next, Select the Themed Class option you require on the next screen. Finally, find the class plan you require within the specific level. You can download the plan and it will display in your web browser or you can also download it to your device. Additional supporting resources are available including the curriculum and a bank of resources across each skill category. You can also access the Practice Club plans across each of the skill categories. After selecting the Class Plan option from the 3 Level Program page or the Practice Club menu navigation, you should then select the Practice Club option. Next, find your Practice Club Plan across the Skill categories. On this screen, you can navigate example plans across the Practice your Swing, Practice Around the Green and Practice on the Green themes. Plans are available which focus on specific skills or general skills within each category. Additional supporting resources are available including a bank of resources across each skill category. We have built each class plan to allow you to follow a specific class structure which crucially links to the theme and learning outcomes for the class. Firstly, within each of the class plans you can utilise an example timetable which can be used to see an overview of the class content and the time that should be allocated to each component. It also provides a summary of the focus of the class across the learning outcomes. The class objectives & technical guidance section details out content ideas to deliver within each of the Learning Outcomes. This includes technical guidance for the Mastering the Game Focus and Content ideas for the Learning the Game and Whole Golfer Focus. Next, guidance is provided on how to layout your class to cover all elements but also to make sure that the class is safe and flows correctly. This is used to guide you but ultimately it will be up to you interpret the facility at your venue. During the timetable, there is an opportunity for the learners to break out into independent and social practice using practice stations that will develop the technical skills for that class. Examples of Practice Stations drills you can use are provided within the plans. Each class plan includes a number of game cards intended to offer an engaging component to the class. Learners can attempt these games individually, in pairs or groups. This will offer a fun but competitive element to the class. Finally, there is an opportunity to setup a specific challenge within the Mastering the Game skill for that class. This will provide an engaging element of the class especially for those attending again but it is at your discretion as to whether you offer this. We have built each practice club plan to allow you to follow a specific structure which crucially links to the skill focus of the practice club and importantly allow your learners to access effective practice time, as well as develop social connects with others attending. The practice club plans are similar in structure to the themed class plans but with some differences. Just like the themed class plans, each plan includes an example timetable which can be used to see an overview of the practice club content and the time that should be allocated to each component. It also provides a summary of the focus of the class across the learning outcomes. Guidance is provided on how to layout your practice club to cover all elements but also to make sure that the class is safe and it promotes social connection opportunities. During the practice club, learners should break out into independent and social practice using practice stations that will develop the technical skills for that class. The learners should rotate around these stations and ideas for these stations are provided within the plans. The learning outcome focus sections provide you with content ideas to deliver in the practice club relating to the Learning the Game and Whole Golfer learning outcomes which you should explore in your class. Each Practice Club plan includes a number of game cards intended to offer an engaging component to the class. Those attending can attempt these games individually, in pairs or in groups. This will offer a fun but competitive element to the practice club. Remember that practice clubs are aimed at providing a social element to your program so this is a key element. Just like the themed classes, there is an opportunity to setup all of the challenges within the Mastering the Game focus for that Practice Club. This will provide an engaging and social element of the practice club as well as a competitive edge. It will also allow the learners to track their journey through the Mastering the Game progress wheel, supporting their journey to become club and course ready. When planning and running your themed classes and practice clubs, we recommend that you utilize the plans in the Coaches Toolbox and their are a number of benefits. Firstly, it will help you to manage mixed abilities, allow for student led learning, which will lead to increased retention in the program. Games based and constraints led learning will help to increase the social interaction in the group and lead to a higher percentage being retained as learners and golfers at the club. All of the content links to the GLF Connect MyGame+ feature. When the plans are delivered well it will compliment the tracking features that the learner is able to access improving their learning experience. It will help you to plan the setup of your classes, ensuring you have all the equipment you need, the teaching area is safe and all components of the class are delivered. It will offer you ideas for content to deliver so you can focus on delivering the session and attending to all in the group. It will ensure that you expose your learners to the learning outcomes within the program and therefore ensure each learner can develop the skills required to become club and course ready. It will help you to drive social connections between participants on the program, a hallmark of the programs goals. Finally, it will help you provide a knockout experience to those attending ensuring that you are organized and prepared for each class you are delivering. It is vital that you are organized for your themed classes and there are a number of tasks that we recommend you complete prior to the day of delivery and just before the start of the session. This will ensure that you can deliver on the class content, operate a safe environment, offer a knockout experience for those attending but also ensure that you do not negatively impact the experience of other members or guests at your club. In the week prior or a few days before your class, we recommend you firstly download the specific plan from the Coaches Toolbox. You should reserve the coaching facility or inform those at your club about the class. You should ensure you have course access arranged