Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Primary 5
Field Events
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Nigeria 2025 app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Field Events
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Nigeria 2025 app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Physical & Health Education
Class: Primary 5
Term: 1st Term
Week: 8
Theme: Athletics
This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.
For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.
Watch on YouTubeSee Facebook postmention the basic skills of long jump perform the skills in long jump mention the basic skills of high jump skills in high jump
Field Events: Field events are a category of athletics that involve throwing or jumping for distance or height, as opposed to track events which involve running. This lesson focuses on two major jumping events: Long Jump and High Jump. A. Long Jump (Horizontal Jump for Distance) The long jump is an athletic event where competitors attempt to leap as far as possible from a designated take-off board into a sand pit. It primarily measures horizontal distance.
Basic Skills/Phases of Long Jump:
1. The Approach Run (The Sprint): Explanation: This is the initial run-up before the jump. The aim is to build up maximum controlled speed, typically over 20-40 meters, depending on the jumper's age and ability. The run should be smooth, consistent, and rhythmic.
Technique: Start with a consistent number of strides. Maintain an upright body posture, chest out, head steady, eyes focused forward. Gradually accelerate to near-maximal speed without losing control. The final few strides are crucial for positioning the take-off foot accurately on the take-off board.
2. The Take-off (The Leap): Explanation: This is the moment the jumper converts horizontal speed into upward and forward momentum. It involves a powerful single-leg push-off from the take-off board.
Technique: Plant the take-off foot (usually the stronger leg) flat on the take-off board without stepping over the foul line. Drive the non-take-off knee vigorously upwards and forwards. Simultaneously, swing both arms powerfully upwards and forwards for added lift and momentum. The body should be extended upwards and forwards, not just horizontally.
3. The Flight (In the Air): Explanation: This phase begins after leaving the take-off board and continues until landing. The jumper tries to maintain balance and optimal body position to maximize distance.
Technique (Simplified for Primary 5): Sail Technique: This is the simplest technique. After take-off, the jumper brings both knees up towards the chest, then extends both legs forward for landing. Arms are used for balance.
Arm Action: Arms can be used to counterbalance the leg movements, helping to maintain an upright posture and prevent tumbling forward or backward during flight.
4. The Landing (The Touchdown): Explanation: This is the final phase where the jumper lands in the sand pit. The goal is to land with feet as far forward as possible and avoid falling backward, which would reduce the recorded distance.
Technique: As the body descends, extend both legs forward with heels leading. Bring the hips forward and squat slightly upon impact to absorb the shock. Crucially, swing the arms forcefully forward and bring the chest forward towards the knees to prevent the body from falling backward into the sand, which would result in a shorter measurement.
Equipment for Long Jump: Take-off board, sand pit, measuring tape. B. High Jump (Vertical Jump for Height) The high jump is an athletic event where competitors attempt to leap over a horizontal bar placed at a predetermined height without dislodging it. It primarily measures vertical height.
Basic Skills/Phases of High Jump:
1. The Approach Run (The Curve/J-run): Explanation: Unlike the long jump's straight approach, the high jump often uses a curved or 'J' shaped run-up. This allows the jumper to generate centrifugal force, which aids in gaining height and helps position the body correctly for take-off.
Technique: Start with a few straight strides, then transition into a curve. Maintain good running form, gradually increasing speed. The curve helps to rotate the body, allowing for a more effective take-off angle towards the bar.
2. The Take-off (The Spring): Explanation: This is the powerful single-leg push-off that propels the body upwards over the crossbar. It requires explosive strength.
Technique: Plant the take-off foot firmly on the ground, usually slightly away from the bar. Drive the non-take-off knee upwards towards the chest. Swing both arms powerfully upwards and across the body. Push off the ground with the take-off leg, aiming for maximum vertical lift.
3. The Flight (Clearing the Bar): * Explanation: This is the phase where the jumper's body moves over the crossbar. (The Spring): Explanation: This is the powerful single-leg push-off that propels the body upwards over the crossbar. It requires explosive strength.
