Lesson 1 - Golf Grip and Putting Fundamentals
Precision Striking and Strategic Golf Skills
•Year 4
•Golf
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How can we develop control and precision when striking a golf ball?
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate correct golf grip and stance techniques
- Execute controlled putting strokes towards a target with increasing accuracy
- Apply golf etiquette and safety rules consistently during practice
Key Outcomes
- All students will be able to grip a golf club correctly and adopt a basic golf stance
- Most students will be able to putt with control towards a target 3-5 metres away
- Some students will demonstrate consistent accuracy and help others improve their technique
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all putters are appropriate length for Year 4 students
Alternative: Hockey sticks with tape over the blade
Use softer balls indoors or in confined spaces
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety
Place at varying distances 3-8 metres from starting mats
Alternative: Chalk circles, bucket targets, cones in circles
Position as tees with red cones 2 metres behind each
Alternative: Carpet squares, chalk marks, masking tape rectangles
Green (fairway), Blue (water), White (tee), Yellow (bunker), Red (safety line)
Alternative: Coloured spots, bean bags, coloured paper
Simple format with hole numbers and space for scores
Alternative: Mini whiteboards, mental scoring
Key Vocabulary
A golf club designed specifically for rolling the ball along the ground towards the hole
The position of your feet and body when preparing to hit the golf ball
How you hold the golf club with both hands
The main playing area of a golf hole between tee and green
The starting area where you begin each hole
A sand-filled hazard that makes hitting the ball more difficult
Ponds, streams or lakes on a golf course that create obstacles
The polite behaviour and respect shown to other golfers
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic striking skills with bats and balls
- Understanding of aiming and target games
- Experience following safety rules in PE
Current Skills
- Golf grip technique
- Basic putting stance and swing
- Golf course vocabulary and etiquette
Next Steps
- Developing longer putting distances
- Introduction to chipping techniques
- Understanding golf scoring systems
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Dominant hand below non-dominant hand for correct golf grip
- Feet shoulder-width apart with ball positioned inside left heel
- Keep head perfectly still throughout entire putting stroke
- Golf etiquette requires silence and stillness when others are playing
- Smooth, controlled putting motion rather than hitting hard
- Safety first - always stay behind red cone safety lines
- Focus on technique improvement rather than just getting ball in target
Common Misconceptions
- Golf grip is the same as tennis or cricket grip - correct by emphasising hand position difference
- Hitting harder will always improve accuracy - teach controlled power application
- Only hole-in-ones are successful - celebrate all target contact and improvement
- Golf is individual only - emphasise teamwork and supporting others
- Perfect technique is required immediately - focus on gradual improvement
- Golf etiquette is optional - stress importance of respect and sportsmanship
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter rotation times, clear boundaries and rules, immediate feedback on technique
dyspraxia
- Larger targets and shorter distances, additional practice time, simplified grip techniques
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of lesson activities, consistent routines, quiet practice space available
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured hoops and balls, provide audio descriptions of technique, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with clear gestures, written technique cards, visual signals for safety
physical disability
- Seated putting variations, adapted grips with larger handles, shorter distances to targets
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting shots and calculating scores, measuring distances to targets, understanding angles of putting direction
Science
Forces and motion in golf ball movement, friction between ball and ground, simple physics of putting power
Geography
Understanding golf course layout and navigation, directions and spatial awareness around mini course
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when missing targets, respect and patience during others' turns
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter for visibility of all groups, position near red safety lines during hitting activities
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip technique, stance quality, safety compliance, and golf etiquette
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for safety violations, provide technique corrections before bad habits form
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate from side angle for clear visibility, exaggerate key technique points like head position and grip
Verbal Cues
- •'Dominant hand below!'
- •'Keep that head still!'
- •'Remember our safety line!'
- •'Smooth and controlled!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m indoor space or equivalent outdoor area, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from water, debris, or uneven areas that could cause trips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all putters for damage, cracks, or loose grips
- •Ensure golf balls are appropriate weight and not damaged
- •Verify hoops are stable and won't move during play
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Being struck by golf clubs during backswing or follow-through
- •Slipping on golf balls left on floor
- •Collisions between students moving around course
Risk Mitigation
- •Strict red cone safety line enforcement - no one in front during hitting
- •Clear pathways between holes with designated walking routes
- •One person hitting at each station, others behind safety line
- •Controlled turn-taking system with clear club passing procedures
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all hitting areas
- •Continuously monitor safety line compliance
- •Watch for unsafe club handling or ball retrieval
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately with clear whistle signal, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed