I love teaching golf, but I especially love teaching golf to kids. Seeing the joy in the face of an eight year old child when they hit one pure or sink a long putt is much more satisfying than trying to turn an eight handicapper's 10 yard draw into a 5 yard draw. If you can get a young child interested in golf, they will benefit in countless ways. More important than learning fundamental skills of this great game, they will learn much about life, as the parallels between golf and life are well documented.
Nothing is more frustrating to me than seeing an adult pushing their child to succeed at the driving range or during a lesson I am giving them. I think this turns the learning process into a chore, and the child will be much less likely to flourish. Constantly trying to correct their form at this stage will cause them to tense up and not use their natural instincts. Children have a natural ability to swing the golf club, because it is generally too heavy for them to make an incorrect motion like a reverse pivot (weight going forward on the back swing and backwards on the downswing). This forces them to use the weight of the club head to hit the ball rather than try to force it, and ingrains a keen sense of feel that will set a great foundation for the swing.
Job one is being friendly to the child and never condescending. Find common ground as quickly as possible (ask them what they like or don't like about school, other sports, their experience with golf, etc.). By establishing a rapport right off the bat the child feels comfortable and ready to learn in a completely non-threatening environment. I like to act goofy and try and get them to laugh at me. This reduces any 'intimidation' factor. Obviously, avoid any technical words or terms, and get down to their level by squatting down so that they can look at you face to face.
Before taking a child to the driving range I take them right to the putting green and have them hit a few tennis balls into the hole from a very short distance. This not only builds their confidence immediately by giving them positive feedback, but when they start hitting golf balls into the cup rather than tennis balls the hole looks a heck of a lot bigger. If you can teach them the short stuff first then build towards the full swing (first putting, then chipping, then pitching, then lofted irons, then less lofted irons, then woods) they will develop a wonderful feel for the game.
There is a great drill I use for kids on the putting green. I set up a circle of tees on the green about the size of a hula-hoop with about 6 inches between the tees. I then have them putt balls towards the hula hoop and if they either get the ball to stop inside the circle or if they hit a tee, they get to choose their favorite color tee in the circle and keep it. They keep trying this drill from different distances and then I have them try and chip some balls to the circle (same deal, ball stops inside the circle or hits a tee then they pocket a tee). This is a great way to introduce the importance of distance control (which is really what golf is all about isn't it?) and the small prize is enough to keep their attention. The kids I've tried this drill with have wanted to keep doing it over and over, which is exciting because it encourages falling in love with the short game before moving on to the full swing (it's a great drill for adults too, by the way, if you can just convince them that learning how to hit their driver can wait).
Introducing the fundamentals (grip, stance, aim, ball position, swing techniques) should happen very slowly to prevent sensory overload. As I stated before, kids often have an innate understanding of the game that is lost on adult beginners, so they should be encouraged to find their way on their own to some degree. This is where some parents and I differ, as often they will want me to make sure their shoulders are square at address, or that they are swinging the club on a flat enough plane. I don't think kids under 10 or so should worry about any of this, unless they are already into competitive golf. As they hit balls they will pick up on what works and what doesn't, and will make adjustments accordingly. I make sure they have their hands together and are aimed in the right general direction and just have them whack away. Contests, friendly competition with other kids, and positive reinforcement are key to holding their attention for the lesson. I always have a pocket full of small prizes to give away during junior lessons.
I don't ever tell a child they are doing something 'wrong'. I always, however, point out (enthusiastically) when they doing anything correctly or experience any amount of success. Words like 'no' and 'don't' stifle the learning process and only confuse the child as they are generally unaware of what they are doing wrong even if you explain it to them.
If you can just let the child have fun and enjoy the game rather than pushing them to succeed they will be much more likely to become a lifetime player (and, probably a better player too).
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