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Lesson 3 - Iron Play Fundamentals

Foundation Golf Skills

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Year 2

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Golf

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our eyes and body position to strike the ball accurately with an iron club?

Learning Objectives

To develop consistent striking technique with iron clubs
To understand proper setup and stance for iron shots
To demonstrate awareness of golf safety rules and boundaries

Key Outcomes

Students will strike the ball with improved consistency using iron clubs
Students will set up correctly for iron shots with appropriate stance
Students will follow safety procedures and understand course boundaries

Equipment & Resources Required

Iron Clubs

1 per 2 students (15 total)

Check club length appropriate for student height

Alternative: Plastic golf clubs, foam clubs for safety

Golf Balls

2 per student (60 total)

Use softer balls for safety indoors

Alternative: Foam balls, plastic practice balls

Tees

4 per student (120 total)

Various heights for different practice shots

Alternative: Rubber tees, adjustable height tees

Markers

8-10 cones or hoops

Place at varying distances for different abilities

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Sun Markers

20 cones

Create clear practice area boundaries

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines

Practice mats

8-10 mats

Provide consistent striking surface

Alternative: Marked ground areas, artificial turf pieces

Key Vocabulary

Iron club

A golf club with a metal head used for medium-distance shots

Setup

The position and stance taken before making a golf shot

Tee

A small peg used to elevate the ball for easier striking

Eye tracking

Keeping your eyes focused on the ball throughout the swing

Strike

To hit the ball cleanly with the club face

Stance

How you position your feet and body before hitting

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic grip and stance from previous lessons
Understanding of golf safety rules
Experience with putting and basic ball striking

Current Skills

Iron club striking technique
Setup positioning for iron shots
Eye tracking during swing

Next Steps

Iron shot accuracy and distance control
Different iron clubs and their uses
Course management and strategy

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact between club and ball

Appropriate setup stance without prompting

Natural eye tracking throughout swing

Key Teaching Points

Eyes must stay on the ball throughout the swing
Proper setup position is foundation of good iron shots
Tees help learning but real golf often requires ground contact
Accuracy is more important than power in iron play
Safety rules must be followed strictly when using clubs
Consistent pre-shot routine builds confidence and skill
Teamwork and encouragement improve everyone's experience

Common Misconceptions

Thinking harder swinging always means better shots
Believing you must look where ball is going during swing
Assuming tees are always used for all golf shots
Thinking iron clubs and drivers are used the same way
Believing golf is only about individual performance, not teamwork

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement breaks, immediate feedback on progress

dyspraxia

Extra time for grip and setup, larger equipment where possible, simplified swing technique focus

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet practice space available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and larger targets, provide tactile guidance for grip and setup, buddy system for safety

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for safety and instruction, demonstrate all techniques clearly, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Adapted grip sizes, seated golf options, modified stance and swing as needed, lighter clubs if available

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scoring systems, calculating team totals, measuring distances to targets

Science

Forces in golf swing, trajectory and flight paths, cause and effect of technique changes

Geography

Direction and aim, spatial awareness, understanding of course layout concepts

PSHE

Teamwork skills, managing frustration, supporting others, setting realistic goals

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between hitting stations to check technique, maintain overview of all students

Observation Focus

Watch for consistent eye tracking, proper setup position, and safe equipment handling

Intervention Points

Step in for safety violations, provide individual grip assistance, encourage struggling students

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, repeat key demonstrations frequently, check understanding before progressing

Verbal Cues

•'Eyes on the ball!'
•'Smooth and steady!'
•'Setup first, then swing!'
•'Safety check before hitting!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 25m x 20m clear area for hitting practice, additional space for ball collection

Surface Check

Level ground free from holes or obstacles, suitable for safe swinging

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check iron clubs for damage or loose heads
•Ensure balls are appropriate weight for age group
•Verify tees are not broken or sharp

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Being struck by golf clubs during swing
•Being hit by flying golf balls
•Tripping over equipment on ground

Risk Mitigation

•Strict 4-metre minimum spacing between students when hitting
•Clear hitting direction away from other students
•Safety boundaries enforced at all times
•Controlled ball collection procedures

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all hitting areas simultaneously
•Monitor spacing and safety protocol compliance
•Check equipment handling at all times

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on safety signal, assess any injuries, appropriate first aid response