Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Junior Secondary 3
Track and Field
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Track and Field
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Subject: Physical & Health Education
Class: Junior Secondary 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 7
Theme: Athletics
This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.
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describe pole vault event; mention the skills in volved in pole vault; perform the pole vault skills; list basic skills in javelin; describe the basic skills in Javelin; perform the basic skills in Javelin; draw and label the sectors with dimensions.
This section provides a detailed breakdown of Pole Vault and Javelin Throw, including their definitions, objectives, equipment, and step-by-step execution of skills. (Grip Practice): Students practice the Finnish grip on their chosen implement.
Drill 2 (Carry & Walk-through): Students practice holding and carrying the implement during a controlled walk, focusing on stability and arm position.
Drill 3 (Run-up & Withdrawal steps): Students practice the approach run followed by the crossover steps and withdrawing the javelin simulation. Focus on fluidity and coordination. Drill 4 (Power Position & Release Simulation): From the power position, students practice the hip rotation, trunk twist, and arm whip action, releasing the implement safely (e.g., throwing it gently into a soft area, or just mimicking the release without actual flight). Provide continuous feedback.
Student Activity: Actively participate in the drills. Practice the individual skills with their chosen implement.
Phase 6: Javelin Sector Drawing (15 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Explain the importance of the javelin throwing sector and its dimensions. Draw a large, clear diagram of the javelin sector on the board, labelling all parts (throwing arc, sector lines, 29-degree angle, 8m radius for arc, run-up area). Explain the rules regarding validity of a throw based on landing within the sector.
Student Activity: Observe the drawing and listen to the explanation. Draw and label the javelin sector in their notebooks, paying attention to dimensions and angles.
Phase 7: Conclusion and Assignment (5 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Summarize key points about Pole Vault and Javelin Throw. Address any remaining questions. Assign independent practice questions.
Student Activity:** Participate in summary. * Note down assignments.
Phase 1: Introduction and Recap (10 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Briefly recap previous lessons on other track and field events. Introduce Pole Vault and Javelin Throw as complex but exciting events. State the learning objectives for the day clearly to the students. Emphasize the importance of safety due to the nature of these events.
Student Activity: Listen attentively. Respond to recap questions. Ask clarifying questions about the day's objectives and safety.
Phase 2: Pole Vault - Theory and Demonstration (20 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Describe the Pole Vault event, its objective, and key equipment (pole, crossbar, pit, box). Explain each skill (Grip, Run-up, Plant & Take-off, Swing-up & Rock-back, Extension/Push-off, Landing) verbally, using clear, simple language. Use visual aids (diagrams from charts or drawing on a board) to illustrate the phases. Perform simplified demonstrations of each skill component.
For example: Grip: Show hand placement on a broomstick or a short PVC pipe.
Run-up: Demonstrate a short, controlled sprint without a pole.
Plant & Take-off: Mimic the pole plant action into an imaginary box and the powerful upward leap. (Emphasize safety: no actual jumping over a bar without proper equipment and supervision).
Swing-up/Rock-back: Demonstrate a controlled "hang" and "tuck" body movement.
Landing: Demonstrate a safe fall onto a mat (if available and appropriate). Highlight safety precautions.
Student Activity: Listen and observe the explanations and demonstrations. Ask questions for clarification. Mentally visualize the actions.
Phase 3: Pole Vault - Practical Drills (25 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Organize students into small groups. Lead students through simplified drills focusing on individual skills, emphasizing proper technique and safety.
Drill 1 (Grip & Carry): Students practice holding a broomstick/pipe with correct grip and carrying it during a walk/jog.
Drill 2 (Run-up Simulation): Students practice a short, controlled run-up, mimicking the approach without the pole plant. Focus on rhythm and acceleration.
Drill 3 (Plant Simulation): Students practice the planting motion by driving the broomstick/pipe tip firmly into a designated spot on the ground while taking a powerful upward step.
Drill 4 (Swing Simulation - Ground): Students practice a powerful jump-off the ground, bringing knees to chest, simulating the swing-up without a pole. Provide immediate feedback and correct techniques.
Student Activity: Actively participate in the drills. Practice the individual skills as demonstrated. Observe peers and offer constructive feedback under teacher guidance.
Phase 4: Javelin Throw - Theory and Demonstration (20 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Describe the Javelin Throw event, its objective, and key equipment (javelin). Explain each skill (Grip, Carry, Run-up, Withdrawal/Crossover, Power Position, Delivery/Release, Recovery) verbally. Use visual aids (diagrams, or an actual javelin if available and safe, otherwise a long stick/PVC pipe). Perform simplified demonstrations of each skill component.
For example: Grip: Show Finnish grip on a stick/pipe.
Carry: Demonstrate how to hold and carry the javelin simulation during a walk.
Run-up & Withdrawal: Demonstrate the crossover steps and bringing the javelin simulation back.
Power Position & Delivery: Demonstrate the hip rotation, arm whip, and release motion without actually throwing. Highlight stringent safety precautions for javelin.
Student Activity: Listen and observe the explanations and demonstrations. Ask questions.
