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Lesson 2 - Running Technique and Space Awareness

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 run safely while avoiding defenders and finding space?

Learning Objectives

Develop running technique with proper form and body positioning
Apply spatial awareness to avoid obstacles and defenders in games
Understand the tactical importance of finding space in competitive situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct running technique with arms pumping and staying on balls of feet
Students will successfully navigate space while avoiding defenders
Students will explain why proper running technique helps in games

Equipment & Resources Required

Markers

20-30

Spread evenly throughout playing area as 'sticky glue' spots

Alternative: Mats, chalked circles, or bean bags

Coloured Bibs

For identifying mud monsters in final game

Alternative: Coloured bands or wristbands

Whistles

For clear start/stop signals

Alternative: Voice commands or tambourine

Key Vocabulary

Running Technique

The proper way to run with good form including arm movement and foot placement

Space Awareness

Understanding where to move to avoid collisions and find safe areas

Defenders

Players or obstacles that we need to avoid or get past

Evasion

Moving cleverly to avoid being caught or tagged

Pumping Arms

Moving arms back and forth rhythmically while running

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic walking and jogging movements
Following simple instructions in PE
Understanding personal space concepts

Current Skills

Correct running technique development
Spatial awareness while moving
Quick decision making in games

Next Steps

Running with directional changes at speed
Advanced evasion techniques in games
Running technique in different sports contexts

Milestone Indicators

Consistent arm pumping while running

Staying on balls of feet throughout movement

Successfully avoiding defenders 8 out of 10 times

Key Teaching Points

Running technique has three main elements: pumping arms, balls of feet, and head up
Space awareness prevents collisions and helps avoid defenders in games
Good technique becomes more important under pressure, not less important
Teamwork in PE includes helping others and celebrating everyone's efforts
Games are more fun when everyone plays safely and follows the rules

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Running fast means running on flat feet' - Correct: Light, quiet steps on balls of feet are faster and safer
Misconception: 'Arms don't matter when running' - Correct: Arms provide balance and rhythm for efficient running
Misconception: 'Looking down helps you run faster' - Correct: Head up allows better space awareness and safety
Misconception: 'Only avoiding defenders matters' - Correct: Maintaining technique while evading is the real skill
Misconception: 'Tagged students should try to break free' - Correct: Frozen students wait for teammate rescue to learn cooperation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use frequent activity changes, provide clear boundaries and rules, offer movement breaks when needed, celebrate effort over outcome

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for technique development, break down movements into smaller steps, provide visual cues for body positioning

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of lesson activities, maintain predictable routine structure, offer quiet space if sensory breaks needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured markers and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of space layout, assign sighted partner for navigation support

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for game changes, ensure student can see teacher for instructions, use gesture-based commands alongside verbal

physical disability

Adapt running to walking or wheelchair movement, modify tagging rules to gentle touching, ensure inclusive participation in all activities

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting mud monster catches, measuring distances to markers, understanding 'nearest' as a mathematical concept

Science

Heart rate changes during exercise, understanding how muscles work during running, discussing balance and coordination

Geography

Directional language (towards, away from, nearest), mapping movement patterns around space

PSHE

Teamwork through rescue activities, managing emotions during competitive games, showing respect for others' abilities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the perimeter of the space to observe all students, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Running technique maintenance under pressure, spatial awareness development, safe play in games

Intervention Points

Step in if tagging becomes too rough, provide technique reminders during games, offer encouragement to less confident students

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique points, highlight good examples from students during activities, demonstrate at child height for better visibility

Verbal Cues

•'Arms pumping like train pistons!'
•'Light feet, quiet running!'
•'Eyes up, look for spaces!'
•'Gentle tags, we're friends!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 10m clear space, preferably in sports hall or large classroom

Surface Check

Non-slip, even surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Floor markers must be flat and non-slip
•Check bibs have no loose or damaged parts
•Whistle used appropriately to avoid hearing damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students when running
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Over-exertion in energetic games
•Rough play during tagging activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and reinforced
•Emphasis on controlled movements and gentle tagging
•Regular breathing checks during intense activities
•Progressive build-up from simple to complex activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Move around space to monitor different areas during games
•Watch for signs of fatigue or over-exertion
•Intervene immediately if play becomes too rough

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on safety concern, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support if needed, have contact details for school nurse/first aider