Lesson 3 - Iron Shot Technique
Precision Striking and Strategic Golf Skills
•Year 4
•Golf
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How can we strike a golf ball accurately through the air to reach our target?
Learning Objectives
- To develop iron club striking technique with proper setup and grip
- To understand when and how to use iron clubs for medium-distance shots
- To apply iron shot skills in game situations with accuracy and consistency
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct iron club setup and striking technique
- Students will successfully hit targets using iron clubs from medium distances
- Students will show sporting values and follow safety procedures throughout the lesson
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all clubs for safety, ensure proper length for Year 4 students
Alternative: Plastic golf clubs, modified cricket bats
Use soft balls for safety in playground environment
Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags, soft play balls
Distribute around perimeter and designated areas
Alternative: Coloured markers, floor spots, hoops
Place 8 metres from each tee position
Alternative: Skittles, plastic bottles, foam blocks
Match colours to corresponding hoops for course
Alternative: Coloured cones, chalk marks, tape markers
Vary distances from 5-15 metres from tees
Alternative: Cones in circles, chalk circles, rope circles
Place 2 metres behind each tee for waiting players
Alternative: Floor spots, rope barriers
Key Vocabulary
A golf club with an angled metal head used for medium to short distance shots
The position a golfer takes before striking the ball
The starting area for each hole in golf
The smooth putting area around the hole
A sand hazard on a golf course
A pond, stream, or other water obstacle on the course
A warning shout when a golf ball might hit someone
The main playing area between tee and green
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic golf grip and stance from previous lessons
- Understanding of golf course terminology (tee, green, fairway)
- Experience with putting and basic ball striking
Current Skills
- Iron club grip and setup positioning
- Medium-distance ball striking through the air
- Target accuracy with iron clubs
Next Steps
- Advanced iron shot selection for different situations
- Course management and strategy
- Combination shots linking different golf skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety must always come first - maintain strict club handling protocols throughout
- Setup routine is foundation of good iron shots - emphasise grip, stance, ball position
- Encourage smooth, controlled swings rather than power for accuracy development
- Use specific, observable feedback - 'hands together' rather than 'good grip'
- Celebrate effort and improvement alongside achievement to maintain motivation
- Connect golf terminology to real course situations for context understanding
- Model excellent sporting values consistently to develop character alongside skill
Common Misconceptions
- Harder swings always produce better results - teach control and accuracy first
- Setup position doesn't matter as long as you hit the ball - emphasise foundation skills
- Golf is only about individual performance - highlight teamwork and sportsmanship elements
- Expensive equipment is needed for good golf - demonstrate success with basic equipment
- Mistakes mean you're not good at golf - frame errors as learning opportunities
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries with cones, regular movement breaks, specific roles within groups, positive reinforcement system
dyspraxia
- Simplified technique focus, larger targets initially, additional practice time, step-by-step movement breakdown, partner support
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones for breaks, consistent equipment setup, advance warning of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for target identification and ball location
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for safety communication, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Shorter/lighter clubs available, seated striking options, modified distances, alternative grip methods, additional support for balance
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances to targets, counting points and scores, understanding angles in club design, calculating group totals
Science
Forces in golf swings, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight, friction between club and ball, physics of ball spin
Geography
Using directional language (left, right, toward, away), reading course layouts, understanding spatial relationships
PSHE
Sportsmanship and fair play, honest self-assessment, supporting others' learning, resilience when shots don't work
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with sight lines to all groups during striking activities, move between groups during practice phases
Observation Focus
Monitor setup consistency, ball contact quality, safety adherence, and group cooperation throughout lesson
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for safety issues, provide individual technique support during practice, mediate group conflicts quickly
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Use slow, exaggerated movements for technique teaching. Show common mistakes alongside correct technique. Model positive sporting behaviour consistently.
Verbal Cues
- •'Hands together on the grip!'
- •'Bend those knees slightly!'
- •'Hit the ball first, then the ground!'
- •'Follow through toward your target!'
- •'Wait behind the safety cone!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area, preferably playground or field with level surface
Surface Check
Dry, level surface free from holes, debris, or other hazards that could cause trips or falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all iron clubs for loose heads or damaged grips before use
- •Ensure foam balls are in good condition without tears or hard spots
- •Verify all cones are stable and visible
- •Count clubs at start and end of lesson
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Club striking other students during swings
- •Balls hitting students in target areas
- •Slips and falls on playground surface
- •Collisions during movement activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Strict safety cone positioning with 2m minimum behind striking areas
- •Only soft foam balls used for striking practice
- •Clear protocols for club passing and handling
- •Constant supervision of all striking activities
- •Immediate stop signal if safety concerns arise
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all groups simultaneously during striking
- •Monitor safety cone adherence continuously
- •Watch for fatigue affecting concentration and safety
- •Ensure clear sight lines to all activity areas
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, send for additional help if needed