Grade 5 Physical And Health Education Athletic Truck Events – Take-offs Notes
Physical & Health Education — Athletic Track Events
Subtopic: Take-offs (for age 10 — Kenyan primary schools)
Take-off is the moment an athlete leaves the ground to jump (for long jump, triple jump or high jump). Good take-offs help you jump far or high. Below are simple notes and activities you can use at school.
Learning goals
- Understand what a take-off is.
- Learn simple safety rules and steps for a safe take-off.
- Practice easy drills to improve jumping.
Key words
Run-up — Take-off board — Plant foot — Swing arm — Flight — Landing
Types of take-offs you learn at school
- Standing take-off (for small jumps and practise)
- Running take-off (used in long jump & triple jump)
- One-foot take-off and two-foot take-off (used depending on the event)
Simple steps for a running long-jump take-off
- Stand at the start of your run-up and look at the take-off board. Count your steps.
- Run straight with small quick steps (build your speed gently).
- On the last two steps: make the penultimate step a bit longer and low, the final step (plant) is short and strong.
- Plant your take-off foot on the board, swing the other knee up and swing your arms forward.
- Push off strongly (this is the take-off), keep your head up and look forward.
- In the air, bring knees up for flight, then prepare for a safe landing in the sandpit.
- Always warm up before practising (jog, stretch).
- Check the run-up area and sandpit are clear and soft.
- Do not step beyond the take-off board (this is a foul in competitions).
- Practice in a group with a teacher or coach watching.
Simple drills for take-off practice
- Standing jumps: stand, bend knees, swing arms, push up and land softly.
- Run-and-take-off: short run of 4–6 steps, plant and jump.
- Single-foot take-off hops: hop forward on one foot to improve balance.
- Arm-swing drill: on the grass, practice swinging arms during the jump to get more height.
- Partner counting: a partner counts your steps to help time the take-off.
How teachers can assess you
Teachers look at safety, run-up control, correct plant of the foot, arm and knee action at take-off, and landing. They may measure distance jumped in metres (m).
Quick checklist for learners (tick when you can do it)
- Warm up before practice □
- Can run 4–6 steps and plant foot correctly □
- Use arms and lift knee at take-off □
- Land safely in the pit □
Short practice game
"Step Count Race": In pairs, one runs 6 steps and jumps. The partner checks if the final two steps feel right (penultimate low, final short). Swap and try to improve your take-off each turn.
Small visual — Long jump take-off (simple)
Remember
Practice often, listen to your teacher, and always warm up. Take-offs are about timing: the right last steps and a strong push make your jump better.
Short questions for review
- What is a take-off?
- Name two safety rules for practising take-offs.
- What should you do with your arms at take-off?
Good luck! Practice with your classmates and ask your teacher to show the correct take-off.