Lesson 4 - Iron Shots with Height and Control
Foundation Golf Skills
•Year 2
•Golf
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How can we use the 'tick-tock' technique to make our golf ball fly over obstacles safely?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the tick-tock technique for achieving height in iron shots
- To demonstrate safe movement and positioning within defined practice areas
- To understand and identify key features of a golf course
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform iron shots with improved height using the tick-tock technique
- Students will work safely in designated practice areas while supporting teammates
- Students will recognise and explain golf course terminology (fairway, bunker, tee, water)
Equipment & Resources Required
Check clubs are appropriate size for Year 2 students
Alternative: Hockey sticks, cricket bats for striking practice
Use foam balls for safety in confined spaces
Alternative: Tennis balls, soft play balls
Distribute around practice areas for course simulation
Alternative: Coloured markers, bean bags
Place at varying distances as target areas
Alternative: Rope circles, chalk circles
Create clear waiting lines behind practice areas
Alternative: Markers, tape lines
One per practice group for ball placement
Alternative: Small cones, markers
Create obstacles to clear with chip shots
Alternative: Low hurdles, foam blocks
Key Vocabulary
A smooth, pendulum-like swing motion that helps achieve height in golf shots
A type of golf club with an angled face designed to lift the ball into the air
The main playing area of a golf hole with short, well-maintained grass
A sandy hazard area on a golf course that makes shots more difficult
A short golf shot designed to lift the ball over obstacles and land softly
The position and balance of your feet and body when preparing to hit the ball
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 taking turns and safety procedures
- Experience with striking balls along the ground
Current Skills
- Tick-tock technique for achieving height in shots
- Clearing obstacles with lofted iron shots
- Golf course terminology and strategic thinking
Next Steps
- Developing distance control with different clubs
- Understanding course management and club selection
- Applying skills in more complex game situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- The tick-tock technique creates smooth pendulum motion for height
- Club face angle is crucial for lifting the ball over obstacles
- Safety procedures must be maintained throughout group practice
- Peer assessment and encouragement enhance learning experience
- Golf course terminology connects to real game understanding
- Coordination and precision develop through purposeful practice
- Strategic thinking improves through target calling and selection
Common Misconceptions
- Hitting harder will create more height - actually smooth technique with proper club face angle is key
- Only successful target hits demonstrate good technique - clearing obstacles shows skill even without target accuracy
- Golf is just about individual performance - teamwork and peer support are essential for development
- Perfect technique happens immediately - skill development requires practice and patience
- All swings should be the same - different obstacles require adjusted technique and club face angles
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear movement boundaries, regular positive feedback and refocusing
dyspraxia
- Larger foam balls for easier contact, simplified technique focus, extra time for coordination development
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet practice area available, consistent routine and structure
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of setup, buddy system for positioning
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of technique, hand signals for instructions, written target calling cards
physical disability
- Seated version using table and ramp, modified grip tape on clubs, assistance with stance
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, gravity effects on trajectory, lever principles in club action
Geography
Mapping golf course features, directions and orientation, spatial awareness in target selection
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, celebrating others' success, persistence and resilience in skill development
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position for demonstrations, circulate during practice for individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for smooth tick-tock technique, ball flight height, safety compliance, peer interaction
Intervention Points
Step in if safety boundaries ignored, technique significantly incorrect, or peer conflicts arise
Demonstration Notes
Show exaggerated pendulum motion for tick-tock technique, emphasise club face angle for height, model calling targets before shots
Verbal Cues
- •'Smooth tick-tock like a clock!'
- •'Eyes on the ball, head still!'
- •'Let the club face lift the ball UP!'
- •'Celebrate your teammate's great technique!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall with high ceiling
Surface Check
Level ground free from holes, wet patches, or debris that could cause slips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Golf clubs appropriate size for Year 2 students
- •Foam balls only - no hard golf balls
- •Benches stable and appropriate height
- •Safety cones clearly visible and properly positioned
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Club contact with other students during swing
- •Balls striking students or causing trips
- •Collisions around obstacle equipment
- •Slips or falls on uneven surfaces
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear safety cone boundaries for waiting areas
- •Groups of three maximum for safe turn-taking
- •Adequate spacing between practice areas (minimum 5m)
- •Supervised equipment handling and passing
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all practice groups
- •Circulate to monitor safe club handling
- •Ensure compliance with safety cone boundaries
- •Watch for safe movement around bench obstacles
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required