⛳

Lesson 4 - Iron Shot Elevation and Control

Golf Skills & Ball Control

•

Year 1

•

Golf

•

45 min

Big Question

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

Golf Clubs

1 per student (30)

Check all clubs for damage before lesson

Alternative: Foam clubs, shortened adult irons

Softballs

3 per student (90)

Use bright colours for visibility

Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags

Coloured Cones

40 mixed colours

Blue for water hazards, yellow for bunkers

Alternative: Markers, chalk circles

Hoops

6 large hoops

Position as target holes

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Paddling Pool

If available, place 3 metres from hitting area

Alternative: Large bucket, marked circle

Targets

Mark different scoring zones

Alternative: Chalk target on wall, cone target

Key Vocabulary

Iron club

A golf club with an angled face designed to lift the ball into the air

Tick-tock technique

A rhythmic swinging motion like a clock pendulum for consistent shots

Par

The number of shots a good golfer is expected to take on a hole

Birdie

Scoring one shot less than par on a hole

Bogey

Scoring one shot more than par on a hole

Address the ball

Positioning the club head directly behind the ball before swinging

Loft

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

Consistent contact with ball using iron

Visible ball flight with height

Accurate terminology usage

Safe independent practice

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