Phase 5: Javelin Throw - Practical Drills (25 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Organize students into small groups (if not already). Lead students through simplified drills focusing on individual skills, using lightweight training javelins, foam javelins, or sturdy long sticks.
Drill 1 (Grip Practice): Students practice the Finnish grip on their chosen implement.
Drill 2 (Carry & Walk-through): Students practice holding and carrying the implement during a controlled walk, focusing on stability and arm position.
Drill 3 (Run-up & Withdrawal steps): Students practice the approach run followed by the crossover steps and withdrawing the javelin simulation. Focus on fluidity and coordination. Drill 4 (Power Position & Release Simulation): From the power position, students practice the hip rotation, trunk twist, and arm whip action, releasing the implement safely (e.g., throwing it gently This section provides scaffolded questions to reinforce understanding, directly addressing the performance objectives.
Question 1 (Targeting Objective 1 & 2): Describe the main objective of Pole Vault and list three essential skills a vaulter must master.
Solution: The main objective of Pole Vault is for an athlete to use a long, flexible pole to propel their body over a horizontal crossbar set at a certain height, without displacing the bar, and landing safely on a mat. Three essential skills a vaulter must master are: The Grip: Proper hand placement and spacing on the pole.
The Run-up: Building speed and momentum towards the take-off point.
The Plant and Take-off: Precisely planting the pole into the box and launching upwards. (
Commentary: This question assesses the student's foundational understanding of the event and its critical components.)
Question 2 (Targeting Objective 3): A JSS3 student is practicing the Pole Vault "plant" skill with a broomstick. Describe two key actions they should perform during this simulation to ensure correct technique.
Solution: When simulating the Pole Vault "plant" with a broomstick, two key actions the student should perform are: Driving the pole forward and down: As they approach the imaginary plant box, the student should extend their arms fully, thrusting the broomstick tip powerfully towards the "box" (e.g., a marked spot on the ground) and downwards. Powerful upward leap off the take-off foot: Simultaneously with the pole plant, the student should drive their take-off leg (opposite the top hand on the pole) powerfully off the ground, aiming to propel their body upwards and slightly forwards. (
Commentary: This question tests the student's understanding of practical execution and specific physical movements for a key skill, even in a simulated environment.)
Question 3 (Targeting Objective 4 & 5): List two basic skills in Javelin throwing and briefly describe how each is performed.
Solution: Two basic skills in Javelin throwing are: The Grip: This involves how the javelin is held. A common technique is the Finnish Grip, where the thumb and index finger wrap around the cord grip behind the binding, allowing for maximum leverage. The javelin is held firmly but not rigidly, ensuring control and a smooth release.
The Withdrawal: This is the action of drawing the javelin back during the approach. As the thrower performs crossover steps, the throwing arm extends backward, keeping the elbow high, preparing the body for the powerful forward throwing action. The body turns sideways, creating a coiled position. (
Commentary: This question assesses the student's ability to identify and provide a brief functional description of fundamental Javelin skills.)
Question 4 (Targeting Objective 7): Imagine you are setting up a Javelin throwing event in your school field. Draw and label the Javelin sector, including the angle and the radius of the throwing arc.
Solution: ``` Landing Field (Grass) / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ <-- Javelin Sector Line / \ (29 degrees from center) / \ / \ /_________________________________\ | | | Landing Area | | | |___________________________________| Throwing Arc (Radius 8m from Center) ^ | | Run-up/Approach Area (Approx. 30-36.5m length) | | O (Imaginary Center Point) ``` Labels: `O`: Imaginary Center Point `Throwing Arc`: Curved line, 8-meter radius from `O`. `Javelin Sector Line`: Two lines forming a 29-degree angle (inner edges) from `O`. `Run-up/Approach Area`: Pathway before the throwing arc (e.g., 30m long). `Landing Field`: Designated area for javelin to land. (
Commentary: This evaluates the student's spatial understanding and ability to reproduce a technical diagram with correct dimensions, which is a key practical skill for event setup.)
Sports Development and Career Paths in Nigeria: Understanding Pole Vault and Javelin can inspire students to pursue athletics as a hobby or a professional career. Talented individuals can aspire to compete in events like the National Sports Festival, National Youth Games, African Championships, Commonwealth Games, and the Olympic Games, representing Nigeria and potentially earning scholarships or professional contracts. This contributes to Nigeria's presence on the global sporting stage and offers avenues for economic empowerment for athletes.
Physical Fitness and Health: The strenuous training required for these events significantly enhances physical fitness, including strength, speed, coordination, flexibility, and agility. These are vital components for a healthy lifestyle, reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases prevalent in Nigeria, and promoting overall well-being. The discipline involved in training also translates to other areas of life. Coaching, Officiating, and Facility Management: Knowledge of these track and field events extends beyond participation. Students who understand the techniques, rules, and sector dimensions can aspire to become coaches, sports officials (judges, umpires), or even contribute to the design and maintenance of sports facilities in Nigerian communities and schools. This creates ancillary opportunities within the sports industry.