Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: First Term
Week: 4
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical Education
Curriculum Theme: Track and Field Athletics
Previous Lesson: Shot Put: Meaning, Skills, Equipment and Rules.
Topic: High Jump and Pole Vault
Subject Matter: Meaning of high jump and pole vault (jumping events where athletes clear a bar, with or without a pole), nature of the event, equipment and facilities, styles in high jump, skills in pole vault and high jump, rules and regulations of both jumps

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define high jump and pole vault.
List the equipment and facilities required for both jumps.
Describe the common styles used in high jump.
State the basic skills involved in high jump and pole vault.
Explain the rules and regulations governing high jump and pole vault events.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of safety in jumping events.
Show interest in participating in high jump and pole vault.
Understand the physical demands of high jump and pole vault.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate the correct approach run for high jump and pole vault.
Practice safe landing techniques for jumping events.
Perform basic drills for take-off in high jump and pole vault.

Cooperate with peers during practical drills.
Participate actively and safely in all lesson activities.
Show sportsmanship while observing and practicing.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Physical Education for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 2

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Upright stand
Crossbar
Landing mattress
Pole
Pole vault box
Charts showing different jumping styles

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the fundamental aspects of high jump and pole vault, which are important track and field events. It enables them to recognize the techniques, equipment, and safety measures necessary for these activities, encouraging physical fitness and sportsmanship.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of track and field events and some general understanding of jumping activities.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

High Jump and Pole Vault

Meaning of High Jump

High jump is a track and field event in which athletes attempt to jump over a horizontal bar placed at a predetermined height without dislodging it. The jump is performed without the aid of a pole.

Meaning of Pole Vault

Pole vault is a track and field event in which an athlete uses a long, flexible pole (usually made of fiberglass or carbon fiber) to clear a horizontal bar placed at a great height. The athlete runs down a track, plants the pole in a box, and propels themselves over the bar.

Nature of High Jump and Pole Vault

Both high jump and pole vault are jumping events that require a combination of speed, strength, agility, and precise technique. The objective is to clear the highest possible bar without knocking it off. Safety is paramount, requiring proper landing areas and adherence to rules.

Equipment and Facilities for High Jump

The following are equipment and facilities for high jump:

Uprights: Two vertical posts that support the crossbar.
Crossbar: A horizontal bar that the athlete must clear.
Landing Area/Mattress: A thick, soft mattress used to cushion the landing and prevent injuries.
Runway: The area where the athlete approaches the bar.

Equipment and Facilities for Pole Vault

The following are equipment and facilities for pole vault:

Pole: A long, flexible pole used by the athlete to propel themselves over the bar.
Vault Box: A metal box embedded in the ground where the pole is planted during the take-off.
Uprights: Two vertical posts that support the crossbar.
Crossbar: A horizontal bar that the athlete must clear.
Landing Area/Mattress: A large, thick, soft mattress to ensure a safe landing.
Runway: The long track used for the approach run.

Styles in High Jump

The following are common styles in high jump:

Fosbury Flop: The most common and successful style, where the athlete goes over the bar headfirst with their back to the bar.
Straddle: The athlete faces the bar, swings one leg over, then the body rolls over the bar face down, followed by the other leg.
Western Roll: Similar to the straddle, but the athlete’s body is more parallel to the bar.

Skills in High Jump

The following are skills involved in high jump:

Approach Run: A curved or J-shaped run to generate momentum.
Take-off: A powerful jump from one foot, converting horizontal momentum to vertical lift.
Bar Clearance: The technique used to get the body over the bar without dislodging it (e.g., arching the back in Fosbury Flop).
Landing: Landing safely on the back or shoulders on the mattress.

Skills in Pole Vault

The following are skills involved in pole vault:

Approach Run: A fast, controlled run to gain speed and momentum.
Pole Plant: Placing the end of the pole into the vault box at the right moment.
Take-off: A powerful jump from one foot, driving the body upwards.
Swing-up: The body swings upwards, using the pole’s elasticity.
Extension: Pushing off the pole as the body rises above the bar.
Bar Clearance: Twisting and arching the body to clear the bar.
Landing: Landing safely on the mattress, usually feet first.

