Lesson 3 - Iron Play Fundamentals
Foundation Golf Skills
•Year 2
•Golf
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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
Check club length appropriate for student height
Alternative: Plastic golf clubs, foam clubs for safety
Use softer balls for safety indoors
Alternative: Foam balls, plastic practice balls
Various heights for different practice shots
Alternative: Rubber tees, adjustable height tees
Place at varying distances for different abilities
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Create clear practice area boundaries
Alternative: Rope, chalk lines
Provide consistent striking surface
Alternative: Marked ground areas, artificial turf pieces
Key Vocabulary
A golf club with a metal head used for medium-distance shots
The position and stance taken before making a golf shot
A small peg used to elevate the ball for easier striking
Keeping your eyes focused on the ball throughout the swing
To hit the ball cleanly with the club face
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
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