Technique: Plant the take-off foot firmly on the ground, usually slightly away from the bar. Drive the non-take-off knee upwards towards the chest. Swing both arms powerfully upwards and across the body. Push off the ground with the take-off leg, aiming for maximum vertical lift.
3. The Flight (Clearing the Bar): Explanation: This is the phase where the jumper's body moves over the crossbar. Various techniques exist, but for Primary 5, a simple "scissor kick" or basic "straddle" or "flop" concept can be introduced.
Technique (Simplified for Primary 5): Scissor Kick: The jumper leads with one leg, then quickly brings the other leg over the bar, crossing the legs like scissors. The body remains largely upright. This is excellent for beginners.
Flop (Simplified): For more advanced P5 students, an introduction to going over backward, arching the back, and lifting the hips can be mentioned conceptually. The body is essentially horizontal over the bar.
Head and Shoulder Lift: During flight, the head and shoulders often lead or arch away from the bar to allow other body parts to clear.
4. The Landing (The Cushion): Explanation: The final phase where the jumper lands after clearing the bar. A soft and safe landing is crucial to prevent injury.
Technique: For the scissor kick, landing is typically on the feet, usually facing the bar. For other techniques like the flop, landing is usually on the back and shoulders onto a thick landing mat. Ensure a controlled fall to absorb impact.
Equipment for High Jump: Crossbar, uprights (standards), landing mat (or a sufficiently soft, clear area like sand/grassy patch with supervision).
Safety Precautions for Both Events:** Always conduct a thorough warm-up before any jumping activity. Ensure the landing areas (sand pit, mat, or soft ground) are clear, level, and adequately prepared. Teachers must provide close supervision. Students should wear appropriate sportswear and shoes. Emphasize correct technique to prevent injuries. Do not allow unsupervised practice.
Teacher Activities: Introduction (10 minutes): Briefly review the previous week's lesson (if relevant, e.g., track events or warm-up). Introduce "Field Events" as distinct from track events, focusing on jumping.
Explain the two events for the day: Long Jump and High Jump. Emphasize the importance of warm-up and safety. Lead students through a comprehensive warm-up routine (e.g., jogging, dynamic stretches like arm circles, leg swings, trunk twists, ankle rotations). Explanation and Demonstration of Long Jump Skills (20 minutes): Using a marked area (e.g., a line for the take-off board, a clear area for landing), explain each phase of the long jump: Approach Run, Take-off, Flight, and Landing. Demonstrate each phase slowly and clearly, breaking down the movements. Show how to maintain balance in flight and how to land safely (e.g., falling forward). Highlight common mistakes and how to avoid them (e.g., stepping over the take-off line, falling backward on landing). Supervised Practice – Long Jump (30 minutes): Divide students into small groups.
Guide them through practicing each skill: Approach Run Drill: Practice running up to a designated line and stopping precisely.
Take-off Drill: Practice a strong single-leg take-off from a line, driving the opposite knee and arms up.
Standing Broad Jump: Students practice jumping for distance from a standing position, focusing on take-off and landing.
Full Long Jump (modified): Students practice the full sequence into a sand pit (if available) or a designated soft, clear area (e.g., a patch of grass). Provide individual and group feedback, correcting techniques. Supervise closely to ensure safety and adherence to rules. Explanation and Demonstration of High Jump Skills (20 minutes): Set up a mock high jump area using two uprights (e.g., chairs, sticks) and a low crossbar (e.g., a rope, elastic band) over a soft landing area (e.g., a mat, sand pit, or soft grass).
Explain the phases of the high jump: Approach Run (the J-run), Take-off, Flight (e.g., scissor kick), and Landing. Demonstrate the scissor kick technique clearly, showing the approach, the take-off, clearing the bar, and safe landing. Emphasize clearing the bar without dislodging it. Supervised Practice – High Jump (30 minutes): Guide students to practice high jump skills: Approach Run Drill: Practice the curved approach to the take-off point.