Rules and Regulations of High Jump and Pole Vault

The following are some general rules:

Attempts: Each athlete typically gets three attempts at each height. If an athlete fails three consecutive attempts at any height, they are eliminated.
Bar Clearance: The bar must not be dislodged. The athlete must clear the bar without any part of their body touching the ground or the landing area beyond the uprights before clearing the bar.
Fouls:
- Knocking the crossbar off the uprights.
- Touching the ground or landing area beyond the uprights with any part of the body before clearing the bar.
- In pole vault, moving the top hand higher on the pole during the attempt.
Progression: The bar is raised incrementally after each round of successful jumps.
Safety: Athletes must use appropriate equipment and follow safety guidelines, especially regarding the landing area.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils, reviews the previous lesson briefly, and then introduces the topic by asking pupils if they have ever seen people jump over a high bar or with a pole. The teacher then writes the topic on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and pay attention to the new topic.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge and are introduced to the new lesson.

Step 2: Meaning and Nature of High Jump and Pole Vault

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of high jump and pole vault, describing them as jumping events where athletes clear a bar, with or without a pole. The teacher also explains the general nature of these events, emphasizing objectives and safety.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions for clarification, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic definitions and nature of high jump and pole vault.

Step 3: Equipment and Facilities

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Description
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and describes the essential equipment and facilities for both high jump and pole vault, using instructional materials like charts or real equipment if available (e.g., uprights, crossbar, landing mattress, pole, vault box).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the materials, listen to the descriptions, and identify the different equipment.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the purpose of equipment and facilities for the jumps.

Step 4: Styles in High Jump and Skills in Pole Vault

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the main styles used in high jump (e.g., Fosbury Flop, Straddle) and the sequence of skills in pole vault (e.g., approach, plant, take-off, swing-up, extension, bar clearance, landing). The teacher may use diagrams or simple demonstrations.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch and listen, trying to visualize the movements, and ask questions about the techniques.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about the different techniques and skills involved in each event.

Step 5: Rules and Regulations

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the basic rules and regulations governing both high jump and pole vault, including the number of attempts, fouls, and how the bar is cleared. The teacher emphasizes the importance of fair play and safety rules.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and engage in a discussion about the rules, understanding their significance.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the rules and regulations to ensure fair and safe competition.

Step 6: Practical Application/Drills

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Demonstration/Supervision
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads pupils in simple practical drills for approach runs, take-off, and safe landing techniques relevant to both high jump and pole vault. The teacher observes and corrects pupils’ form.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the practical drills, practicing the approach runs, take-off movements, and safe landing.
Learning Point: Pupils gain practical experience in the basic skills of the jumps.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define high jump and pole vault.
List three pieces of equipment for high jump.
Mention two styles of high jump.
State two skills involved in pole vault.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of technique and safety in high jump and pole vault. The teacher also gives pupils an assignment to draw the layout of a high jump facility.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and receive further practice.

Lesson Keywords

High Jump – An athletic event where competitors jump over a bar without a pole.
Pole Vault – An athletic event where competitors use a long pole to propel themselves over a bar.
Crossbar – The horizontal bar that athletes must clear in jumping events.
Uprights – The vertical posts that support the crossbar.
Landing Area – The soft mattress or pit where athletes land after a jump.
Fosbury Flop – A high jump style where the athlete goes over the bar backward.
Take-off – The point at which an athlete leaves the ground to begin a jump.
Pole Plant – The action of placing the pole into the vault box during pole vault.

Differentiation

For pupils who are struggling, the teacher will provide simplified explanations, one-on-one guidance during practical drills, and focus on identifying the main equipment. For advanced pupils, the teacher will challenge them to describe the biomechanics of specific jumping techniques or analyze common errors and corrections in high jump and pole vault.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure a safe environment for all practical activities, especially when demonstrating or practicing any jumping techniques. Emphasize the importance of proper warm-up and cool-down exercises. If actual equipment is unavailable, use visual aids, videos, or improvised materials to illustrate the concepts effectively. Encourage active participation and questions from all pupils.