
Week Six
Subject: Physical and Health Education
Class: Primary Three
Week of the Third Term: 6th Week
Topic: Field Events – High Jump and Long Jump
Subtopic: Meaning of Field Events, Examples of Field Events, Basic Skills in High Jump and Long Jump, Rules of High Jump and Long Jump
Instructional Objectives
At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Define field events and identify examples of field events.
- Demonstrate the basic skills of high jump and long jump (run-up, take-off, clearance of the crossbar, leaping to gain horizontal distance, landing).
- Explain the rules involved in the high jump and long jump.
Entry Behaviour
Pupils should be familiar with the concept of jumping and running. They may have participated in simple games involving running or jumping but may not know the specific techniques or rules for the high jump and long jump.
Instructional Materials
- Visual aids showing athletes performing the high jump and long jump.
- Cones or markers to simulate runway and landing zones.
- Measuring tape or markers to demonstrate distances.
- A crossbar or similar object to simulate the high jump bar.
Reference Materials
Na’omi Baba Gbefwi, Emma Okoroigwe, Adetola Akinmorin WABP Physical and Health Education for Primary Schools Book 3, 2017. West African Book Publisher Lagos.
Adeyanju.S.A, Musa Danladi. I, Edegbai.B, Igbanuog.VC, Okunrotifa.EB. Spectrum Physical and Health Education for Primary School 3 Textbook (BEC Edition) Spectrum Book Limited, 2022 Lagos.
Content
What are Field Events?
Field events are athletic competitions that take place on the ground rather than on a track. These events typically involve jumping or throwing. The high jump and long jump are two common examples of field events in athletics.
Examples of Field Events:
- High Jump: An event where athletes jump over a horizontal bar set at a certain height.
- Long Jump: An event where athletes run and jump to cover as much horizontal distance as possible from a take-off point.
- Other Field Events: Shot put, discus throw, pole vault, etc.
Basic Skills in High Jump:
- Run-Up: Athletes approach the bar with a steady, controlled run-up, aiming to build enough speed to clear the bar.
- Take-Off: As the athlete reaches the take-off point, they use their legs to push off the ground and propel their body upwards.
- Clearance of the Crossbar: The athlete must jump over the bar without knocking it off. The bar is set at varying heights, and the athlete must clear it completely.
- Landing: The athlete must land on their back or side on a cushioned surface to ensure safety.
Basic Skills in Long Jump:
- Run-Up: Athletes sprint toward the take-off point, gradually increasing speed.
- Take-Off: At the take-off point, the athlete jumps off one foot, trying to maximize their horizontal distance.
- Leaping to Gain Horizontal Distance: The goal is to jump as far as possible, with a focus on form and control in the air.
- Landing: The athlete lands feet-first in a sandpit or designated landing area, and the distance is measured from the take-off point to the closest point of landing.
Rules of High Jump and Long Jump:
- High Jump Rules:
- The athlete must clear the bar without knocking it down.
- Athletes are allowed three attempts to clear a given height.
- The bar height is raised after each successful jump.
- The athlete must jump in one continuous motion without touching the bar with any part of their body.
- Long Jump Rules:
- Athletes must take off from behind the take-off board or mark.
- They are allowed three attempts to jump as far as possible.
- The longest jump is recorded.
- The athlete’s landing must be within the designated landing zone (sandpit).
Lesson Presentation (Step-by-Step Procedure)
Step 1: Introduction
Start by asking, “Have you ever jumped really high or tried to jump really far?” Discuss any experiences pupils have had with jumping. Introduce the idea of field events, explaining that in these events, athletes compete by jumping to see how high or how far they can go.
Step 2: Explanation
Define field events and provide examples (high jump and long jump). Explain the basic skills involved in each event, highlighting the importance of the run-up, take-off, and landing. Use visual aids to show examples of athletes performing these events and briefly describe each skill involved.
Step 3: Demonstration
Show pupils the proper techniques for high jump and long jump. Demonstrate the run-up, take-off, and landing for both events. For the high jump, demonstrate how to clear the bar without knocking it down. For the long jump, show how to maximize horizontal distance by focusing on the take-off and leaping position.
Step 4: Guided Practice
Organize pupils into small groups. Have them practice the skills for high jump and long jump with your guidance. For the high jump, set up a low crossbar and guide them in their attempt to jump over it. For the long jump, mark a distance on the ground and have them practice jumping from the take-off point.
Step 5: Independent Practice
Let pupils practice on their own or in pairs. Have them perform the high jump and long jump in turns, ensuring they use the correct techniques. Walk around to observe their form and provide feedback as needed.
Step 6: Feedback
Provide feedback on pupils’ performances. For the high jump, check their clearance of the bar and their take-off technique. For the long jump, focus on their landing and the distance they cover. Offer suggestions for improvement, such as making sure they run at the correct speed or use their arms effectively during the jump.
Evaluation
Formative Assessment:
Observe pupils as they practice the skills of the high jump and long jump. Provide verbal feedback during practice, asking questions like, “What part of your body do you use to push off during the take-off?” or “How can you jump further in the long jump?”
Summative Assessment:
At the end of the lesson, organize a small competition where pupils perform either the high jump or long jump. Measure their jumps and observe their form. Give a score based on technique (form, take-off, landing) and distance (long jump) or height (high jump).
Summary/Conclusion
Summarize the key points of the lesson: Field events like high jump and long jump require specific skills such as run-up, take-off, and landing. By practicing these skills, pupils can improve their jumping abilities and learn the rules of each event.
Assignment
For homework, ask pupils to write or draw the steps involved in performing a high jump and a long jump. They should focus on the correct techniques for each skill, including the run-up, take-off, and landing.