Take-off Drill: Practice the single-leg take-off with arm and knee drive.
Scissor Kick Drill: Students practice the scissor kick over a very low rope or elastic band, gradually increasing the height as confidence builds.
Safe Landing Practice: Emphasize landing softly and safely in the designated area. Offer constructive feedback and encouragement. Ensure the crossbar is easily dislodged to prevent accidents.
Cool-down and Recap (10 minutes): Lead students through a cool-down routine (e.g., static stretches for hamstrings, quadriceps, calves). Briefly recap the basic skills of both long jump and high jump. Address any questions.
Student Activities: Participate actively in the warm-up exercises. Observe the teacher's demonstrations of long jump and high jump skills attentively. Listen carefully to explanations and safety instructions. Actively practice the approach run, take-off, flight, and landing phases for long jump, first individually, then in groups. Practice the standing broad jump drill, focusing on powerful take-off and forward landing. Practice the approach run, take-off, flight (scissor kick), and landing phases for high jump over a low, easily dislodged bar. Provide peer feedback under teacher supervision. Engage in small, informal competitions (e.g., "who can jump the furthest/highest safely?"). Participate in the cool-down exercises. Ask questions for clarification. (Teacher to ask these questions during or immediately after the respective practical sessions and provide immediate feedback)
Question: Name two basic skills a jumper needs for the long jump.
Solution: Approach Run: The jumper needs to run fast and in a controlled manner before jumping.
Take-off: The jumper needs to push off powerfully from one leg at the take-off board.
Commentary: These are the initial and most critical phases for generating momentum and lift in the long jump.
Question: Describe the correct way to land in a long jump to get the best distance.
Solution: Description: The jumper should extend both legs forward, landing with heels first. Immediately, the hips should be pushed forward, and the body should lean forward with arms swinging forward to ensure the entire body falls forward into the sand, preventing falling backward.
Commentary: This technique maximizes the measured distance by ensuring the furthest point of contact with the sand is recorded.
Question: What is the main difference in purpose between the long jump and the high jump?
Solution: Difference: The long jump aims to jump for the longest horizontal distance, while the high jump aims to jump for the highest vertical height over a bar.
Commentary: Understanding this core difference helps differentiate the techniques and goals of each event.
Question: Name two basic skills a jumper needs for the high jump.
Solution: Approach Run (often curved): The jumper needs a controlled run-up to build speed and prepare for the take-off.
Take-off: The jumper needs a powerful single-leg push-off to propel the body upwards over the bar.
Commentary: Similar to long jump, the approach and take-off are fundamental to generating the necessary momentum (this time, vertical).
Question: Why is it important to have a soft landing area (like a mat or sand pit) for high jump?
Solution: Reason: A soft landing area is crucial for safety to absorb the impact of the jump and prevent injuries to the jumper's body, especially the back, neck, and joints, upon landing from a height.
Commentary: Safety is paramount in all physical activities, and proper equipment for landing is non-negotiable for high jump.
Community and School Sports: Long jump and high jump are popular events in Nigerian inter-house sports competitions held annually in primary and secondary schools. This lesson directly prepares students to participate in and appreciate these events, fostering a sense of healthy competition and teamwork. Local youth games and talent hunts often feature these events, providing opportunities for children to represent their communities.
Physical Fitness and Daily Agility: The core physical attributes developed through long jump and high jump, such as leg strength, explosive power, balance, and coordination, are invaluable in everyday life. For instance, jumping over a small ditch or puddle (long jump skills), or stepping/leaping over an obstacle (high jump skills), requires similar movements. These skills also contribute to overall body control, reducing the risk of falls and injuries in daily activities. National and International Sports Recognition: Nigeria has produced notable athletes in field events, such as Chioma Ajunwa (Olympic Long Jump gold medalist). Introducing students to these events can inspire them to pursue sports seriously, potentially representing Nigeria at national (e.g., National Sports Festival) and international competitions, bringing glory to the nation and building successful careers.