Grade 5 Physical And Health Education Athletic Truck Events – Hurdles Approach Notes
Hurdles Approach
Topic: Athletic Track Events — Physical & Health Education (Age 10, Kenya)
The "hurdles approach" is how you run and get ready to jump a hurdle. These notes explain simple steps, safety tips and practice drills you can use on the school field. Use low or adjustable hurdles (or cones) — your teacher/coach will set the height.
What you need
- Flat running track or school field
- Small/adjustable hurdles or cones
- Running shoes (or trainers) and comfortable clothes
- Coach or teacher to count and watch you
Simple safety and warm-up (always do before practice)
- Jog 5–8 minutes to warm up your body.
- Do leg swings, knee lifts, ankle circles and light skipping.
- Stretch gently — hamstrings, calves and quads.
- Use low hurdles first. If you fall, move away quickly.
Easy explanation for children
Think of the approach as three parts: run-up (get to the hurdle), jump (clear the hurdle), and landing (keep running). Practice slowly, then faster when you feel ready.
Step-by-step approach (simple)
- Start running with an easy, relaxed sprint toward the first hurdle. Count your steps so you don’t change rhythm. (Your coach may say 7, 8 or 9 steps.)
- Last three steps: make them quick and light. Keep your eyes on the top of the hurdle, not the ground.
- Take-off: push from the foot nearest the hurdle (strong push). Keep your body a little forward.
- Lead leg: lift the knee, keep the foot flexed (toes up) and reach over the hurdle.
- Trail leg: bring the other knee through quickly and bend it so the foot clears the hurdle.
- Landing: land on the same foot you pushed from. Stay balanced and keep running.
Short cues to remember
- “Count your steps!”
- “Eyes on the hurdle top.”
- “Knee up, toe up.”
- “Quick trail leg.”
- “Keep running after landing.”
Simple practice drills
- Walk-overs: Walk and step over low hurdles to learn leg movement.
- Lead-leg only: Run a few steps, then step over using only your lead leg (helpful for balance).
- Trail-leg drill: From a small jump, practice bringing the trail knee through.
- Mini-hurdle run: Set several small hurdles close together and run over them with short steps.
- Run-and-jump lines: 3 run-ups to one hurdle, repeat 4–6 times with rest between.
Practice session (30 minutes example)
- Warm-up and stretches — 8 minutes
- Walk-overs and lead-leg drill — 8 minutes
- Mini-hurdle runs — 8 minutes
- Cool down and talk about what went well — 6 minutes
Common mistakes and quick fixes
- Hitting the hurdle: slow down the approach and practise with lower hurdles.
- Leaning back: keep chest forward and look ahead.
- Wrong step before hurdle: count steps during practice until it becomes a habit.
- Slow trail leg: practise quick knee drive and bringing foot through.
Kenyan school tips
- Use school sports days to practise with friends — make it fun and safe.
- Use cones or sticks if you do not have hurdles; keep them low for beginners.
- Ask your P.E. teacher to set the step count for your group (this helps everyone run the same rhythm).
Simple visual guide
Have fun and be patient. Hurdles take practice. Work with your coach and friends, and always practise safely. If you want, try writing down how many steps you take to the hurdle — then try to keep the same number every time.
Good luck! Practice a little each week and you will get better.