Class: Primary Six
Term: First Term
subject: Basic Science and Technology
Curriculum Theme: Physical & health Education
Previous Lesson: Skills In Relay Race
Topic: Basic Skills In Hurdles
Content/Learning Area: Mention the basic skills in Hurdles
Time Allocation: 40 minutes
Performance objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Define hurdles and list at least four basic skills in hurdle races.
- affective Domain: Appreciate the importance of focus and determination while running hurdles.
- Psychomotor Domain: Demonstrate the proper posture when approaching and clearing hurdles.
- Social Domain: Cooperate with teammates during practice and encourage each other in relay activities.
Reference Materials
- 9 – years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja educational Resource Center Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Online Details from Championship Productions – Drills & Technical skills for hurdling – Track & Field
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials:
- hurdles or improvised barriers
- Whistle
- Stopwatch
- Marker cones for lane demarcation
- Pictures or videos of hurdle events
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is crucial for developing coordination, agility, and focus. These skills are valuable not only in athletics but also in other aspects of life, promoting discipline and goal-setting.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have prior knowledge of running and jumping.
lesson Content
Basic Skills In Hurdles
Hurdles are races where runners jump over barriers while running fast. The goal is to clear each hurdle without falling,maintaining speed.
The following are basic skills in hurdles:
- Starting Position: The athlete starts crouched to gain speed quickly.
- Approach to the hurdles: Runners must focus and adjust strides to approach each hurdle correctly.
- Clearing the Hurdles: One leg stretches forward,the other bends to clear the bar efficiently.
- Landing: The lead leg lands softly, the trailing leg follows quickly to maintain speed.
- Stride Between Hurdles: Most runners take 3 steps between hurdles for balance and speed.
- Arm Movement: Arms should swing in coordination with the legs to maintain balance and momentum.
- Adaptability: Good flexibility helps in clearing the hurdles efficiently and reduces the risk of injury.
Safe Hurdling Sequence
A hurdler approaches with a controlled rhythm, drives the lead leg over the hurdle, folds the trail leg to the side and resumes running without jumping too high. Beginners should use low, flexible training hurdles, adequate spacing, a clear landing area and teacher supervision. Speed is added only after rhythm and safe clearance are consistent.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, Presentation, Direct Instruction, Physical Practice, Coaching, Question & Answer, Recap.
Instructional Procedures
to deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 min
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils if they have seen hurdle races on TV or in competitions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to teacher’s questions.
Step 2: Explanation of Key Concepts
Time: 10 min
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses pictures/videos to show how athletes run and clear hurdles.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and comment on the video.
Step 3: Demonstration/guided Practice
Time: 10 min
Teaching Skill: Direct Instruction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates starting position,clearing,landing, and stride.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch and imitate the teacher’s movements.
Step 4: Independent Practice
Time: 7 min
Teaching Skill: Physical Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads pupils to practice running over small barriers or hurdles.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils take turns practicing on barriers.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 5 min
Teaching Skill: Coaching
Teacher’s activity: The teacher instructs on how to time strides between hurdles for smoother movement.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils adjust their strides according to instructions.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 2 min
Teaching Skill: Question & Answer
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks questions to ensure pupils have understood the key skills.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer the teacher’s questions.
Objective-aligned checks:
- Define hurdles and list at least four basic skills in hurdle races.
- Demonstrate the proper posture when approaching and clearing hurdles.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 1 min
Teaching Skill: Recap
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson and encourages practice.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and reflect on the lesson.
Lesson Keywords
- Hurdle – A barrier that athletes jump over in a race.
- Stride – The distance covered in one step while running.
- Clearance – The act of successfully jumping over a hurdle.
- Approach – The way an athlete prepares to jump over a hurdle.
- Landing – The act of touching the ground after clearing a hurdle.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Define hurdles in athletics.
- Mention and explain two basic skills in hurdle races.
- Show how to start a hurdle race.
- Demonstrate clearing a hurdle properly.
- Describe what happens between hurdles during a race.
Assignment/homework
- Draw and label the steps involved in clearing a hurdle.
- Research and write about famous nigerian hurdle athletes.
- Practice the starting position and stride techniques at home.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide one-on-one assistance and break down the skills into smaller, manageable steps.
- For advanced learners: Introduce more advanced techniques and challenge them with higher hurdles.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids, verbal instructions, and hands-on practice to cater to different learning styles.
Note for Teachers
Ensure pupils warm up properly before practice to prevent injuries. Provide a safe environment for practice and adjust the height of hurdles according to pupils’ abilities. Encourage pupils to focus on technique rather than speed initially.

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