⛳

Lesson 3 - Iron Shot Technique and Course Play

Foundation Skills & Course Play

•

Year 3

•

Golf

•

Big Question

How can we control where the golf ball goes when we hit it through the air?

Learning Objectives

To develop striking skills using iron clubs for medium-distance shots
To understand when and how to set up for iron shots
To apply golf skills in a course-play situation with sporting values

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to strike a golf ball through the air using proper iron technique
Students will demonstrate correct setup position for iron shots
Students will show understanding of golf course features and terminology

Equipment & Resources Required

Golf Irons

11 clubs (9 right-handed, 2 left-handed)

One club per group of 3 students

Alternative: Plastic golf clubs, hockey sticks for beginners

Golf Balls

30 balls (1 per student)

Stored in buckets at each tee position

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety

Coloured Cones

40 cones (10 each: white, green, yellow, blue)

White=tees, Green=greens, Yellow=bunkers, Blue=water

Alternative: Coloured markers, floor spots

Dish Cones

18 cones (6 per group for main activity)

Bunched together 8m from tee positions

Alternative: Hoops, targets, buckets

Mats

10 spots for course holes

Different colours to match target hoops

Alternative: Painted marks, rope circles

Hoops

10 hoops for golf course holes

Positioned at varying distances as holes

Alternative: Buckets, marked circles on ground

Safety Cones

10 cones for safety lines

2m behind each tee position for waiting area

Alternative: Rope markers, painted lines

Key Vocabulary

Iron

A golf club with a metal head used for medium to short distance shots

Setup position

The stance and body position taken before hitting the golf ball

Tee

The starting area for each hole on a golf course

Green

The short grass area around the hole where putting takes place

Bunker

A sand trap hazard on a golf course

Water hazard

Ponds, streams or lakes that create obstacles on golf courses

Fore

A warning shout when a golf ball might hit someone

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic golf grip from previous lessons
Understanding of putting technique
Knowledge of golf course features

Current Skills

Iron club grip and setup position
Through-the-air striking technique
Course play with multiple shots

Next Steps

Driver technique for longer shots
Chipping around the green
Full 18-hole course play

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball contact with iron clubs

Ball travels through air rather than along ground

Demonstrates understanding of when to use different clubs

Key Teaching Points

Iron clubs are used for medium-distance shots through the air
Setup position: feet shoulder-width apart, weight on balls of feet, slight knee bend
Grip: dominant hand at bottom, non-dominant hand above, hands touching
Safety procedures: wait behind safety cone, only one person hitting at a time
Ball position in centre of stance for iron shots
Smooth swing tempo more important than power
Golf scoring: fewer shots to hole = more points

Common Misconceptions

Thinking all golf clubs are used the same way
Believing power is more important than technique
Assuming golf ball should always roll along ground
Misunderstanding that golf scoring is about taking fewer shots
Thinking grip pressure should be very tight
Believing perfect shots are expected immediately

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity rotations, clear movement boundaries, frequent positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Larger equipment where possible, additional time for skill practice, simplified movement patterns

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and targets, provide verbal descriptions of setup position, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for commands, written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapt grip for different hand abilities, allow seated hitting position, modify target distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting points scored, measuring distances to targets, calculating group totals

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, trajectory and angles, cause and effect in swing mechanics

Geography

Spatial awareness and mapping of course layout, direction and distance concepts

PSHE

Turn-taking and fairness, emotional regulation during competition, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during practice, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for consistent setup position, safe club handling, and positive group interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if safety procedures ignored, technique significantly incorrect, or conflict between students

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for setup position, demonstrate both correct and incorrect techniques for comparison, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Setup position - feet apart, knees bent!'
•'Smooth swing through the ball!'
•'Safety first - wait behind the cone!'
•'Great sporting values - well done!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m with clear flight paths for golf shots

Surface Check

Level grass surface free from holes, debris, and obstacles that could cause trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check iron clubs for secure heads and undamaged grips
•Ensure golf balls are regulation size and not damaged
•Verify all cones are in good condition with no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Golf club strikes to other students
•Golf ball impacts on persons
•Trips and falls during movement
•Collisions between students

Risk Mitigation

•Clear safety zones marked 2m behind all tee positions
•Only one student hitting at a time per group
•Established rotation system with safety procedures
•Clear command 'Fore!' taught and practiced
•Adequate spacing between group practice areas

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple groups simultaneously
•Monitor safety zone compliance
•Watch for proper club handling when not hitting
•Ensure clear communication of safety rules

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if required