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Lesson 5 - Athletics Competition - Running, Jumping and Throwing Showcase

Foundational Athletics: Building Technique and Competitive Confidence

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Year 3

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Athletics

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Big Question

How can we apply our athletic skills in competition whilst supporting our teammates and showing good sportsmanship?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate running, jumping and throwing techniques in competitive situations
To work collaboratively in teams to select appropriate competitors for each event
To evaluate performance and provide constructive feedback to teammates

Key Outcomes

Students will compete in athletics events using correct technique
Students will work as a team to organise event participation strategically
Students will demonstrate sportsmanship and evaluate peer performance constructively

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Mark track lanes, event boundaries, and team areas

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Measuring Tapes

For measuring jumping and throwing distances

Alternative: Metre rulers, marked rope

Tennis Balls

For throwing events - ensure safe, soft materials

Alternative: Bean bags, foam javelins

Shuttles

For accuracy throwing targets

Alternative: Plastic bottles, cones

Hurdles

Adjustable height for safe hurdling

Alternative: Cones with bands, foam noodles

Mats

Safe landing area with clear take-off line

Alternative: Sand pit, gym mats

Stopwatch

One per team for timing events

Alternative: Mobile phone timers

Score Sheets

Track team points and event results

Alternative: Clipboards with paper

Team bibs

Four different colours for team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, house t-shirts

Key Vocabulary

Technique

The correct way to perform an athletic skill for best results

Sprint

Running as fast as possible over a short distance

Take-off

The moment when a jumper leaves the ground

Follow-through

Continuing the throwing movement after releasing the object

Evaluation

Watching carefully and giving helpful feedback about performance

Strategy

Making smart decisions about who competes in which events

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running technique with correct arm action
Fundamental jumping skills including take-off and landing
Three phases of throwing: preparation, action, follow-through
Understanding of team cooperation and fair play

Current Skills

Applying athletic techniques under competitive pressure
Strategic team selection and event organisation
Performance evaluation and constructive feedback
Sportsmanship and resilience in competition

Next Steps

Advanced athletic techniques for specific events
Leadership roles in organising school athletics competitions
Peer coaching and mentoring in athletics skills
Personal best tracking and goal setting

Milestone Indicators

Maintains technique quality during competitive pressure

Makes strategic decisions about team event selection

Provides specific, helpful feedback to teammates

Shows resilience when facing challenging competition

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise that competition is about doing your personal best, not just beating others
Model and reinforce excellent sportsmanship throughout all activities
Ensure every student feels valued and included regardless of athletic ability
Maintain focus on technique even under competitive pressure
Use positive language that celebrates effort and improvement
Create opportunities for peer coaching and support
Balance competitive excitement with safety awareness

Common Misconceptions

That only winners contribute to team success - address by highlighting bronze medals and team spirit points
That faster/stronger automatically means better technique - demonstrate importance of proper form
That competition means being aggressive or unsporting - model positive competitive behaviour
That mistakes in competition are failures - reframe as learning opportunities
That some students are 'not athletic' - emphasise that everyone can improve and contribute

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent movement opportunities, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback and recognition

dyspraxia

Additional practice time, simplified movement patterns, extra support with coordination challenges

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of events, quiet areas available, consistent routines and expectations throughout

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of events, assign guide partners for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual signals for starts and instructions, demonstration-based teaching, written event information cards

physical disability

Adapted distances and equipment, wheelchair-accessible events, modify techniques to suit individual abilities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development through athletic terminology, communication skills during team discussions and peer feedback

Maths

Measuring distances and times, calculating team scores and points totals, understanding numerical ranking systems

Science

Forces in throwing and jumping, friction in running, understanding body systems during exercise and recovery

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, resilience and perseverance, celebrating others' achievements, handling competition pressure

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between event stations regularly, maintain overview of all activities while providing specific coaching

Observation Focus

Monitor technique maintenance under pressure, team cooperation, safety compliance, and inclusive participation

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe practices, poor sportsmanship, exclusion of team members, or technical corrections

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples, demonstrate techniques clearly before competition, emphasise safety throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Technique first, speed second!'
•'Encourage your teammates!'
•'Great sportsmanship!'
•'Focus on your own improvement!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 60m or sports hall, separate areas for track and field events

Surface Check

Level, dry surface free from holes or debris, suitable for running and jumping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hurdles are stable and appropriate height
•Ensure throwing implements are soft and safe
•Verify measuring equipment is in good condition
•Confirm landing areas are well-maintained

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running events
•Injuries from throwing implements
•Falls during jumping or hurdling
•Over-exertion in competitive atmosphere

Risk Mitigation

•Clear lane markings and adequate spacing
•Designated throwing zones with safety barriers
•Progressive skill building before competition
•Regular breaks and hydration reminders
•Adult supervision at each event station

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position adults at each field event station
•Maintain clear sight lines across all activities
•Monitor competitive intensity and student wellbeing
•Ensure safety rules are consistently followed

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activities immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, complete incident documentation