Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Primary 6
Athletics I
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Athletics I
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Subject: Physical & Health Education
Class: Primary 6
Term: 1st Term
Week: 2
Theme: Games And Sports
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list the skills in volved in Track Events such as relay races; hurdles perform the skills in volved in Track Events such as relay races; Hurdles
This section provides detailed explanations of key concepts related to track events, focusing on relay races and hurdles, suitable for teacher instruction. This section outlines practical activities for teachers to facilitate learning.
Preparation: Warm-up: Lead students through a general warm-up routine (jogging, dynamic stretches like arm circles, leg swings, torso twists) to prepare muscles and prevent injuries.
Space: Identify a suitable open space (playground, field, clear classroom space) for practical demonstrations and drills.
Equipment: For relay: At least two batons (or suitable substitutes like sticks, short pipes, rolled-up newspapers).
For hurdles: Low hurdles (if available), or improvise with ropes, small cones, low benches, or even drawing lines on the ground to simulate hurdles. Markers (cones, stones) to define exchange zones and hurdle positions.
Introduction (10 minutes): Teacher Activity: Briefly review the previous lesson on basic running techniques. Introduce "Athletics I" as covering track events, specifically relay races and hurdles. Explain their importance for fitness and fun.
Student Activity: Participate in warm-up exercises. Listen attentively to the introduction and engage in a brief Q&A about any prior knowledge of athletics.
Development - Relay Races (20 minutes): Teacher Activity: Define relay races and explain their objective (team speed, baton exchange). Describe the two main types of baton exchange: visual and non-visual. Demonstrate the proper baton grip and both visual and non-visual baton exchange techniques (initially stationary, then walking). Use clear, step-by-step instructions. Highlight the importance of the exchange zone. Divide students into small groups (e.g., 4 students per group).
Guide groups through practical drills: Drill 1 (Stationary Baton Exchange): Students stand in pairs, practicing passing and receiving the baton using both visual and non-visual methods. Emphasize hand placement and firm transfer.
Drill 2 (Walking/Jogging Baton Exchange): Students walk or jog in pairs, practicing the exchange within a marked 20-meter zone. Encourage communication ("Hand!"). Observe student performance, provide immediate corrective feedback on grip, hand position, and timing.
Student Activity: Observe teacher demonstration carefully. Practice stationary baton exchange with partners, focusing on technique. Engage in walking/jogging baton exchange drills, trying to execute smooth passes within the zone. Actively communicate with teammates during drills.
Development - Hurdles (20 minutes): Teacher Activity: Define hurdles and explain the goal (clear obstacles efficiently).
Explain and demonstrate the key skills: approach run, lead leg action, trail leg action, arm action, body position, and landing. Use low hurdles or improvised obstacles.
Break down the movement: Step 1: Lead Leg Drive: Demonstrate driving the lead leg forward and up.
Step 2: Trail Leg Action: Demonstrate bringing the trail leg up and around, knee out, heel to buttocks.
Step 3: Combining Legs: Practice stepping over a very low obstacle, focusing on lead and trail leg coordination. Set up a simple sequence of 2-3 very low obstacles.
Guide students through practical drills: Drill 1 (Lead Leg Action): Students practice stepping over a single low obstacle, focusing only on the lead leg drive.
Drill 2 (Trail Leg Action): Students practice bringing the trail leg over after the lead leg.
Drill 3 (Full Hurdle Step-Over): Students walk or jog over a few low obstacles, integrating lead leg, trail leg, and arm action. Provide feedback on technique, balance, and maintaining forward momentum. Emphasize safety.
Student Activity: Observe teacher demonstration closely. Practice individual lead leg and trail leg drills. Attempt to walk or jog over improvised hurdles, focusing on coordinating the leg and arm actions. Listen to and apply feedback from the teacher.
Conclusion (5 minutes): Teacher Activity: Summarize the key skills learned for both relay races and hurdles. Reinforce the importance of practice, teamwork, and safety. Conduct a brief cool-down (gentle stretching).
Student Activity: Participate in cool-down stretches. Ask any remaining questions. The teacher should guide students through these questions, providing explanations and demonstrating solutions.
Question 1: Describe the two main methods of baton exchange used in relay races.
Solution: The two main methods are: Visual Pass: The incoming runner approaches, and the outgoing runner looks back at the baton to receive it. This is typically used in longer relays (e.g., 4x400m) where there is more time for visual coordination.
Non-Visual Pass (Blind Pass): The outgoing runner runs forward without looking back, extending an arm to receive the baton. The incoming runner places the baton firmly into the extended hand. This method is faster and commonly used in shorter, high-speed relays (e.g., 4x100m).
Commentary: This covers the first performance objective by detailing skills in relay races.
Question 2: Why is the "exchange zone" important in a relay race?
Solution: The exchange zone is a designated 20-meter area on the track where the baton must be passed from one runner to the next.
It is important because: It ensures fairness by standardizing the point of exchange for all teams. Passing the baton outside this zone results in automatic disqualification of the team. It provides a crucial window for runners to synchronize their speeds for a smooth, efficient transfer.
Commentary: This reinforces an essential rule and strategic element of relay races.
Question 3: Explain the role of the lead leg when clearing a hurdle.
Solution: The lead leg is the first leg to go over the hurdle.
Its role is to: Initiate the Take-off: It drives forcefully forward and upward from the ground, propelling the body over the hurdle.
Clear the Hurdle: It extends forward, almost straight but slightly bent at the knee, with the foot dorsiflexed (toes pulled up) to avoid knocking the hurdle.
Prepare for Landing: It is quickly brought down on the other side of the hurdle, landing first to continue the sprint.
Commentary: This addresses a specific skill in hurdles, contributing to the first performance objective.
Question 4: Imagine you are practicing a non-visual baton exchange with a partner. What verbal cue would you expect the incoming runner to give, and why?
Solution: The incoming runner would typically shout a clear, short verbal cue like "Hand!" or "Go!" This cue is important because: It signals to the outgoing runner that the incoming runner is close and ready to make the pass. Since it's a non-visual pass, the outgoing runner isn't looking back, so the verbal cue helps them know exactly when to extend their hand and when to expect the baton. It helps to synchronize their actions for a smooth and fast exchange.
Commentary: This applies the concept of non-visual pass and highlights the practical aspect of communication.
Group Work: Divide students into groups based on varying skill levels for drills, allowing more experienced students to assist and model for those needing more support.
Varied Tasks: Provide different levels of complexity for practice drills. For instance, some groups can focus on slower, more precise movements for baton exchange, while others can attempt faster, more dynamic exchanges.
School Sports Festivals and Competitions: Relay races and hurdles are standard events in inter-house sports competitions held in primary and secondary schools across Nigeria. Learning these skills allows students to actively participate, represent their houses, and develop a sense of sportsmanship and competition.
Community Health and Fitness: Participation in athletics, including relay races and hurdles, contributes significantly to physical fitness, cardiovascular health, strength, and agility. These are foundational elements for a healthy lifestyle, helping to combat sedentary habits common in modern Nigerian society and promoting general well-being.
Teamwork and Leadership Development: Relay races, in particular, emphasize the crucial role of teamwork, communication, and trust among teammates. These are valuable life skills applicable beyond sports, fostering cooperation and leadership qualities that are essential for success in group tasks, community projects, and future professional environments in Nigeria.