Lesson 4 - Chipping Over Short Distances
Precision Striking and Strategic Golf Skills
•Year 4
•Golf
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can I use technique and precision to chip the golf ball over obstacles and land it accurately?
Learning Objectives
- To develop chipping technique to elevate the ball over short distances
- To demonstrate coordination and precision when chipping over hazards
- To understand the importance of club positioning and follow-through in successful chipping
Key Outcomes
- Students will chip the ball with sufficient elevation to clear obstacles
- Students will demonstrate improved coordination and balance during chipping
- Students will understand key golf course terminology and hazard management
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed to group leaders, passed safely between players
Alternative: Hockey sticks, tennis rackets for striking practice
Keep spares available for lost balls
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety
Set in distinct areas around playground space
Alternative: Coloured markers, bean bags
Positioned behind each group for safety zones
Alternative: Marker domes, rope lines
Placed as targets 8m from tees and after benches
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Positioned as striking points for each group
Alternative: Small cones, chalk marks
Used as obstacles to chip over in game session
Alternative: Low hurdles, rope barriers
Key Vocabulary
A short golf shot played with a lofted club to get the ball airborne over a short distance
The short grass area between tee and green where golfers aim to play
Obstacles on golf course like water, bunkers, or trees that players must avoid or play around
The continuation of the swing after the club has struck the ball
The angle of the club face that helps get the ball airborne
How a golfer positions their 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 striking technique
- Understanding of golf equipment
Current Skills
- Chipping technique for elevation
- Coordination and precision in movement
- Understanding hazard management
Next Steps
- Putting accuracy and distance control
- Advanced chipping from different lies
- Course management strategies
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Correct grip with hands touching and dominant hand at bottom
- Balanced stance with weight on balls of feet and slight knee bend
- Ball position in centre of stance with club behind ball
- Head still and eyes on ball throughout swing
- Small backswing with smooth follow-through for control
- Club path underneath ball to create elevation
- Target calling develops focus and shot planning
Common Misconceptions
- Bigger swing creates better results - emphasise control over power
- Looking up to see where ball goes - stress keeping head still until after contact
- Ball position doesn't matter - show how position affects contact and elevation
- Follow-through isn't important - demonstrate how it affects accuracy and control
- Grip strength should be very tight - teach relaxed but secure grip
- Stance width doesn't affect balance - show comparison of narrow vs wide vs correct stance
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries marked visually, positive reinforcement system
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, simplified grip instruction, extra practice time with basic movements
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of setup, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, visual signals for safety and transitions
physical disability
- Seated chipping options, modified grip aids, shorter distances and larger targets
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances to targets, calculating scores, understanding angles for club face and ball flight trajectory
Science
Forces and motion in golf swing, air resistance affecting ball flight, friction between club and ball
Geography
Understanding golf course geography, map reading skills, spatial awareness and direction
PSHE
Resilience when shots don't work as planned, supporting teammates, honest self-assessment and reflection
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with ability to see all groups. Move actively between groups during practice phases.
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip, stance, and swing plane. Note elevation achievement and accuracy development.
Intervention Points
Step in when safety protocols not followed, technique consistently poor, or students becoming frustrated.
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate technique slowly and from multiple angles. Use successful students as examples. Show common mistakes and corrections.
Verbal Cues
- •'Eyes on the ball!'
- •'Small backswing, smooth through!'
- •'Get underneath the ball!'
- •'Let the club do the work!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m area with clear sight lines. Separate zones for different activities.
Surface Check
Level ground free from holes, debris, or wet areas that could cause slips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check clubs for damage or loose grips before use
- •Ensure balls are in good condition without cracks
- •Secure bench positioning to prevent movement
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Club swing injuries from inadequate spacing
- •Ball strikes to other students
- •Trips over equipment or obstacles
Risk Mitigation
- •Minimum 6m spacing between groups during practice
- •Clear safety zones marked with cones
- •Only one student swinging per group at any time
- •Established equipment passing protocols
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all groups simultaneously
- •Move between groups checking spacing and technique
- •Monitor for fatigue or loss of concentration
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately on 'STOP' command. Clear first aid access. Know location of nearest phone/assistance.