Aragonese Bar Throw with PVC Poles

A traditional sport from Aragon in which an iron bar, held by one end, is thrown so it flies as far as possible and lands point first. At school, plastic PVC poles replace the bar so students can practice throwing, coordination and safe routines.

How to play

1. Explain (2 min) that the bar throw was a challenge between shepherds and farmers at village festivals in Aragon, using bars weighing several kilos.
2. Make 5 groups of 5 in parallel lanes 4 m (13 ft) apart, each with a throwing line and cones at 5, 10 and 15 m (16, 33 and 50 ft).
3. Technique (5 min): hold the pole at one end, arm back and down, swing and release in front at shoulder height so it flies straight with the tip angled slightly down.
4. On the signal, the first thrower in every lane throws at the same time. A throw only counts if the front tip hits the ground first.
5. On the second whistle, everyone retrieves; each lane judge marks the landing spot with a cone and measures the best throws with the tape.
6. Each student makes 3 valid throws (12 min). To finish, each group discusses what made the pole land point first.

Rules

• Throw only on the signal and all together; nobody crosses the line until the second whistle.
• Walk to retrieve the pole and carry it upright, tip down.
• A throw is void if the line is stepped on or the pole lands flat.
• Nobody waits in front of the line or between lanes.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student throws a shorter pole while seated, scoring for point-first landings, not distance.
• Hearing impairment: signal throw and retrieve by raising and lowering the arms where every lane can see.
• Skill level: long throwers use the non-dominant hand; students who struggle move 2 m (6 ft) closer.

Learning goals

• Coordinate the arm swing and release point to control trajectory.
• Follow safety routines during simultaneous throwing.
• Learn about a traditional sport from Aragon and its festival roots.

Equipment for a class of 25

• PVC poles: 10
• cones: 25
• measuring tape: 1

Teacher tip

Organization is everything: everyone throws and retrieves together, never one at a time. Check that no poles are cracked and, if possible, add a rubber cap to each tip.

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