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Lesson 3 - Iron Shot Technique

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 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

Iron Clubs

Check all clubs for safety, ensure proper length for Year 4 students

Alternative: Plastic golf clubs, modified cricket bats

Softballs

30 (1 per student)

Use soft balls for safety in playground environment

Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags, soft play balls

Coloured Cones

20 white, 8 green, 8 yellow, 8 blue

Distribute around perimeter and designated areas

Alternative: Coloured markers, floor spots, hoops

Dish Cones

18 (6 per group station)

Place 8 metres from each tee position

Alternative: Skittles, plastic bottles, foam blocks

Mats

10 different colours

Match colours to corresponding hoops for course

Alternative: Coloured cones, chalk marks, tape markers

Goals

10 (matching floor spot colours)

Vary distances from 5-15 metres from tees

Alternative: Cones in circles, chalk circles, rope circles

Safety Mats

10 cones

Place 2 metres behind each tee for waiting players

Alternative: Floor spots, rope barriers

Key Vocabulary

Iron

A golf club with an angled metal head used for medium to short distance shots

Setup

The position a golfer takes before striking the ball

Tee

The starting area for each hole in golf

Green

The smooth putting area around the hole

Bunker

A sand hazard on a golf course

Water Hazard

A pond, stream, or other water obstacle on the course

Fore

A warning shout when a golf ball might hit someone

Fairway

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

Consistent ball contact with iron club

Ball travels through air rather than rolling

Improved accuracy hitting designated targets

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