Pole Vault Skills, Grip, Run-Up, Take-Off and Landing for JSS 3

Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 1
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical & Health Education
Curriculum Theme: Sports and Athletics
Previous Lesson: First Term Physical and Health Education Examination
Topic: Track and Field Events
Subject Matter: Pole Vault skills; Grip, run-up, pole carrying, take-off, hang, wing up, pull-up and bar clearance, landing, recovery; The pole vault event; Pole vault sector and dimensions

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Describe pole vault skills.
• Describe the grip, run-up, pole carrying, take-off, hang, swing-up, pull-up and bar clearance, landing, and recovery in pole vaulting.
• Describe the pole vault event.
• Draw and label the pole vault sector with its dimensions.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of safety in pole vaulting.
• Value participation in track and field events.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate simulated movements for pole vault skills like grip and run-up.
• Accurately draw the pole vault sector.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Pictures or diagrams of pole vaulting in action
• Video clips showing pole vault techniques
• A measuring tape for demonstrating dimensions
• Chalk or marker to draw the pole vault sector on the board

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson introduces students to the technical aspects of pole vaulting, enhancing their understanding of track and field events. It helps develop their physical literacy, coordination, and appreciation for the precision required in athletics. Understanding these skills is crucial for safe participation and for appreciating the sport.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of track and field events and a general understanding of athletic movements.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Track and Field Events: Pole Vault Skills

The Pole Vault Event

The 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 predetermined height. It requires a combination of speed, strength, agility, and precise technique.

Pole Vault Skills

The pole vault involves a sequence of interconnected skills, each crucial for a successful jump:

1. Grip: The way the vaulter holds the pole. The hands are typically placed shoulder-width apart, with the dominant hand higher up the pole.
2. Run-up: The approach run where the vaulter builds speed before planting the pole. The run-up must be consistent in stride length and speed.
3. Pole Carrying: How the vaulter carries the pole during the run-up. The pole is usually held with the tip pointing upwards, gradually lowering as the vaulter approaches the take-off point.
4. Take-off: The moment the vaulter leaves the ground, planting the pole firmly into the box. This is a powerful upward and forward jump.
5. Hang: Immediately after take-off, the vaulter hangs from the pole, allowing the pole to bend and store energy.
6. Swing-up: The vaulter swings their legs upwards, bringing their body parallel to the pole. This motion transfers energy from the body to the pole.
7. Pull-up and Bar Clearance: As the pole straightens, the vaulter pulls themselves up, pushing off the pole to gain maximum height over the bar. The body twists to clear the bar face down.
8. Landing: The vaulter lands safely on a thick foam mat, usually on their back or shoulders.
9. Recovery: After landing, the vaulter quickly moves off the mat to allow the next vaulter to prepare.

Pole Vault Sector and Dimensions

The pole vault sector is the designated area for the event, including the runway, plant box, and landing area. Key dimensions include:

1. Runway: A minimum of 40 meters (131 feet) long, but often longer (up to 45 meters or 147 feet), and 1.22 meters (4 feet) wide.
2. Planting Box: A metal or fiberglass box embedded in the ground at the end of the runway, where the pole is planted. It is typically 1 meter (3.28 feet) long, 60 centimeters (2 feet) wide at the front, and tapering to 15 centimeters (6 inches) at the back, with a depth of 20 centimeters (8 inches).
3. Landing Area (Pit): A large, thick foam mat designed for safe landing. It must be at least 6 meters (19.7 feet) long, 6 meters (19.7 feet) wide, and at least 0.8 meters (2.6 feet) high.
4. Uprights and Crossbar: Two uprights hold the crossbar, which the vaulter must clear. The uprights are adjustable to various heights.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Video Presentation

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging/Recalling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to name some track and field events they know. The teacher then introduces pole vault as one of the exciting track and field events.

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond by naming various track and field events and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Track and field overview

Step 2: The Pole Vault Event

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Visualisation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what the pole vault event is, using pictures or video clips to illustrate. The teacher highlights that it involves using a pole to clear a bar.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the pictures/videos and listen to the explanation, asking questions for clarity.

Learning Point: Pole vault event explained

Step 3: Pole Vault Skills Overview

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Listing/Identification

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists the main skills involved in pole vaulting: grip, run-up, pole carrying, take-off, hang, swing-up, pull-up and bar clearance, landing, and recovery. The teacher explains that these are sequential.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and identify the different skills mentioned by the teacher.

Learning Point: Pole vault skills identified

Step 4: Initial Vaulting Techniques

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates the grip, run-up, and pole carrying techniques. Students are guided to simulate these movements without a pole, focusing on body posture and hand placement.

Pupils’ Activity: Students observe the demonstration and practice the simulated grip, run-up, and pole carrying movements.

Learning Point: Initial vaulting techniques

Step 5: Mid-air Vaulting Techniques

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher describes the take-off, hang, and swing-up phases. Using diagrams or video, the teacher illustrates how the body moves in relation to the pole during these critical stages.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen to the explanations and observe the illustrations, trying to visualise the movements.

Learning Point: Mid-air vaulting techniques

Step 6: Final Vaulting Techniques

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Description/Visualisation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the pull-up, bar clearance, landing, and recovery. Emphasis is placed on safety during landing and the importance of clearing the bar effectively.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and mentally trace the final movements of a pole vaulter, noting the safety aspects.

Learning Point: Final vaulting techniques

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. List three skills involved in pole vaulting.
2. Describe the “grip” in pole vaulting.
3. What is the minimum length of a pole vault runway?
4. Draw and label a simple diagram of the pole vault planting box.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pole vault skills knowledge

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on pole vault skills, event, and sector into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Pole vault notes copied

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly recaps the main stages of pole vaulting and reminds students about the importance of practice and safety in sports. The teacher encourages them to watch pole vault events.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and reflect on the lesson, asking any final questions.

Learning Point: Pole vault skills reinforced

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Further Reading

Instruction: Research and write short answers to the following questions in your PHE notebook:

1. What materials are modern pole vault poles made from?
2. Why is a proper landing technique important in pole vaulting?
3. Identify one famous pole vaulter and describe one of their achievements.

Lesson Keywords

• Pole Vault – A track and field event where athletes use a pole to clear a high bar.
• Grip – The way a vaulter holds the pole.
• Run-up – The approach run before planting the pole.
• Take-off – The jump from the ground while planting the pole.
• Landing Mat – The thick foam mat used for safe landing.
• Planting Box – The box where the pole is inserted during take-off.

Differentiation

Support: For students who struggle with understanding the sequence of skills, provide simplified diagrams or a step-by-step checklist. Allow them to describe the skills in their own words or draw simple stick figures for each stage.

Extension: Challenge advanced students to research the physics behind the pole vault (e.g., energy transfer, leverage) or to compare the techniques of different world-class pole vaulters.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, students can search for “pole vault techniques explained” or “pole vault event rules” on YouTube.