Class: Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3, JSS 3)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 2
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science And Technology
Curriculum Theme: Physical And Health Education
Previous Lesson: Pole Vault Skills and Phases of Track and Field
Topic: Basic Javelin Skills
Subject Matter: Grip, Carriage, Run-up, Release, Follow through, Recovery

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Describe the basic javelin skills involved in throwing events.
(b) Explain the importance of each skill in successful javelin performance.
Affective Domain:
(a) Demonstrate interest and respect for safety rules during javelin practice.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Demonstrate the correct grip, carriage, run-up, release, follow-through, and recovery techniques of javelin throw.
Social Domain:
(a) Work cooperatively with others while practising basic javelin techniques.

Reference Materials

The following resources was used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
Lagos State Unified Scheme of work for Junior Secondary Schools
Wikipedia-Javelin throw
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A standard javelin or improvised stick
Charts showing parts of a javelin and stages of a throw
Whistle and cones for marking run-up lanes
Video clips or pictures of professional javelin throwers
Stopwatch and measuring tape

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson equips pupils with basic javelin techniques, improves coordination, balance, and accuracy, and helps them understand proper safety and skill execution during sports.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have participated in basic athletic activities such as running, jumping, and simple throwing events, and can identify track and field equipment.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Basic Javelin Skills

Grip

The grip is how the javelin is held before throwing. A correct grip ensures firm control and accuracy during release.

The following are the types of javelin grip:

American Grip: The javelin cord is held between the thumb and forefinger with the cord resting in the palm.
Finnish Grip: The cord is held between the thumb and middle finger while the forefinger rests along the shaft.
Fork Grip: The cord is held between the first and second fingers, giving more control during release.

Carriage

Carriage refers to how the javelin is carried during the run-up. A good carriage maintains balance and readiness for the throw.

The following are the main features of proper carriage:

The javelin is carried at head level.
The elbow is high and slightly bent.
The tip of the javelin points forward in the direction of throw.
The body remains upright and relaxed.

Run-Up

The run-up is the approach movement taken before throwing. It helps generate speed and momentum.

The following are the features of a proper run-up:

The run is controlled and rhythmic.
The javelin is carried steadily without swaying.
Steps become faster and shorter near the end.
The last few strides prepare the thrower for release.

Release

Release is the action of letting go of the javelin to send it into the air. The release determines distance and accuracy.

The following are the key points in release:

The thrower leans backward slightly, then forward.
The arm is extended straight above the shoulder.
The javelin leaves the hand at an upward angle of about 30–36 degrees.
The eyes follow the flight of the javelin.

Follow Through

Follow through is the movement after the javelin leaves the hand. It ensures safety and prevents muscle injury.

The following are the features of proper follow-through:

The throwing arm continues its motion across the body.
The back leg swings forward naturally.
The thrower maintains balance without crossing the line.

Recovery

Recovery refers to regaining balance and returning to the starting position after the throw. It shows control and discipline.

The following are the steps in recovery:

The thrower regains upright posture after follow-through.
He or she steps back behind the foul line.
The javelin’s distance is measured only after the thrower remains within the boundary.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:

Discussion, Lecture, Explanation, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Group Practice, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher engages pupils with a short discussion on athletic events and asks if they have seen or heard of javelin throw before. Displays a real or improvised javelin.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and observe the javelin.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the lesson topic and motivated to learn.

Step 2: Explanation of Basic Javelin Skills

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher explains each basic javelin skill—grip, carriage, run-up, release, follow through, and recovery—using charts and illustrations.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the stages and importance of each javelin skill.

Step 3: Demonstration of Javelin Techniques

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher demonstrates how to grip, carry, and release the javelin safely and correctly.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe keenly and ask questions.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the correct form and movement of javelin techniques.

Step 4: Practical Participation

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher supervises pupils as they practise the javelin skills in groups while correcting errors and ensuring safety.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils perform and practise each technique under teacher’s guidance.
Learning Point: Pupils gain confidence and improve their throwing techniques.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher dictates or writes the board summary for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the notes into their exercise books.
Learning Point: Pupils have a written summary for future study.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What is the function of the run-up in javelin throw?
Mention three types of javelin grip.
Describe the correct way to carry the javelin.
Explain what follow-through means.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally to the questions.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson content.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher summarizes the key skills of javelin throwing and emphasizes safety measures.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask questions.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate learning and understand the importance of practising safely.

Lesson Keywords

Grip – the way the javelin is held before throwing
Carriage – how the javelin is carried during the run-up
Run-up – the approach movement to gain speed before the throw
Release – the act of letting go of the javelin into flight
Follow through – body movement after the throw to maintain balance
Recovery – regaining balance after throwing the javelin

Differentiation

Teacher assists slower learners individually during practical sessions while advanced learners demonstrate techniques for the class. Visual aids are used to reinforce learning for all.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure safety by keeping pupils behind the throwing area during demonstrations. Encourage participation and correct wrong posture immediately. Use improvised materials when a real javelin is unavailable.