Lesson 2 - Putting Accuracy and Force Control
Golf Skills & Ball Control
•Year 1
•Golf
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How can we change the force of our putting to score more accurately?
Learning Objectives
- To putt a ball towards a target with some accuracy
- To change the amount of force when putting on different slopes
- To understand what a back swing is and how it affects putting power
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved putting accuracy through target activities
- Students will show understanding of force adjustment for uphill/downhill putts
- Students will communicate effectively whilst working collaboratively in groups
Equipment & Resources Required
Check putter length appropriate for Year 1 students
Alternative: Hockey sticks with shortened grip, rounders bats
Ensure balls are not damaged and roll smoothly
Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags for easier control
Use bright colours for visibility, various sizes for targets
Alternative: Markers, chalk circles
Non-slip spots that won't move when ball hits them
Alternative: Chalk circles, laminated paper circles
Different sizes to create bulls-eye target system
Alternative: Chalk rings, rope circles
Key Vocabulary
A gentle golf stroke used to roll the ball along the ground towards the hole
The backward movement of the putter before striking the ball
How hard or soft you hit the ball to control distance
When the target is higher than where you are putting from
When the target is lower than where you are putting from
How you position your feet and body when preparing to putt
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of hitting a ball with equipment
- Following simple rules and taking turns
- Working cooperatively in small groups
Current Skills
- Developing accurate putting technique
- Understanding force adjustment for slopes
- Learning back swing fundamentals
- Improving collaborative communication
Next Steps
- Combining putting with chipping skills
- Reading greens for more complex putts
- Developing consistent pre-shot routines
- Leading peer coaching effectively
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Maintain proper putting grip with both hands working together throughout all activities
- Establish consistent putting stance with feet shoulder-width apart and slight knee bend
- Develop smooth pendulum putting motion rather than jerky hitting action
- Emphasise force adjustment based on slope assessment - firmer for uphill, gentler for downhill
- Build accuracy through progressive target practice from varying distances
- Foster positive team communication and fair play during all competitive elements
- Connect putting success to careful preparation and slope reading rather than luck
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Putting is just gentle hitting' - Clarify that putting requires specific technique and slope awareness
- Misconception: 'All putts need the same force' - Teach deliberate force adjustment for distance and slope variations
- Misconception: 'Only final scores matter' - Emphasise technique development and improvement over just points
- Misconception: 'Uphill and downhill putts are the same' - Clearly demonstrate the different force requirements
- Misconception: 'Good putts are just lucky' - Show how preparation and technique lead to consistent success
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity rotations, clear physical boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific roles to maintain focus
dyspraxia
- Simplified grip guidance with visual aids, extra practice time for stance development, larger targets for initial success
autism spectrum
- Clear routines for activity transitions, visual schedule showing lesson progression, quiet zones available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and cones for high contrast, provide verbal descriptions of slopes and targets, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instructions on cards, ensure clear sight lines for communication
physical disability
- Seated putting option using adapted stance, lighter equipment if needed, modified distances for comfort and success
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting points and adding team scores, measuring distances for different putting challenges, understanding angles and slopes
Science
Forces and motion - how different amounts of force affect ball movement, friction between ball and ground, gravity effects on slopes
Geography
Understanding slopes, inclines, and terrain features, using directional language (uphill, downhill, clockwise)
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, fair play and honesty in scoring, celebrating others' achievements, resilience when facing challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position centrally with clear sight lines to all putting groups. Move between groups to provide individual feedback while maintaining overall supervision
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip and stance, appropriate force adjustment for slopes, safe equipment handling, and positive team interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with basic technique, if safety rules being ignored, or if team dynamics becoming negative
Demonstration Notes
Model putting stance with exaggerated good posture. Show clear contrast between uphill and downhill putting force. Demonstrate smooth pendulum putting motion
Verbal Cues
- •'Smooth back and through like a pendulum!'
- •'Check your slope - uphill needs more force!'
- •'Eyes on the ball, then eyes on target!'
- •'Feet apart for balance, knees soft!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area with varied terrain including some slopes for realistic putting practice
Surface Check
Firm, even surface suitable for ball rolling. Check for holes, debris, or dangerous slopes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check putters are appropriate length for Year 1 students (no higher than chest height)
- •Ensure putter heads are secure and not damaged
- •Verify golf balls are in good condition and roll smoothly
- •Check cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Putter swing injuries from uncontrolled movements
- •Collisions between students moving around activity area
- •Slips and falls on slopes during putting practice
- •Golf balls hitting other students
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for each putting area
- •Adequate spacing between groups (minimum 4m)
- •Putters only used for putting motion - no swinging above waist height
- •'Clear' calls before putting to ensure safe putting lines
- •Teacher positioned for maximum visibility of all students
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all groups simultaneously
- •Move between groups to monitor technique and safety
- •Pay particular attention during equipment transitions
- •Watch for fatigue affecting coordination and safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs. Assess, provide appropriate first aid, and seek additional help if needed