Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Senior Secondary 2
Athletics (track and field)
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Athletics (track and field)
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Subject: Physical Education
Class: Senior Secondary 2
Term: 1st Term
Week: 6
Theme: Theory And Practice Of Athletics, Games And Dances
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Watch on YouTubedemonstrate the running style in middle and long distance races. identify the equipment needed for throwing events in at hletics. state and demonstrate the different styles of high jump list the equipment needed for hurdles events
Cage: A U-shaped or fully enclosed cage with netting to ensure safety by containing errant throws.
3. Javelin Throw: The Javelin: A spear-like implement, typically made of metal or carbon fibre.
Men's Senior: 800g (1.76 lb), length 2.60-2.70m.
Women's Senior: 600g (1.32 lb), length 2.20-2.30m. Weight and length categories vary for junior and youth athletes.
Runway: A designated area (min. 30m, max. 36.5m long) from which the thrower approaches.
Arc/Foul Line: A curved line at the end of the runway from which the javelin must be thrown, defining the legal throwing area.
4. Hammer Throw: The Hammer: Consists of a metal sphere (the head), a steel wire handle, and a grip.
Men's Senior: 7.26 kg (16 lb), minimum length 117.5 cm, maximum 121.5 cm.
Women's Senior: 4 kg (8.8 lb), minimum length 116.0 cm, maximum 119.5 cm. Weight categories vary for junior and youth athletes.
Throwing Circle: Same as Discus, 2.135m (7 feet) in diameter.
Throwing Cage: Similar to discus cage, essential for safety due to the implement's momentum. C. Different Styles of High Jump The high jump involves athletes leaping over a horizontal bar placed at increasing heights without knocking it down.
1. Straddle Style (or Western Roll): Approach: An angular approach, typically 3-7 strides, from either the left or right side of the bar, depending on the jumper's preferred take-off foot. The approach is a smooth curve.
Take-off: The take-off foot is closest to the bar, driving upwards forcefully. The trail leg swings upwards aggressively, leading the body over the bar.
Bar Clearance: The jumper's body 'straddles' the bar, meaning the stomach faces downwards towards the landing area. The lead leg goes over first, followed by the torso rolling over the bar, with the take-off leg trailing and clearing last. The hips are the highest point during clearance.
Landing: Typically lands on the lead leg and hands, or the side of the body. Requires a soft landing surface (foam pit).
2. Fosbury Flop: Approach: A distinctive 'J-curve' approach. The athlete runs relatively straight for a few strides, then curves sharply towards the bar. This curved approach helps generate rotational momentum.
Take-off: The take-off is from the foot furthest from the bar. The jumper plants their outside foot (e.g., left foot if approaching from the right side of the bar), drives the knee of the other leg upwards, and powerfully throws their arms up and back.
Bar Clearance: The jumper rotates their body during take-off, clearing the bar head-first, on their back, with their back arched. The head and shoulders clear first, followed by the arching back, then the legs are 'flicked' over the bar.
Landing: Lands on the upper back and shoulders. This style revolutionized high jump due to its efficiency and use of modern foam landing pits. It allows the center of gravity to pass below the bar, making higher jumps possible.
3. Other Historical Styles (Brief Mention for context): Scissors Jump: One leg clears, then the other, typically landing on the feet. Oldest and simplest style.
Western Roll: An earlier version of the Straddle, where the jumper rolls over the bar sideways.
Eastern Cut-off: Another variation with a sideways approach and bar clearance. D. Equipment Needed for Hurdles Events Hurdles races require athletes to clear obstacles (hurdles) placed at specific intervals without knocking them over.
1. Hurdles: Construction: Made of metal or wood, with a weighted base to ensure they fall easily when hit from the front (preventing injury) but remain stable otherwise. The top bar is usually white with black or colored stripes.
Adjustable Height: Hurdles are designed to be adjustable to various heights for different events: Men's 110m Hurdles: 1.067m (42 inches)
Women's 100m Hurdles: 0.840m (33 inches)
Men's 400m Hurdles: 0.914m (36 inches)
Women's 400m Hurdles: 0.762m (30 inches)
Number and Spacing: 110m/100m Hurdles: 10 hurdles. 400m Hurdles: 10 hurdles. * Specific distances from start to first hurdle, between hurdles, and from last hurdle to finish line are strictly regulated.
2. Starting Blocks:** This section provides the core content necessary for the teacher to deliver the lesson comprehensively. A. Running Styles in Middle and Long Distance Races Middle-distance races typically range from 800m to 3000m, while long-distance races include 5000m, 10000m, and marathons. The running style in these events prioritises efficiency, endurance, and strategic pace management over explosive speed (as in sprints).
