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Big Question

How can we control our putting force to roll the ball exactly where we want it to go?

Learning Objectives

  • To putt a ball towards a target with increasing accuracy
  • To adjust putting force based on slopes and distances
  • To understand and demonstrate proper backswing technique

Key Outcomes

  • Students will successfully putt balls through gates and onto targets
  • Students will adjust their putting force for uphill and downhill slopes
  • Students will work cooperatively in teams and communicate effectively

Equipment & Resources Required

Golf Putters
10 (class set)

Distribute around area, check for damage before use

Alternative: Hockey sticks, large spoons for adapted play

Tennis Balls
30 (1 per child)

Keep in bucket for easy distribution

Alternative: Bean bags, small footballs

Cones
30-40

Mix of colours for different activities

Alternative: Markers, skittles

Mats
30 (3 colours - 10 of each)

Red, yellow, green spots for target zones

Alternative: Chalk circles, hoops

Bibs
15 (for team identification)

Two different colours for team games

Alternative: Coloured cones to hold

Key Vocabulary

Putt

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

Backswing

The movement of taking the putter back before striking the ball

Force

How hard or soft you hit the ball

Uphill

When the ground slopes up away from you

Downhill

When the ground slopes down away from you

Stance

How you position your feet and body when putting

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic ball rolling and control
  • Understanding of targets and aiming
  • Simple cooperation with partners

Current Skills

  • Putting technique and stance
  • Force control in putting
  • Slope awareness and adjustment

Next Steps

  • Longer distance putting
  • Reading green slopes
  • Competitive putting games

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent grip and stance
2
Ball reaches intended target area
3
Visible force adjustment for slopes

Key Teaching Points

  • Putting stance: feet shoulder-width apart, balanced position over ball
  • Grip: hands together on putter handle, comfortable but controlled
  • Backswing: smooth, controlled movement back then forward like pendulum
  • Slope awareness: uphill putts need more force, downhill putts need less force
  • Target focus: eyes on ball during putt, then track ball to target
  • Force control: adjust backswing size to control distance ball travels
  • Cooperation: supporting teammates, honest scoring, positive encouragement

Common Misconceptions

  • Thinking you need to hit the ball hard for all putts - demonstrate gentle control
  • Believing slopes don't affect ball roll - show practical examples of uphill/downhill effects
  • Assuming putting is just luck - emphasise technique and practice make improvement
  • Thinking backswing doesn't matter - show how backswing size controls distance
  • Believing you can't improve at putting - celebrate small improvements and progress

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, immediate feedback and praise, movement breaks built into activities
dyspraxia
  • Larger, lighter putters if available, slower demonstration pace, extra practice time, simplified scoring systems
autism spectrum
  • Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed, consistent routines and expectations
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and targets, provide verbal descriptions of slopes and targets, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for instructions, written score sheets for reference
physical disability
  • Adapted putters or ramps for wheelchair users, seated putting positions, modified distances and targets

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scoring systems, counting points, measuring distances between tees and targets, basic addition for team scores

Science

Forces and motion - how ball speed affects distance, friction between ball and surface, gravity effects on slopes

Geography

Understanding of slopes, gradients, and terrain features, directional language (uphill/downhill)

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, honest self-assessment, supporting others, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all groups, positioning at corners for maximum visibility during target activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct putting technique, slope awareness development, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if children struggling with technique, scoring disputes arise, or safety concerns develop

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve children in demonstrating good examples, relate to real golf when appropriate

Verbal Cues
  • 'Smooth backswing, gentle follow through!'
  • 'Think about the slope - do you need more or less force?'
  • 'Great technique! Show your partner how you did that!'
  • 'Remember to keep your eyes on the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area with varied terrain for slope practice

Surface Check

Check playground surface for holes, wet areas, or debris before activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Inspect putters for damage, sharp edges, or loose parts
  • Ensure balls are in good condition and appropriate for surface
  • Check cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Balls rolling into other groups or areas
  • Putters swinging into other children
  • Slips on wet or uneven surfaces
  • Collisions when children move between activities
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear boundaries established for each activity area
  • Adequate spacing between groups during all activities
  • Controlled equipment distribution and collection
  • Clear movement protocols between activity stations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for maximum visibility during Bulls Eye activities
  • Monitor putting technique to prevent wild swings
  • Watch for balls rolling towards other groups
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact office if serious