Golf · Game · Chipping

Target golf game for juniors

Juniors chip soft balls at a ringed target in small teams, scoring points for each ring, with the hitting line and 'clear' call built into every round.

Outer ring 1Inner 3P1P2P3CO
Start / 5
Time
15 min
Players
2–12
Age
U5–U10
Area
Grass area or sports hall
Equipment
plastic or lightweight junior clubs (SNAG-style kits work well)12 foam or air-flow balls2 hoops or ropes for the target rings1 flag or tall cone4 cones

Setup

  1. Make a target: a flag or tall cone in the middle, an inner ring about 1 m across and an outer ring about 3 m across, using hoops or rope.
  2. A line of cones 5–10 m from the target is the hitting line. Stations sit behind it, at least 3 m apart, all facing the target.
  3. Teams of two to four; one soft ball per player each round.

How it runs

  1. Players chip one at a time along the line, so the coach can watch each swing and everyone else waits still.
  2. House scoring: outer ring 1 point, inner ring 3 points, hitting the flag 5 points.
  3. When the whole team has chipped, the coach calls 'clear', everyone collects their ball together and walks back behind the line. The team adds up its score.
  4. Play five rounds. If scores get high, move the line back or swap teams onto a harder target.

Coaching points

  • Look at the target, then the ball. A small, smooth swing.
  • Brush the grass and let the club's loft lift the ball.
  • Hold the finish and watch where it lands.
  • Cheer teammates after the shot, stay quiet during it.

Common mistakes

  • Scooping to help the ball into the air.
  • Swinging the club when it isn't your turn.
  • Running out for the ball before 'clear'.

Say it: “Look, brush, hold the finish.”

Make it harder

  • Move the hitting line back, or use smaller rings.
  • Call the ring before chipping; double points if it lands there.

Make it easier

  • Move closer, or roll the ball in with a putter.
  • Use bigger rings.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.