Lesson 3 - Iron Shot Technique and Course Play
Foundation Skills & Course Play
•Year 3
•Golf
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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
One club per group of 3 students
Alternative: Plastic golf clubs, hockey sticks for beginners
Stored in buckets at each tee position
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety
White=tees, Green=greens, Yellow=bunkers, Blue=water
Alternative: Coloured markers, floor spots
Bunched together 8m from tee positions
Alternative: Hoops, targets, buckets
Different colours to match target hoops
Alternative: Painted marks, rope circles
Positioned at varying distances as holes
Alternative: Buckets, marked circles on ground
2m behind each tee position for waiting area
Alternative: Rope markers, painted lines
Key Vocabulary
A golf club with a metal head used for medium to short distance shots
The stance and body position taken before hitting the golf ball
The starting area for each hole on a golf course
The short grass area around the hole where putting takes place
A sand trap hazard on a golf course
Ponds, streams or lakes that create obstacles on golf courses
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
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