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Lesson 5 - Driving for Distance and Accuracy

Golf Skills & Ball Control

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Year 1

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Golf

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45 min

Big Question

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

Tennis Balls

50+ balls

Placed in central circle for warm-up activity

Alternative: Foam balls, plastic practice balls

Tri Golf Plastic Clubs

15 sets (driver, iron, putter per set)

Distributed among activity stations

Alternative: Foam paddles, modified hockey sticks

Targets

5 targets

Set up at appropriate distances for striking practice

Alternative: Hoops, chalk circles, cone markers

Hoops

15 hoops (5 blue, 5 yellow, 5 green)

Blue=water hazards, Yellow=bunkers, Green=greens

Alternative: Rope circles, chalk markings, poly spots

Cones

Mark fairway boundaries and activity areas

Alternative: Markers, flags, chalk lines

Paddling Pool

2 pools

Target for chipping practice

Alternative: Large hoops, marked circles, buckets

Medium-Sized Balls

5 balls

Target for putting practice at 5m distance

Alternative: Foam footballs, large tennis balls

Scorecards

10 cards

One per group of three for recording scores

Alternative: Paper and pencils, clipboards

Tees

15 rubber tees

Help elevate ball for driving practice

Alternative: Small cones, markers

Key Vocabulary

Drive

A long golf shot played from the tee or fairway to achieve maximum distance

Accuracy

The ability to hit the ball precisely towards your intended target

Fairway

The main playing area of a golf hole between the tee and the green

Hazard

An obstacle on a golf course like water or sand that makes play more difficult

Penalty Stroke

An extra shot added to your score when the ball goes into a hazard or out of bounds

Club Selection

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

Consistent head position during striking

Improved ball flight distance

Better target accuracy

Effective teamwork and communication

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.