if required and organize the equipment you need including clubs, equipment for the challenges and game cards. You should ensure you have some time blocked into your schedule prior to the session start time and finally message your students on GLF Connect or via email reminding them of the location and expectations. Next, it is the day of delivery and you should ensure you arrive at least 15 minutes prior in order to setup your class including laying out the practice stations, games and Mastering the Game challenge. If your class is taking place on the course, ensure you have scorecards, ball markers, pitchforks and other essential equipment, Ensure you have all of the equipment required, including spare clubs. You should aim to be available 5 minutes prior in order meet and greet the participants. Finally, It's time to run your class and deliver a great Learn to Play Golf experience at your club! The Themed Classes are an informal experience with a curriculum for you to follow. They have been designed to offer learners with the necessary opportunity to develop their skills across the learning outcomes. You have the freedom to add your own expertise to the session but we recommend you follow the class themes. During the session, allow for the learners to connect socially. This is one of core principles of the program, that it encourages social connections to be strengthened. You will need to use your skill as a coach to ensure that you deliver the appropriate content to the student, tailor this to their needs and ensure the class is fun, engaging and informative. At the start, and during the class, you can get the learners together as a group to explore the Mastering the Game, Learning the Game and Whole Golfer focus which is built into the class plans through a interactive group discussion and demonstrations. Throughout the class, learners can engage in independent practice using the prescribed practice stations and games and receive one to one coaching from you. They can also attempt the Mastering the Game Challenge and this is recommend to be completed in pairs. The graphic on the screen provides an example image of how we suggest you layout the themed Class, using the Swing skill focus. The structure of the class will allow each of the learners attending to practice effectively, attempt the games within the session and receive adequate access to private coaching from you. It also setup to encourage social interaction between those attending. Crucially, this is all done in a safe environment. Station 1, 2 and 3 are the Practice Stations. These are the stations where your learners can engage in independent practice, social practice with another learner, and gain private coaching from you. A suggested engaging drill has been prescribed that you can use. At the game stations, learners can attempt an engaging and competitive game or guided discovery activity in pairs or small groups. At your discretion, you can also layout out one of the challenges within the Mastering the Game Challenges. This will offer an engaging component to the class, especially for those who may be re-attending the class. Included in the levels are On Course Themed Classes and due to the nature of the location of the classes the recommend structure will be different. A class plan is available for these within the Coaches Toolbox. Once again you have the freedom to add your own expertise to these classes. During these sessions it is vital to allow for the learners to connect socially. You also need to ensure you provide adequate opportunities to deliver key learning points and promote discussion. Whilst these classes showed provide an opportunity for play, they are more focussed on developing knowledge of on course skills across the learning outcomes. At the start, and during the class, you should get the learners together as a group to explore the Mastering the Game, Learning the Game and Whole Golfer focus. This will drive social interaction and key learning opportunities. You should layout your adapted course to help educate your learners on this element of the program and play from the correct teeing positions where appropriate. You should allow learners the opportunity to practice the different shots if you are able to do this safely. It is important you manage the mixed abilities and experiences in the group, as well as navigate the technical development of those attending. The learners in your group will be at different stages in their journey. Being aware of this, and setting the class up to allow for this, is key to the enjoyment and learning of all your participants. Make sure you communicate this to the group and set expectations at the start of each class that you will cover the theme for the class, allow time for practice, and provide individual coaching. You should encourage those learners that are more experienced to help those that are less so, this will enhance the learning experience for both students and increase the social connections within the group. Finally, the class plans have been designed so that you can set up relevant games and challenges to allow for appropriate learning, based on each individual's experience. Finding an appropriate challenge point for each individual is key to maintaining engagement throughout the class and maximizing the student's learning. Within each class plan we have prescribed a technical element that you should deliver to the group. This technical theme is broad and allows for you deliver it in your own way, so that you can take ownership of the content being delivered. It should be noted that research into the learning experience of those new to the game has shown that lots of technical input at an early stage of learning has led to higher drop out levels due to a fixation on getting the technique correct before exploring playing the game. Remember that the program is all about getting your learners out on the course as soon as possible so they can enjoy and be inspired by playing the game. Do not over prescribe block practice, even at an early stage in a learners' journey. Their technical ability will improve with time and the regular coaching opportunities that are provided to them. Providing a knockout experience to those attending doesn't just stop with delivering the main content of your class. What you deliver at the end of the class is just as important to the success of the program and development of each learner. We recommend you take time at the end of your class to actively encourage social connections between participants and allow those who may not have been confident in starting a conversation to have the opportunity to engage with others in the group. This is also a great chance to engage with learners on a one to one basis, to receive feedback on how they felt the session went and to provide additional support if needed in the form of booking private