1. General Principles for Middle and Long Distance Running: Posture: Maintain an upright but relaxed posture. The head should be held steady, looking straight ahead, not down at the feet. Shoulders should be relaxed and low, not hunched.
Arm Swing: Arms should swing rhythmically and relaxed, close to the body, moving forward and backward (like a pendulum) from the shoulder joint. The elbows should be bent at approximately 90 degrees. Excessive cross-body arm swing or flailing wastes energy.
Stride Length and Frequency: Stride length should be natural and efficient, avoiding overstriding (landing with the foot too far in front of the body) or understriding (too short, choppy steps). Stride frequency (how many steps per minute) is generally higher in middle distance than long distance, but both aim for optimal rhythm.
Foot Strike: A mid-foot strike is generally preferred, landing lightly on the ball of the foot and rolling back to the heel before pushing off. Avoid heavy heel strikes (inefficient and can lead to injuries) or exclusive toe-running (tiring over long distances).
Breathing: Deep, rhythmic breathing is crucial. Athletes should aim for a combination of nasal and mouth breathing to maximize oxygen intake. A common rhythm is 2 steps inhale, 2 steps exhale.
Relaxation: Maintaining a relaxed face, neck, and shoulders is vital to conserve energy throughout the race. Tension leads to rapid fatigue.
2. Specific Considerations: Middle Distance (e.g., 800m, 1500m): Often involves a faster initial pace, strategic positioning, and a strong finish kick. More emphasis on maintaining a quicker turnover rate and greater arm drive during the final stages. Athletes need to balance speed endurance with aerobic capacity. Long Distance (e.g., 5000m, 10000m, Marathon): Focus is heavily on pace management, consistent rhythm, and maximizing energy efficiency over extended periods. Slightly lower stride frequency and less pronounced arm drive compared to middle distance, emphasizing conservation. Mental fortitude and hydration strategies are paramount, especially in marathon running. B. Equipment Needed for Throwing Events in Athletics Throwing events involve propelling an implement as far as possible. Each event has specific equipment with strict weight and dimension regulations.
1. Shot Put: The Shot: A solid metal sphere.
Men's Senior: 7.26 kg (16 lb)
Women's Senior: 4 kg (8.8 lb)
Junior (U-20)
Men: 6 kg (13.2 lb)
Junior (U-20)
Women: 4 kg (8.8 lb)
Youth (U-18)
Boys: 5 kg (11 lb)
Youth (U-18)
Girls: 3 kg (6.6 lb)
Throwing Circle: A metal ring embedded in the ground, 2.135m (7 feet) in diameter, from which the throw is made.
Stopboard: A wooden or fibre-glass arc, 1.22m long, 11.4cm high, and 30cm wide, placed at the front of the throwing circle to prevent the thrower from stepping out.
2. Discus Throw: The Discus: A circular plate, typically made of wood with a metal rim and a metal core.
Men's Senior: 2 kg (4.4 lb), diameter 219-221 mm, thickness 44-46 mm.
Women's Senior: 1 kg (2.2 lb), diameter 180-182 mm, thickness 37-39 mm. Weight categories vary for junior and youth athletes.
Throwing Circle: A metal ring embedded in the ground, 2.50m (8 ft 2.5 in) in diameter.
Throwing Cage: A U-shaped or fully enclosed cage with netting to ensure safety by containing errant throws.
3. Javelin Throw: The Javelin: A spear-like implement, typically made of metal or carbon fibre.
Men's Senior: 800g (1.76 lb), length 2.60-2.70m.
Women's Senior: 600g (1.32 lb), length 2.20-2.30m. Weight and length categories vary for junior and youth athletes.
Runway: A designated area (min. 30m, max. 36.5m long) from which the thrower approaches. * Arc/Foul Line: A curved line at the end of the runway from which the javelin must be otherwise. The top bar is usually white with black or colored stripes.
Adjustable Height: Hurdles are designed to be adjustable to various heights for different events: Men's 110m Hurdles: 1.067m (42 inches)
Women's 100m Hurdles: 0.840m (33 inches)
Men's 400m Hurdles: 0.914m (36 inches)
Women's 400m Hurdles: 0.762m (30 inches)
Number and Spacing: 110m/100m Hurdles: 10 hurdles. 400m Hurdles: 10 hurdles. * Specific distances from start to first hurdle, between hurdles, and from last hurdle to finish line are strictly regulated.
2. Starting Blocks: Used in all sprint events, including hurdles, to provide the athlete with a stable base for an explosive start. They are adjustable to fit the athlete's leg length and starting preference.
3. Spikes: Special athletic footwear with small metal pins (spikes) on the sole, providing superior grip on the track surface. Essential for generating power and preventing slips, particularly important when clearing hurdles.
