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Lesson 4 - Chipping and Elevation

Foundation Skills & Course Play

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Year 3

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Golf

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45 min

Big Question

How can I use the golf club to make the ball fly over obstacles and land where I want it to?

Learning Objectives

To develop chipping technique to elevate the ball over short distances
To understand how club position affects ball elevation
To demonstrate coordination and precision when chipping over hazards

Key Outcomes

Students will chip the ball with elevation over obstacles
Students will show improved coordination and balance during golf shots
Students will understand the importance of follow-through in creating ball elevation

Equipment & Resources Required

Golf Clubs

1 per group of 3 (10 total)

Check all clubs for safety before use

Alternative: Hockey sticks with foam balls

Golf Balls (Foam/Plastic)

2 per group (20 total)

Bright colours for visibility

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls

Plastic Tee

1 per group (10 total)

Position for easy ball placement

Alternative: Small cones or markers

Cones

40 total

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

Alternative: Plastic bottles, bean bags

Hoops

15 (various colours)

8m from hitting position

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Benches

Height appropriate for Year 3 (30cm)

Alternative: Pool noodles on cones, hurdles

Safety Cones

Mark waiting positions behind hitting area

Alternative: Markers, rope

Key Vocabulary

Chip shot

A short golf shot that lifts the ball into the air and lands it on the target

Elevation

Getting the ball to rise up into the air

Follow-through

Continuing the swing motion after hitting the ball

Hazard

An obstacle on the golf course that players must avoid or play over

Stance

How you position 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
Simple putting technique
Understanding of golf course terminology

Current Skills

Chipping with elevation
Coordinated swing movements
Aiming over obstacles

Next Steps

Longer distance chipping
Different club selection
Course play scenarios

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball elevation on chip shots

Accurate targeting over obstacles

Smooth, controlled swing motion

Key Teaching Points

Club must go underneath the ball to create elevation - this is the key to successful chipping
Grip with hands touching - dominant hand low, non-dominant hand high for control
Balanced stance with weight on balls of feet, slight knee bend for stability
Follow-through towards target is essential for direction and distance control
Safety first - always wait behind safety cone until previous player has finished
Start with clearing obstacle, then focus on accuracy to target
Encourage peer assessment and positive feedback between teammates

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you need to hit harder to get more elevation - actually need better club position under ball
Believing the ball should sit forward in stance like putting - chipping needs ball in middle of stance
Assuming bigger backswing means better shot - controlled technique more important than power
Focusing only on the target and ignoring the obstacle to clear first
Thinking coordination means moving fast - actually means moving smoothly and controlled

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter practice sessions with frequent changes, clear movement signals, additional praise for following instructions

dyspraxia

Additional time for setup, physical guidance for grip and stance, simplified technique focus, extra encouragement

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent equipment placement

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of setup and target positions, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards with key points

physical disability

Seated chipping version, modified grip supports, shorter distances to targets, larger target areas

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, using precise vocabulary, describing technique and giving feedback to peers

Maths

Measuring distances to targets (4m, 8m), counting points during games, angles of ball flight, data handling for scores

Science

Forces in golf swings, gravity affecting ball flight, friction between club and ball, trajectory and elevation concepts

Geography

Directions and aiming, mapping course layouts, understanding spatial relationships and positioning

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between groups during practice, position at corner for demonstrations to see all students

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip and stance, club going under ball for elevation, safety procedures being followed

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if safety procedures not followed, support students struggling with basic technique

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, exaggerate key movements, get successful students to demonstrate to reinforce learning

Verbal Cues

•'Club goes under the ball!'
•'Gentle follow-through towards target!'
•'Wait behind the safety cone!'
•'Watch the ball all the way through your swing!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of overhead obstacles

Surface Check

Level, non-slip surface free from holes, stones or debris that could affect footing or ball roll

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all golf clubs for cracks or damage before use
•Ensure foam/plastic balls are soft and safe for age group
•Verify benches are stable and appropriate height (30cm max)
•Check hoops and cones have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Club striking other students during swing
•Balls hitting students who are not paying attention
•Tripping over equipment or obstacles
•Collisions while moving between areas

Risk Mitigation

•Strict safety cone system - students only move when instructed
•Clear hitting zones with adequate spacing between groups
•One club per group with controlled passing system
•Safety brief before each activity emphasising awareness
•Teacher positioning to supervise multiple groups effectively

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all groups during practice sessions
•Move between groups during practice to check technique and safety
•Ensure clear sight lines during demonstrations
•Monitor equipment passing between students

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on whistle, assess any injuries, apply appropriate first aid, contact school office if needed