lessons or by allowing them to speak openly away from the group environment. Learners should be encouraged to play and practice together outside of the weekly classes. Facilitating these opportunities will help to improve the learner's ability, enjoyment and confidence on the course, across the skills and build confidence at the club. Ensure that learners are clear on the expectations of safety and speed of play on the course, and that they should start from an appropriate teeing position on each hole. You should promote the supplementary elements of the program and when these are taking place. To record the learners progress through the 3-Step Progression Pathway and the skill based challenges, the GLF Connect My Game feature can be used. The learners progress can be visually tracked via the progress wheels, rewards and on course score tracker. Through GLF, the learner can see a visual of each of the challenges and how to complete these as well as log and record their score. It is vital that you are organized for a practice club and there are a number of tasks that we recommend you complete prior to the day of delivery and just before the start of the session. This will ensure that you can deliver on the practice club content, operate a safe environment, offer a knockout experience for this attending but also ensure that you do not negatively impact the experience of other members or guest at your club. In the week prior or a few days before, we recommend you prepare by downloading the practice club plan from the Coaches toolbox to help educate yourself about the content of the class and what is required. You should ensure you have reserved the coaching facility or inform those at your club about the session. You should organize the equipment you need for the practice club including clubs, equipment for the challenges and Game stations. Ensure you have some time blocked into your schedule prior to the session start time and message your students on GLF or via email reminding them of the practice club, the location and expectations. It is the day of delivery and you should ensure you arrive at least 15 minutes prior in order to setup your practice club including the Games and Mastering the Game Challenges. You should ensure you have all of the equipment necessary, including spare clubs and be available 5 minutes prior in order meet and greet the participants. Finally, It's time to run your practice club and deliver a great Learn to Play Golf experience at your club! Remember that practice clubs are built to offer an alternative element to your program than the weekly themed classes. Therefore, the way in which you setup and deliver the practice clubs should be different. The practice clubs are a chance for learners to develop their skills, but also to develop deeper social connections with other learners on the program and build confidence being at the club. Your practice clubs should be less formal, however we recommend you deliver your practice club to include a specific structure. The practice club should start with a short introduction to the class and the challenge and activities available. Halfway through the session, the learners can be brought back together to discuss the Whole Golfer or Learning the Game Focus. The learners can attempt the challenges within the specific Mastering the Game focus for that specific practice club theme. In this example, one learner is attempting the Bunker Challenge. The learners can engage in social practice with others during the session as well as independent practice. The learners should be able to access private coaching time with you to refine their skills and recap on the themed class content. You will need to use your skill as a coach to manage the time accordingly with each student. Practice clubs are an informal supplementary experience designed to offer learners an opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge, develop social connections with others and build confidence at the club. Within these sessions, you have the freedom to add your own expertise but are required to deliver the content with the practice club plans. The graphic on the screen provides an example image of how we suggest you layout an example practice club, in this example practice your swing. This will help you to deliver on the content of the plans and ensure the session is delivered as safely as possible. Practice stations provide the learner with an opportunity to practice with a prescribed drill. This is useful for engaging the learner in guided discovery. You may also want to use this station for private coaching. At the game stations the learner can attempt an engaging and competitive game or guided discovery activity in pairs or small groups. Learners can attempt the challenges within each skill for the relevant skill focus. The exact setup of the challenges will vary for each facility and you need to ensure that each challenge is available but setup as safely as possible. Providing a knockout experience to those attending doesn't just stop with delivering the main content of your practice club. What you deliver at the end of the class is just as important to the success of the program and development of each learner. At the end of the practice club, we recommend you take the time to actively encourage social connections between participants as this will allow those who may not have been confident in starting a conversation to engage with others in the group. This is also a great chance to engage with learners on a one to one basis, to receive feedback on how they felt the session went and to provide additional support if needed in the form of booking private lessons or being able to speak openly away from the group environment. Learners should be encouraged to play together outside of practice clubs. Facilitating the opportunity to play together after a class will help to improve the learner's ability, enjoyment and confidence on the course. You should promote the course play opportunities within your program during these sessions. Just like in the themed classes you should encourage learners to track their progress through the program and utilise the features within the GLF Connect system. It\'s now time to take the next steps towards launching your 3 Level Learner program and delivering your themed class and practice clubs. After the completion of this training module, we recommend you complete the tasks within the Delivery Week Step by Step Guide You should review this guide to complete each of the tasks so you are ready to deliver your practice club and themed classes. Next, complete the Building your Adapted Course and Running your Course Play Event Training module. This module will bring you up to speed with the adapted course and how you can utilise this within your course play events. Finally, it\'s time to deliver a great program to your learner golfers!