4. Measuring Tape/Wheel: Used to accurately set up hurdle positions and track markings according to IAAF/World Athletics rules.
5. Stopwatches/Timing System: For accurate measurement of race times.
Phase 1: Introduction and Prior Knowledge Activation (10 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Greet students and briefly review the previous week's topic (e.g., sprint techniques, basic track events). Introduce "Athletics (Track and Field)" for this week, highlighting that it's a practical and theoretical session.
Ask questions like: "What track events do you know?" or "Have you participated in any throwing or jumping events before?" to gauge prior knowledge. Present the learning objectives for the lesson.
Student Activity: Respond to review questions. Share personal experiences with athletics. Listen attentively to the introduction and learning objectives.
Phase 2: Content Delivery and Demonstrations (40 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Running Styles (Middle/Long Distance): Explain the key principles of posture, arm swing, stride, foot strike, and breathing for middle and long distance races using clear verbal descriptions. Demonstrate these techniques in a designated open space (e.g., school field, assembly ground) or use a video clip if available. Emphasize the differences from sprint techniques. Invite a student (or a few) to attempt to demonstrate while providing feedback.
Equipment for Throwing Events: Display pictures/diagrams of the various throwing implements (shot put, discus, javelin, hammer). If actual implements are available (even if lighter training versions), bring them for visual aid and handling (under strict supervision for safety). Clearly state the name, weight categories (male/female, senior/junior), and brief characteristics of each implement. Discuss the associated throwing circles/runways and safety cages.
High Jump Styles: Explain the Straddle Style and Fosbury Flop in detail, including approach, take-off, bar clearance, and landing. Demonstrate the key body positions and movements for both styles. This can be done without a bar initially, focusing on the take-off and simulated body clearance (e.g., lying on the back for Fosbury Flop motion). Use visual aids (diagrams of sequences, video if possible) to illustrate the bar clearance.
Equipment for Hurdles Events: Show pictures/diagrams of hurdles, starting blocks, and spikes. Explain the adjustable nature of hurdles and their specific heights for different races. Discuss the importance of starting blocks and spikes. Explain the setup requirements for hurdles (number, spacing – no need for exact distances, just concept).
Student Activity: Observe teacher demonstrations intently. Attempt to imitate running styles as requested, receiving feedback. Examine pictures/diagrams or actual implements, asking clarifying questions about their features and uses. Actively participate in discussing the differences between high jump styles. Identify and describe the various equipment for each event.
Phase 3: Practical Application and Guided Practice (35 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Divide students into small groups.
Practical Running Drill: Lead students through dynamic warm-up exercises. Then, in an open area, guide them through drills focusing on middle/long distance running form (e.g., high knees, butt kicks, arm swings, short relaxed jogs emphasizing posture and breathing). Provide individual feedback.
High Jump Simulation: If no high jump pit is available, use a low rope or elastic band stretched between two poles/chairs. Guide students through simulated Straddle and Fosbury Flop take-off and bar clearance movements (e.g., practicing the J-curve approach and back-arch for Fosbury Flop, or the straddle roll over a low obstacle). Emphasize safety.
Equipment Identification: Provide printed pictures of all discussed equipment. Ask groups to label them and match them to the correct event. Circulate to check answers and provide corrections.
Student Activity: Participate actively in warm-ups. Practice running drills, focusing on technique and receiving peer/teacher feedback. Attempt high jump simulations, focusing on the mechanics of each style. Collaborate in groups to identify and match equipment to events.
Phase 4: Conclusion and Recap (5 minutes)
Teacher Activity: Summarise the key points of the lesson: running styles, throwing equipment, high jump styles, hurdles equipment. Address any remaining questions. Assign independent practice questions (homework).
Student Activity: Ask final questions. Note down homework assignments.
Career Opportunities in Sports: This knowledge can inspire students to pursue careers as professional athletes, coaches, sports scientists, or administrators in national (e.g., Athletics Federation of Nigeria) or international sports organisations. Understanding the technicalities of these events is the foundation for expertise in these fields. For instance, former Nigerian athletes often transition into coaching roles, guiding new generations of talent. Health, Fitness, and Lifestyle: The principles of efficient running (posture, breathing, pace management) are directly applicable to general fitness and recreational running, which is a popular way for many Nigerians to stay healthy. Learning about different types of training (endurance vs. speed) can help individuals design their own effective fitness routines, promoting a healthier lifestyle and combating non-communicable diseases. Community Sports and Talent Identification: Understanding the specific requirements for track and field events allows students to better participate in and organise local sports events (e.g., inter-house sports, community youth competitions). This also helps in identifying and nurturing young talent in various athletic disciplines, potentially leading to representation at state and national levels, similar to how many Olympic athletes were discovered through grassroots sports.