Track and Field: Introduction to Pole Vault Skills (JSS 3 PHE Lesson Plan) Physical and Health Education JSS 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 1

Track and Field: Introduction to Pole Vault Skills (JSS 3 PHE Lesson Plan)

Subject: Physical and Health Education

Class: JSS 3

Term: First Term

Week: 1

Age: 13–15 years

Topic: Introduction to Pole Vault

Subtopics:

1. Description of the Pole Vault Event
2. Skills Involved: Grip, Run-Up, Pole Carrying, Take-off, Hang, Swing Up, Pull Up, Bar Clearance
3. Performance of Pole Vault Skills
4. Drawing and Labeling the Sector with Dimensions

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define the pole vault event and explain its importance in athletics.
2. List and describe key skills involved in pole vaulting.
3. Perform basic pole vault skills such as the grip, run-up, and take-off with guidance.
4. Draw and label the pole vault sector with the correct dimensions.

Keywords:

• Pole Vault
• Grip
• Take-off
• Swing Up
• Bar Clearance

Set Induction (5 minutes)

The teacher begins by asking students, “Have you ever seen athletes jump over a high bar with the help of a long pole?” This will engage curiosity and introduce the lesson topic.
The teacher may also show a short video or image of a pole vault event to grab students’ attention.

Entry Behaviour

Students are already familiar with track and field events like the high jump and long jump.

Learning Resources and Materials:

1. Chalkboard or whiteboard
2. Markers or chalk
3. Images or videos of pole vault events
4. A ruler for drawing sector diagrams
5. Printed handouts with labeled diagrams (optional)

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge

The teacher asks students questions about other jumping events (e.g., high jump) and highlights the similarities between these events and the pole vault.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical Thinking
• Teamwork (group activities)
• Observation
• Coordination (practical demonstrations)

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Physical and Health Education
• Approved PHE Textbooks for JSS 3

Instructional Materials:

1. Videos or images of pole vault in action
2. Drawing tools (ruler, compass)
3. Whiteboard/Chalkboard

Lesson Content

1. Definition of Pole Vault Event

• The pole vault is a track and field event where athletes use a long, flexible pole to jump over a horizontal bar.
• It combines speed, strength, and technique as the athlete runs with the pole, plants it, and launches into the air to clear the bar.

2. Skills Involved in Pole Vault

1. Grip: The athlete holds the pole with both hands at a specific distance based on comfort and skill level.
2. Run-Up: A fast, controlled sprint to generate momentum.
3. Pole Carrying: Athletes carry the pole at an angle during the run.
4. Take-off: The athlete plants the pole into the ground (at the plant box) and jumps upwards.
5. Hang: The athlete swings under the pole, hanging freely with legs extended.
6. Swing Up: Athletes raise their legs and body into a vertical position.
7. Pull Up: Using arm strength to raise the body above the pole.
8. Bar Clearance: The athlete arches their back to clear the bar without knocking it down.

3. Performance of Pole Vault Skills

• Students will practice the grip, run-up, and take-off with guidance.
• They will also observe demonstrations of other advanced skills like swing-up and bar clearance.

4. Drawing and Labeling the Sector with Dimensions

• The pole vault sector includes the plant box, runway, and landing area.
• Runway Length: Usually 40-45 meters.
• Landing Area: At least 5 meters wide for safety.
• Bar Height: Adjustable, based on the athlete’s level.
• Plant Box: Positioned at the end of the runway for the pole plant.

Examples of Pole Vault Use

1. Olympic Games – A standard event for both men and women.
2. School Competitions – Included in inter-school athletics.
3. Decathlon Events – Part of multi-sport events.
4. Community Sports Festivals – Organized by local athletics groups.
5. Professional Championships – World Athletics and Diamond League.

Class Activity Discussion

1. Q: What is the purpose of the pole in pole vault?
   A: To help athletes gain height and clear the bar.
2. Q: How long is the runway in pole vault?
   A: Around 40-45 meters.
3. Q: What happens if an athlete knocks the bar down?
   A: The attempt is considered a failure.
4. Q: What is the name of the box where the pole is planted?
   A: The plant box.
5. Q: Which event is similar to pole vault?
   A: High jump.
6. Q: What happens if an athlete steps out of the runway?
   A: The attempt is void.
7. Q: What is the role of grip in pole vault?
   A: It ensures the athlete holds the pole firmly during the jump.
8. Q: Can the pole be made from metal?
   A: No, it is usually made from fiberglass or carbon fiber.
9. Q: How many attempts are allowed in competitions?
   A: Athletes usually get 3 attempts per height.
10. Q: What type of surface is the runway made of?
    A: Synthetic track surfaces or rubber.
11. Q: Is pole vault a team or individual event?
    A: It is an individual event.
12. Q: Can athletes touch the bar?
    A: Yes, but they must not knock it down.
13. Q: What is the primary aim of pole vault?
    A: To clear the bar at the highest possible height.
14. Q: Are spikes allowed in pole vault?
    A: Yes, athletes wear spikes for better grip on the runway.
15. Q: How can students improve their pole vault skills?
    A: Through regular practice and proper coaching.

Evaluation Questions 

1. Define the pole vault event.
2. List three skills required in pole vault.
3. What is the purpose of the plant box?
4. Explain what happens during the swing-up phase.
5. What material is the pole usually made from?
6. How long is the runway?
7. What happens if the athlete knocks down the bar?
8. Name two sports that involve jumping.
9. Describe the take-off phase in pole vault.
10. Why is grip important in pole vault?

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

1. The pole vault is a __________ event.
   a) Field
   b) Track
   c) Jump
   d) Sprint
2. Athletes plant the pole into the __________.
   a) Plant box
   b) Runway
   c) Bar
   d) Field
3. The __________ helps the athlete swing upwards.
   a) Grip
   b) Take-off
   c) Pole
   d) Hang
4. A failed attempt occurs when the athlete __________.
   a) Clears the bar
   b) Steps out of the runway
   c) Touches the pole
   d) Lands safely
5. The take-off occurs at the __________.
   a) Bar
   b) Plant box
   c) Runway
   d) Landing area
6. The pole vault pole is usually made from __________.
   a) Wood
   b) Carbon fiber
   c) Metal
   d) Plastic
7. Athletes wear __________ to improve their grip on the track.
   a) Gloves
   b) Shoes
   c) Spikes
   d) Sandals
8. The swing-up phase helps the athlete __________.
   a) Gain speed
   b) Increase height
   c) Grip the pole better
   d) Land softly
9. The landing area must be at least __________ meters wide.
   a) 3
   b) 4
   c) 5
   d) 6
10. The athlete uses the __________ to clear the bar.
    a) Pull-up
    b) Take-off
    c) Grip
    d) Jump

Conclusion

The teacher will go around, marking students’ work and providing feedback. Practical corrections will also be given during demonstrations.