Lesson 6 - Running Application and Games
Foundation Running Skills and Body Awareness
•Year 1
•Fundamental Movement Skills
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How can we use our running skills to succeed in competitive games?
Learning Objectives
- To apply running technique in competitive game situations
- To understand the basic principles of attack and defence through running games
- To demonstrate acceleration and deceleration when avoiding defenders
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully apply running skills in game contexts
- Students will understand when to accelerate to avoid being caught
- Students will demonstrate improved spatial awareness during running activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Spread randomly around playing area as mud monster traps
Alternative: Bean bags, spots, or any visible markers
To identify mud monsters (defenders) in final activity
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, armbands
Key Vocabulary
Getting faster quickly when running
A player trying to catch or tag attackers
A player trying to avoid being caught
Empty areas where you can run safely
The correct way to run with good form
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running technique established
- Understanding of personal space
- Ability to follow simple game rules
Current Skills
- Application of running in game contexts
- Basic attack and defence concepts
- Acceleration and deceleration control
Next Steps
- More complex running games
- Team-based running strategies
- Advanced spatial awareness activities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Running technique: head up, arms pumping, on balls of feet
- Spatial awareness: looking for gaps and empty spaces
- Tactical thinking: when to accelerate and when to change direction
- Teamwork: helping stuck teammates quickly and safely
- Game understanding: consequences of poor positioning
- Safety: controlled tagging and awareness of others
- Progressive challenge: building from simple to complex situations
Common Misconceptions
- Faster always means better - correct: tactical speed changes are more important
- Running straight is safest - correct: changing direction helps avoid defenders
- Individual success matters most - correct: team cooperation keeps everyone in the game
- Being tagged means you failed - correct: being rescued shows good teamwork
- Monsters should catch everyone - correct: the goal is keeping scores low through teamwork
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear and immediate feedback, physical activity outlet maintained
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, larger targets and spaces
autism spectrum
- Clear visual boundaries, predictable game structure, quiet space available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured markers, verbal cues for all instructions, buddy system with sighted partner
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for start/stop, clear demonstrations, written rule reminders on display
physical disability
- Adapted movement patterns, modified tagging rules, equipment to aid mobility if needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Understanding forces in running, how muscles work, heart rate changes during exercise
Geography
Directional vocabulary, mapping movement paths, understanding space and area
PSHE
Teamwork, resilience when tagged, managing competitive emotions, helping others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all students, join in as active participant when appropriate
Observation Focus
Running technique, spatial awareness, game understanding, and cooperation
Intervention Points
Step in for safety issues, technique corrections, or tactical guidance
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for visibility, involve students in demonstrations where safe
Verbal Cues
- •'Pump those arms!'
- •'Head up, look for space!'
- •'Help your teammates!'
- •'Think about where you're running!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear area, gymnasium or playground
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from trip hazards, appropriate for running
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Cones/markers stable and visible
- •No sharp edges on equipment
- •Identifying bands/bibs comfortable and secure
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between running students
- •Trips over markers or equipment
- •Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and enforced
- •Adequate spacing between obstacles
- •Gentle tagging rules strictly maintained
- •Regular breathing breaks during intense activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students during running activities
- •Active monitoring during competitive games
- •Immediate response to any safety issues
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid and support