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Lesson 5 - Chipping Accuracy & Hazards

Foundation Skills & Course Play

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Year 3

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Golf

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52 min

Big Question

How can I use different golf techniques to navigate around hazards and hit my target?

Learning Objectives

Strike the ball with increasing accuracy using chipping technique
Demonstrate understanding of golf course hazards and club selection
Evaluate peer performance using correct technical golf vocabulary

Key Outcomes

Students will chip golf balls over obstacles with improved accuracy
Students will identify appropriate strategies for avoiding golf course hazards
Students will use technical language to assess and support teammates

Equipment & Resources Required

Golf Clubs

11 clubs

Check grips are clean and clubs appropriate height for Year 3

Alternative: Hockey sticks for basic technique, foam clubs for safety

Golf Balls

30-36 balls

Use softer balls indoors, regulation balls for outdoor practice

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for beginners

Cones

40-50 cones

Green=fairway, Blue=water, White=tee, Yellow=bunker

Alternative: Coloured markers, bean bags

Hoops

7 hoops

Different colours for target variation and point scoring

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Benches

4-6 benches

Height appropriate for chipping practice (30-40cm)

Alternative: Pool noodles on cones, rope barriers

Safety Cones

12-15 cones

Mark waiting positions and safety zones clearly

Alternative: Safety markers, rope boundaries

Tees

11 tees

Height adjustable for different skill levels

Alternative: Small cones, markers

Key Vocabulary

Chip shot

A short golf shot designed to lift the ball slightly and land it on the target area

Fairway

The main playing area of a golf hole with short, well-maintained grass

Hazard

An obstacle on a golf course such as water, bunkers, or rough ground

Bunker

A sand-filled depression on a golf course that makes shots more difficult

Stance

How a golfer positions their body and feet when preparing to hit the ball

Follow-through

The continuation of the swing after hitting 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 safety procedures with golf equipment
Experience with putting techniques
Basic knowledge of golf course terminology

Current Skills

Chipping technique with irons
Club selection for different shots
Hazard identification and avoidance strategies
Peer assessment using technical vocabulary

Next Steps

Longer distance shots with drivers
Course management and strategic play
Competition play with scoring
Advanced shot selection and technique refinement

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball contact with chipping motion

Ball clearance of 1-metre high obstacles

Accurate use of golf terminology

Constructive peer feedback delivery

Key Teaching Points

Safety first - proper spacing and turn-taking procedures essential for safe club use
Grip technique - dominant hand low, non-dominant high, hands touching for control
Stance foundation - shoulder-width feet, slight knee bend, weight on balls of feet
Ball position - central between feet with club positioned just behind ball
Chipping swing - reduced backswing to knee height, smooth follow-through to target
Peer assessment - use specific golf vocabulary to provide constructive feedback
Strategic thinking - target selection based on ability and risk assessment

Common Misconceptions

Students think harder swings produce better results - emphasise control and technique over power
Belief that perfect shots happen immediately - reinforce that improvement comes through practice and patience
Assumption that golf is individual only - highlight teamwork, support, and peer learning opportunities
Misconception that expensive equipment is needed - demonstrate success with basic, appropriate equipment
Thinking that golf course knowledge isn't important - connect hazard awareness to strategic play and success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, physical movement breaks between instructions, clear boundaries and expectations, positive reinforcement system

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier contact, simplified grip techniques, extra practice time for coordination development, clear step-by-step instructions

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure with visual schedule, quiet zones available for overwhelm, predictable turn-taking system, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, utilise buddy system for guidance and spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations with written instructions, hand signals for key commands, visual cues for turn-taking and safety procedures

physical disability

Adapted grip aids for club holding, seated or modified stance options, shorter clubs or lighter equipment, reduced distance targets

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances to targets, calculating scores and averages, understanding angles of ball flight and club face positions

Science

Forces and motion in golf swings, gravity affecting ball flight, friction between club and ball, trajectory and momentum principles

Geography

Course layout and navigation, reading terrain and obstacles, understanding spatial relationships and positioning

PSHE

Goal setting and perseverance, supporting others through encouragement, managing disappointment when shots don't work, celebrating diverse achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of practice area for visibility of all groups, move systematically between groups for individual support

Observation Focus

Watch for proper safety procedures, technique development, and effective peer assessment interactions

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety violations, provide individual technique support when students struggle, guide peer assessment conversations

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique clarity, exaggerate key positions for visual emphasis, narrate actions during demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your grip - hands together!'
•'Smooth swing, don't rush!'
•'Keep your eye on the ball!'
•'Check your stance - shoulder-width apart!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 25m x 20m clear space, preferably outdoor grass area with level ground

Surface Check

Level, dry surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Golf clubs checked for secure grips and appropriate length for Year 3 students
•Golf balls inspected for cracks or damage before use
•Benches stable and appropriate height (30-40cm) for safe obstacle practice
•Cones in good condition with no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Club strikes during swing - inadequate spacing between students
•Ball strikes - students in flight path of golf balls
•Trips and falls over equipment or uneven surfaces
•Collisions during warm-up activities or moving between stations

Risk Mitigation

•Minimum 5m spacing between groups during chipping practice
•Safety cone system ensuring students wait in designated areas
•Clear flight paths with no students in ball trajectory zones
•Controlled turn-taking system with explicit safety rules
•Teacher positioned for maximum visibility of all groups
•Emergency stop signal established and practiced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups simultaneously during chipping practice
•Monitor safety cone compliance and turn-taking procedures
•Check proper club handling and grip during equipment distribution
•Ensure adequate spacing maintained throughout lesson

Emergency Procedures

STOP signal immediately halts all activity. First aid kit accessible. Clear evacuation route identified. Contact procedures for serious injuries established.