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Lesson 4 - Chipping Over Short Distances

Precision Striking and Strategic Golf Skills

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Year 4

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Golf

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Big Question

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

Golf Clubs

1 per group of 3 (10 clubs)

Distributed to group leaders, passed safely between players

Alternative: Hockey sticks, tennis rackets for striking practice

Golf Balls

1 per group of 3 (10 balls)

Keep spares available for lost balls

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety

Coloured Cones

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

Set in distinct areas around playground space

Alternative: Coloured markers, bean bags

Safety Cones

10 cones

Positioned behind each group for safety zones

Alternative: Marker domes, rope lines

Hoops

15 hoops (various colours)

Placed as targets 8m from tees and after benches

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Markers

10 tees

Positioned as striking points for each group

Alternative: Small cones, chalk marks

Benches

5 benches

Used as obstacles to chip over in game session

Alternative: Low hurdles, rope barriers

Key Vocabulary

Chip shot

A short golf shot played with a lofted club to get the ball airborne over a short distance

Fairway

The short grass area between tee and green where golfers aim to play

Hazard

Obstacles on golf course like water, bunkers, or trees that players must avoid or play around

Follow-through

The continuation of the swing after the club has struck the ball

Loft

The angle of the club face that helps get the ball airborne

Stance

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

Consistent elevation in chip shots

Accurate landing within target areas

Smooth follow-through motion

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.