Track and Field: Pole Vault Skills – JSS3 Physical & Health Education Lesson Note (First Term)

Pole vault is a field event that involves jumping over a horizontally placed obstacle (bar) that is supported by two uprights. The vaulter uses a pole as a lever for the uplift of the body. The pole vaulter is expected to lift himself or herself high up with the pole from a single take-off to clear the bar. The competitor is called a pole vaulter. Both male and female athletes perform the event.

Behavioural objectives

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

• Describe the pole vault event.
• List the skills needed in pole vault.
• Name the equipment and facilities used in pole vault.
• State the phases of pole vault in order.
• Identify common faults in pole vault.
• State the rules and regulations guiding the event.

What skills are needed in pole vault?

The basic skills in pole vault include the following:

1. Flexibility
2. Agility
3. Speed
4. Determination
5. Concentration
6. Muscular strength
7. Courage

What equipment and facilities are used in pole vault?

The equipment and facilities are:

1. The two uprights
2. The crossbar
3. The supports for the crossbar
4. The landing foam
5. The runway
6. The take-off box
7. The vaulting pole

What are the phases of pole vault?

1. The grip or hold
2. Carrying the pole
3. The run-up
4. The plant
5. The take-off
6. The swing up
7. The turning
8. The clearance
9. The landing

What are the common faults in pole vault?

1. Gripping the pole wrongly.
2. Inaccurate speed.
3. Planting the pole before getting to the box.
4. Not swinging up the legs.
5. Not flexing the arms to pull up the body.
6. Inability to turn the body.
7. Inability to clear the bar.
8. Carrying the pole across the body.

What are the rules and regulations guiding the pole vault event?

1. The competitor must take off with one foot (single take-off).
2. No marks should be placed on any landing area.
3. A competitor is out of the competition when he or she dislodges the bar three consecutive times at a particular height.
4. The competitor must not touch the pole when it is falling towards the crossbar.

Evaluation

1. Describe the pole vault event.
2. List four skills needed in pole vault.
3. Name five items of equipment or facilities used in pole vault.
4. State the phases of pole vault in order.
5. State two rules guiding the pole vault event.

Assignment

1. List three types of materials that can be used as a pole.
2. State four major progressions or phases you would adopt in pole vaulting.
3. Outline three common faults that can be observed during pole vaulting.
4. Write out four sentences on the nature of the pole vault event.