Fundamentals of Hurdles

Grade Level: 7th Grade

Subject: Physical Education
Topic: Skills for Hurdling (Theory Lesson)
Time: 70 minutes
Curriculum Area: Movement and Motor Skills Development (National Standards for K-12 Physical Education – Standard 1: Demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.)

Lesson Objectives

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

1. Understand the fundamental biomechanics and techniques for hurdling.
2. Identify key phases of hurdling (approach, take-off, flight, landing, recovery).
3. Analyze the role of rhythm, timing, and body positioning in clearing hurdles efficiently.
4. Foster an appreciation for the importance of balance, flexibility, and strength in hurdle performance.

Lesson Content

1. Introduction to Hurdles (10 minutes)

   • Brief definition of hurdling as a track-and-field event.
   • History of hurdles: origins and evolution into modern sport.
   • Types of hurdles (e.g., sprint hurdles and intermediate hurdles).
   • Key physical and mental attributes for a successful hurdler: speed, technique, rhythm, and confidence.

2. Breaking Down the Hurdling Process (20 minutes)

   • The Approach Phase: Importance of acceleration, stride optimization, and momentum.
   • Take-Off: Position of leading and trail leg, use of dominant leg, and body angle needed to push off.
   • Flight Over the Hurdle: Knee lift, arm movement for balance, and torso alignment.
   • Landing and Recovery: Soft, controlled landing, transitioning smoothly into the next stride.
   • Integration of rhythm: maintaining a steady pace between hurdles.

3. Common Mistakes and Injury Prevention (10 minutes)

   • Miscalculating strides leading to awkward take-offs.
   • Poor posture resulting in slower times or trip hazards.
   • Stretching and warm-ups to prevent hamstring or ankle injuries.

4. Practical Applications (Short Activity) (5 minutes)

   • Visualizing success through mental imagery for proper form at each stage of the hurdling sequence.
   • Watching an exemplary hurdling video clip (optional, if resources permit).

5. Class Wrap-Up (25 minutes)

   • Small group collaboration: Students pair up to analyze printed diagrams of a hurdler mid-flight.
     • Identify which muscle groups are engaged.
     • Label key body parts (e.g., trail leg, balance arm) using a worksheet provided.
   • Discuss as a class how balance, coordination, and timing can be practiced for skill improvement.

Teaching Activities

1. Starter Activity (5 minutes):

   • Warm-up quiz: "What do you know about hurdles?"
   • Scenario-based questions to spark curiosity (e.g., "What will happen if you lean too far forward during take-off?").

2. Instructional Mini-Lecture (20 minutes):

   • Use of whiteboard or projector to explain phases of hurdling. Visual aids (drawings, photos) for clarity.
   • Mini-demonstration using hand movements to explain the trajectory of the limbs during take-off and flight.

3. Active Reflection Task (15 minutes):

   • Break the class into small teams (5 students each). They create a storyboard approach to explain the progression of hurdling phases, based on what they’ve learned. This fosters teamwork and ensures concepts are reinforced.

4. Physical Model Exploring Form Challenges: Extra time-dependent bonus—each group models hurdle positions using their hands or basic stationary movements.

Differentiation Strategies

1. For Visual Learners: Diagrams, videos (if possible), and handouts with labeled steps of the hurdling process.
2. For Kinesthetic Learners: Movement-based activities where they mimic hurdle forms or discuss balance techniques hands-on.
3. For Students Needing Extra Support: Assign peer mentors during group activities for shared learning and easier comprehension. Provide audio versions of theoretic content for additional review.
4. For Advanced Learners: Allow students to research and present unique coaching methodologies used by world-class hurdlers in 2-3 sentences.

Resources and Materials

• Whiteboard / markers.
• Visual aids: diagrams of hurdling stages.
• Printed worksheets for group tasks (with images of hurdles labeled for analysis).
• Optionally: projector for video demonstration or slideshow if tech is available.
• Stopwatch for timing discussions related to rhythm and pace.

Formative Evaluation Strategies

1. Observation During Activities: Monitor student participation during group and class discussions to ensure understanding.
2. Exit Ticket: Students write down one key takeaway from the lesson and one question about hurdles they still want answered.
3. Worksheet Review: Assess correctness and depth of labeling/discussions in the group task worksheets.
4. Class Review: Pose open-ended questions to gauge comprehension (e.g., “What role does the trail leg play in maintaining balance while clearing a hurdle?”).

Reflection for Next Class

• Analyze participation in group activities for inclusiveness and understanding.
• Use exit tickets to address any unresolved questions about hurdles in the next lesson. Explain how theoretical knowledge leads into the following session: practical drills focusing on stride rhythm and hurdle form on a basic level.