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Lesson 2 - Putting Accuracy and Force Control

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 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

Golf Putters

10 (1 per group of 3)

Check putter length appropriate for Year 1 students

Alternative: Hockey sticks with shortened grip, rounders bats

Golf Balls

30 (enough for whole class)

Ensure balls are not damaged and roll smoothly

Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags for easier control

Cones

40 mixed colours

Use bright colours for visibility, various sizes for targets

Alternative: Markers, chalk circles

Mats

10 different colours

Non-slip spots that won't move when ball hits them

Alternative: Chalk circles, laminated paper circles

Coloured Cones

30 (10 red, 10 yellow, 10 green)

Different sizes to create bulls-eye target system

Alternative: Chalk rings, rope circles

Key Vocabulary

Putting

A gentle golf stroke used to roll the ball along the ground towards the hole

Back swing

The backward movement of the putter before striking the ball

Force

How hard or soft you hit the ball to control distance

Uphill

When the target is higher than where you are putting from

Downhill

When the target is lower than where you are putting from

Stance

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

Consistent ball contact with putter face

Deliberate force adjustment observable

Verbal explanation of slope effects

Positive team interaction demonstrated

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