Lesson 5 - Driving for Distance and Accuracy
Golf Skills & Ball Control
•Year 1
•Golf
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How can we strike the ball with more power while keeping it accurate?
Learning Objectives
- Develop driving technique for distance while maintaining accuracy
- Understand the importance of controlled striking rather than hitting hard
- Apply knowledge of club selection in different golf situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved striking technique with better distance control
- Students will show understanding of when to use different clubs
- Students will work effectively in teams and communicate well with others
Equipment & Resources Required
Placed in central circle for warm-up activity
Alternative: Foam balls, plastic practice balls
Distributed among activity stations
Alternative: Foam paddles, modified hockey sticks
Set up at appropriate distances for striking practice
Alternative: Hoops, chalk circles, cone markers
Blue=water hazards, Yellow=bunkers, Green=greens
Alternative: Rope circles, chalk markings, poly spots
Mark fairway boundaries and activity areas
Alternative: Markers, flags, chalk lines
Target for chipping practice
Alternative: Large hoops, marked circles, buckets
Target for putting practice at 5m distance
Alternative: Foam footballs, large tennis balls
One per group of three for recording scores
Alternative: Paper and pencils, clipboards
Help elevate ball for driving practice
Alternative: Small cones, markers
Key Vocabulary
A long golf shot played from the tee or fairway to achieve maximum distance
The ability to hit the ball precisely towards your intended target
The main playing area of a golf hole between the tee and the green
An obstacle on a golf course like water or sand that makes play more difficult
An extra shot added to your score when the ball goes into a hazard or out of bounds
Choosing the right golf club for the distance and type of shot needed
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic putting and chipping techniques from previous lessons
- Understanding of golf equipment and safety rules
- Experience working in small groups
Current Skills
- Driving technique for distance
- Accuracy in striking towards targets
- Club selection knowledge
- Course design understanding
Next Steps
- Advanced course play with multiple holes
- Tournament format play
- Refined technique under pressure
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Head position is crucial - must stay still and watch the ball during all striking
- Smooth, controlled swings are more effective than trying to hit hard
- Club selection depends on distance and type of shot required
- Penalty system teaches course management and strategic thinking
- Teamwork and communication are essential for successful course design
- Self-assessment helps develop awareness of technique and improvement areas
- Course design requires understanding of golf challenge elements
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that hitting harder always makes the ball go further - teach control first
- Believing all clubs do the same job - explain different club purposes clearly
- Assuming penalties are punishment - explain they're part of strategic play
- Thinking golf is individual only - emphasise team elements in lesson
- Believing perfect shots happen immediately - stress practice and gradual improvement
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter station times with more frequent rotations, clear physical boundaries, immediate feedback and scoring, movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Larger balls and targets, simplified club selection, extra practice time, step-by-step movement breakdowns
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedules for station rotation, consistent routines, quiet practice area available, advance warning of changes
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of targets and distances, partner system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, clear hand signals for instructions, written scorecard systems
physical disability
- Seated striking from chair, lighter clubs or adapted equipment, shorter distances to targets, modified scoring system
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting scores and penalty strokes, measuring distances to targets, adding team totals, understanding angles for different shots
Science
Forces involved in ball striking, trajectory and gravity effects, friction between ball and surface, cause and effect in club selection
Geography
Designing course layouts and maps, understanding spatial relationships, directions and positioning on course
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, honest self-assessment, dealing with challenges positively, fair play and sportsmanship
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move continuously between stations during carousel, focusing on technique coaching and safety monitoring
Observation Focus
Head position during swings, club selection appropriateness, teamwork quality, understanding of rules and penalties
Intervention Points
Step in when technique is dangerous, when teams struggle with cooperation, or when rules confusion arises
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated head movements to show correct vs incorrect technique. Demonstrate club selection with clear reasoning. Model positive team communication throughout.
Verbal Cues
- •'Head down, watch the ball!'
- •'Smooth swing, not hard!'
- •'Which club is best for this shot?'
- •'Great teamwork!'
- •'Count your penalty fairly'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 30m for five stations plus course design space
Surface Check
Flat, non-slip surface free from holes or obstacles that could cause tripping
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check plastic golf clubs for cracks or sharp edges
- •Ensure balls are appropriate size and not damaged
- •Verify hoops are secure and not broken
- •Check rope is properly secured for clearing activity
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Being struck by golf club during swing
- •Collision between children during warm-up
- •Slipping on balls left on ground
- •Conflict during competitive station activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear swing zones established at each station
- •Children wait behind designated lines during others' turns
- •Regular ball collection to prevent trip hazards
- •Emphasis on controlled swings rather than power
- •Active supervision and rotation management
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe multiple stations during carousel
- •Monitor warm-up for safe running and turn-taking
- •Watch for frustration during competitive activities
- •Check equipment handling during transitions
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs. Other children sit down safely away from equipment while first aid is administered.