Class: Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3, JSS 3)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 1
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science And Technology
Curriculum Theme: Physical And Health Education
Previous Lesson:
Topic: Track And Field
Subject Matter: Pole Vault Skills: Grip, Run-up, Pole Carrying, Take-off, Hang, Wing Up, Pull-up and Bar Clearance, Landing, Recovery

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Identify and describe the various phases of the pole vault event.
(b) Explain the importance of proper technique and safety in pole vaulting.
Affective Domain:
(a) Demonstrate interest and enthusiasm in learning pole vault techniques.
(b) Show respect and teamwork while participating in practical class activities.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Demonstrate basic pole vaulting skills such as grip, run-up, and take-off.
(b) Practise safe landing and recovery techniques under supervision.
Social Domain:
(a) Cooperate with classmates in pairs or groups during demonstrations.
(b) Exhibit sportsmanship and discipline during practice.

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
World Athletics – “Pole Vault Technical Rules and Guidelines” (https://worldathletics.org/disciplines/field-events/pole-vault)
Britannica – “Pole Vault” (https://www.britannica.com/sports/pole-vault)
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A sample vaulting pole
Diagram/chart showing phases of pole vault
Marked mini-field or open space for demonstration
Mats for safe landing practice
Video clips of pole vault athletes
Whistle and stopwatch

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand and practice the essential phases and techniques of the pole vault event, enhancing their athletic skills, coordination, and body control while promoting physical fitness and discipline.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have previously learned about track and field events and can recall basic jumping techniques such as high jump and long jump, which serve as a foundation for understanding pole vaulting.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Track and Field

Meaning of Pole Vault

Pole vault is a track and field event in which an athlete uses a flexible pole made of fiberglass or carbon fiber to jump over a high bar. It combines speed, strength, and body control.

Phases of Pole Vault Skills

Pole vaulting involves several important phases that must be performed in sequence for successful clearance of the bar.

The following are the major phases of pole vaulting:

Grip: The athlete holds the pole firmly with both hands. The top hand grips near the end of the pole while the lower hand is positioned shoulder-width apart.
Run-up: The athlete sprints down the runway holding the pole upright, gradually lowering it forward to prepare for planting.
Pole Carrying: The pole is carried at an angle with the tip pointing towards the box; the athlete maintains balance while running.
Take-off: The athlete plants the pole into the take-off box and jumps upward with one leg while driving the opposite knee.
Hang: After take-off, the athlete swings the trail leg upward while hanging on the pole to gain height.
Wing Up: The athlete continues to lift the body upwards, aligning the body along the pole to rise higher.
Pull-up and Bar Clearance: The athlete pulls the body towards the pole, rotates, and arches over the bar without touching it.
Landing: The athlete lands safely on the foam mat, usually on the back or shoulders to absorb impact.
Recovery: The athlete gets up quickly, clears the mat area, and prepares for the next attempt or observation.

Importance of Mastering Pole Vault Skills

Learning proper pole vault techniques ensures safety, efficiency, and better performance in athletics.

The following are the importance of mastering pole vault skills:

It prevents injury during take-off and landing.
It improves coordination, balance, and timing.
It enhances strength and endurance.
It builds self-confidence and sports discipline.
It helps athletes achieve better jump heights and performance.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:

Lecture, Discussion, Demonstration, Explanation, Question and Answer, Group Work, Practical Demonstration

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 shows a video or picture of a pole vaulter clearing a bar and asks pupils what they observe.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils describe what they see and share their opinions on the movement.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the pole vault event and become curious to learn how it is performed.

Step 2: Explanation of Pole Vault and Its Phases

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of pole vault and describes each phase: grip, run-up, pole carrying, take-off, hang, wing up, pull-up, bar clearance, landing, and recovery.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and note the phases.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the sequence and meaning of each pole vault phase.

Step 3: Demonstration of Basic Techniques

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher demonstrates how to grip the pole, perform the run-up, and plant the pole safely, using charts and the actual pole.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and imitate the teacher’s demonstration.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the correct form and coordination of basic pole vault movements.

Step 4: Supervised Practice and Correction

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guidance and Practice
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher guides pupils to practise run-up, take-off, and landing in small groups, correcting errors and emphasizing safety.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practise in turns while others observe and learn.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate improved technique and confidence through guided practice.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher writes the lesson summary on the board for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the notes neatly into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils have a written summary of pole vault skills and importance.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

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

Mention three phases of pole vault.
What is the correct way to grip the pole?
List two importance of mastering pole vault skills.
Explain what happens during the take-off phase.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and perform short demonstrations.
Learning Point: Pupils’ understanding of the pole vault phases and techniques is assessed.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher summarizes the key points, emphasizes safety in practice, and encourages pupils to observe professional pole vaulters for better understanding.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask relevant questions.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their knowledge of pole vaulting techniques and safety.

Lesson Keywords

Pole Vault – an athletic event using a pole to jump over a high bar.
Grip – the way the pole is held for control and balance.
Take-off – the point where the athlete jumps and plants the pole.
Bar Clearance – movement of the body over the bar without touching it.
Landing – safe arrival on the mat after jumping.

Differentiation

Teacher supports slower learners with repeated demonstrations and verbal cues, while faster learners assist others in practising movements correctly and safely.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure safety mats are properly placed before any demonstration. Emphasize correct technique over height, and always supervise pupils closely during physical practice.