Dynamic warm-up before hitting

Setup

1. Players line up on the hitting line with plenty of space either side: at least two club-and-arm lengths between people.
2. Balls stay in a pile behind the line until the swinging part starts.
3. Sunscreen, hats and water in hot weather; anyone with pain sits the movement out and tells the coach.

How it runs

1. Walk and swing the arms gently for a minute, then walking lunges forward with a turn of the chest over the front leg.
2. Leg swings, front to back and side to side, holding a club for balance; ten each leg.
3. Back to the line. Club held across the shoulders: slow turns back and through, building the range each time.
4. Club across the hips: hip hinges, pushing the hips back with a flat back, ten times.
5. Wrist and forearm circles, then gentle club waggles.
6. Each player puts one ball down. Check the space around you, then half swings with a wedge, three-quarter swings, and only then full swings with longer clubs.

Coaching points

• Move, don't hold: stretches stay active and smooth, never bouncing.
• Build gradually; the first full swings should feel easy, not maximal.
• The turn comes from the hips and upper back, not from twisting the lower back.
• Before every swing, check nobody is within reach in any direction, especially behind and in front.
• Use the same routine before every round or lesson so it becomes a habit.

Common mistakes

• Going straight to the driver with cold muscles.
• Swinging a club during the warm-up while standing too close to someone.
• Rushing the turns so they become jerky.
• Skipping water and sun protection on long practice days.