Lesson 4 - Iron Shot Elevation and Control
Golf Skills & Ball Control
•Year 1
•Golf
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How can we use the tick-tock technique to get our golf balls flying higher and landing where we want them to?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the tick-tock technique for iron shots with elevation
- To understand golf terminology including par, birdie, and bogey
- To demonstrate safe practice when using golf equipment
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to execute iron shots with some height using correct technique
- Students will understand and use golf scoring terminology accurately
- Students will work safely within defined spaces and follow equipment safety rules
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all clubs for damage before lesson
Alternative: Foam clubs, shortened adult irons
Use bright colours for visibility
Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags
Blue for water hazards, yellow for bunkers
Alternative: Markers, chalk circles
Position as target holes
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
If available, place 3 metres from hitting area
Alternative: Large bucket, marked circle
Mark different scoring zones
Alternative: Chalk target on wall, cone target
Key Vocabulary
A golf club with an angled face designed to lift the ball into the air
A rhythmic swinging motion like a clock pendulum for consistent shots
The number of shots a good golfer is expected to take on a hole
Scoring one shot less than par on a hole
Scoring one shot more than par on a hole
Positioning the club head directly behind the ball before swinging
The height and arc of the ball's flight
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic golf grip and stance from previous lessons
- Understanding of addressing the ball
- Basic safety awareness around golf equipment
Current Skills
- Developing iron shot technique with elevation
- Learning golf terminology and scoring
- Improving accuracy and control
Next Steps
- Applying iron shots in full game situations
- Learning different club selections
- Developing course management skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasis on tick-tock rhythm over power for consistent iron shots
- Ball position in middle of stance for iron club elevation
- Address the ball before every swing for accuracy
- Keep head still throughout the swing motion
- Use practice swings to establish rhythm before hitting
- Safety consciousness with red cone compliance in games
- Peer assessment focusing on stance, addressing, and head position
Common Misconceptions
- Harder swing creates better shots - correct: smooth rhythm more important
- Ball should be positioned forward like driver - correct: middle position for irons
- Look up to see where ball goes during swing - correct: keep head still until after contact
- Birdie means good score - correct: birdie is one under par, not necessarily good
- Iron clubs are just like drivers - correct: irons have angled faces for elevation
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter station rotations, movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, simplified swing technique, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, quiet practice area available, visual schedule of activities
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of targets, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written target goals
physical disability
- Adapted clubs or seated position, modified targets at appropriate height, assistant if needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating golf scores, understanding par/birdie/bogey relationships, measuring distances, counting points
Science
Forces and motion in golf swings, gravity affecting ball flight, angles of club faces, pendulum motion
Geography
Spatial awareness on course layout, directions and positioning, mapping golf hole designs
PSHE
Teamwork during games, self-assessment and reflection, encouraging others, following safety rules
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with clear view of all activities, move between stations during practice
Observation Focus
Watch for proper technique, safety compliance, and student engagement levels
Intervention Points
Step in when safety rules broken, technique significantly incorrect, or student frustration evident
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate from side view for swing technique, use exaggerated movements for clarity
Verbal Cues
- •'Tick-tock rhythm!'
- •'Address the ball first!'
- •'Smooth swing, not hard!'
- •'Keep your head still!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Level grass or indoor surface, free from holes or hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all clubs for cracks or damage before use
- •Ensure foam balls are in good condition
- •Verify all cones are stable and visible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Being struck by golf club during swing
- •Tripping over equipment
- •Collision during running activities
- •Golf ball strikes
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear 3m safety zones around all hitters
- •Red safety cones positioned behind hitting areas
- •All students face same direction during practice
- •Use only foam balls for safety
- •Supervised equipment distribution and collection
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all stations simultaneously
- •Circulate during practice to ensure safe spacing
- •Monitor safety cone compliance during games
- •Check swing areas are clear before shots
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact office if needed