Athletics (Track and Field) – JSS1 Physical & Health Education Lesson Note (Third Term)

Athletics is a competitive sport that involves running, jumping and throwing. It is grouped into track events and field events. Discus and shot-put are both field events in which an athlete throws an implement, and each has rules about the throwing circle, the sector and the number of throws.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. define athletics and say its two broad groups;
2. define discus and shot-put as throwing events;
3. state the rules of discus;
4. state the rules and regulations of shot-put.

What is athletics?

Athletics is a competitive sport that involves running, jumping and throwing. It can be grouped into two broad headings, that is track and field.

What is discus?

Discus is a throwing event. It is also a field event in athletics.

What are the rules of discus?

1. All throws shall be made within the throwing sector.
2. Each competitor shall be credited with his or her best throw.
3. No competitor shall overstep the throwing sector line.
4. Competitors must not leave the throwing sector until the implement has landed.
5. The implement or missile must land within the landing area.
6. The use of gloves is not allowed.
7. Each competitor is allowed a maximum of six and a minimum of three throws.

What is the throwing sector in discus?

The discus shall be thrown from within a circle whose diameter shall be 2.50 m.

The throwing sector shall have an angle of 45°.

What is shot-put?

Shot-put is a field event in athletics. It is also a throwing event.

What are the rules and regulations of shot-put?

1. Each competitor shall be credited with the best of his or her puts.
2. The athlete’s throw must commence from inside the circle.
3. The athlete must commence throwing from a stationary position.
4. The athlete must not touch the ground outside the circle after he or she has commenced to make a throw.
5. The athlete must not leave the circle until the missile has landed.
6. The shot-put must be held with the fingers.
7. For a throw to be valid, the missile must land within the sector.

Evaluation

1. Define discus.
2. List six rules and regulations of discus and shot-put.

Assignment

1. Define athletics.
2. Mention the officials in shot-put.