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Lesson 6 - Running Application and Games

Foundation Running Skills and Body Awareness

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Year 1

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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45 min

Big Question

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

Cones

15-20

Spread randomly around playing area as mud monster traps

Alternative: Bean bags, spots, or any visible markers

Bibs

4-6

To identify mud monsters (defenders) in final activity

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, armbands

Key Vocabulary

Acceleration

Getting faster quickly when running

Defender

A player trying to catch or tag attackers

Attacker

A player trying to avoid being caught

Space

Empty areas where you can run safely

Technique

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

Maintains correct running form under pressure

Makes quick decisions about direction changes

Shows understanding of game tactics

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