Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define coaching and officiating in athletics.
• Demonstrate proper coaching techniques for throw events.
• Role-play as coaches and officials.
• Apply the rules and regulations for throw events.
• Analyze performance and suggest improvements.

Lesson summary

This lesson moves from theory to practice. We will explore the fundamental concepts and principles required to effectively coach and officiate the throwing events in athletics: Shot Put, Discus, and Javelin. Understanding these roles is crucial not only for improving athletic performance during inter-house competitions ("Inter-Co") and zonal games but also for developing leadership, fairness, and attention to detail. These skills open up career pathways in sports administration, coaching, and officiating, both locally with the Ghana Athletics Association and internationally. This lesson empowers you to be an active participant, leader, and expert on the athletics field.

Lesson notes

This topic is divided into two main areas: Coaching and Officiating. Part A: The Principles of Coaching Throw Events

Coaching is the art and science of guiding an athlete to improve their performance. It is more than just shouting instructions; it involves planning, teaching, motivating, and ensuring safety.

Key Coaching Principles for Throws: Safety First, Always: Explanation: The implements (shot, discus, javelin) are heavy and potentially dangerous. A coach's primary duty is to ensure the safety of the athlete and everyone else nearby. Ghanaian Context: Before any practice at the school field, the coach must check that the throwing area is clear of other students, that the throwing circle is not slippery (especially after rain), and that the implements are not damaged. Spectators must be kept at a safe distance. Technique Over Brute Force: Explanation: A powerful athlete with poor technique will be beaten by a less powerful athlete with excellent technique. The throws are about converting speed and body momentum into force applied to the implement. Example (Shot Put): An athlete might try to use only their arm strength to "throw" the shot. A good coach will correct this, teaching them to use the powerful muscles in their legs and hips, rotating their body to generate force, and "putting" the shot, not throwing it. The sequence is Legs -> Hips -> Torso -> Arm. Provide Specific, Positive Feedback: Explanation: Vague feedback like "Try harder" is not helpful. Feedback must be specific, simple, and often positive. Example (Javelin): *Poor Feedback:* "Your throw was bad." *Good Feedback:* "That was a powerful run-up! This time, let's focus on keeping the nose of the javelin pointed slightly up, towards the target, just before you release." Drills for Skill Development: Explanation: Complex movements like the discus spin or javelin run-up are broken down into smaller, simpler drills. Example (Discus): Instead of attempting the full throw, a coach might have an athlete practice "standing throws" to perfect the release, or "spin drills" without the discus to master the footwork in the circle. Part B: The Principles of Officiating Throw Events

Officiating ensures that the competition is fair, and the rules are applied correctly and consistently for all athletes. Officials are judges of the sport.

Evaluation guide

• Put into use the concepts, and principles of coaching and officiating in the
• performance of throw events.
• Activity -based learning: Learners in groups ,role-playcoaching and officiating of throw
• events. Peers observe and comment in a respectful manner.