Lesson 5 - Athletics Competition - Running, Jumping and Throwing Showcase
Foundational Athletics: Building Technique and Competitive Confidence
•Year 3
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Mark track lanes, event boundaries, and team areas
Alternative: Markers, bean bags
For measuring jumping and throwing distances
Alternative: Metre rulers, marked rope
For throwing events - ensure safe, soft materials
Alternative: Bean bags, foam javelins
For accuracy throwing targets
Alternative: Plastic bottles, cones
Adjustable height for safe hurdling
Alternative: Cones with bands, foam noodles
Safe landing area with clear take-off line
Alternative: Sand pit, gym mats
One per team for timing events
Alternative: Mobile phone timers
Track team points and event results
Alternative: Clipboards with paper
Four different colours for team identification
Alternative: Coloured bands, house t-shirts
Key Vocabulary
The correct way to perform an athletic skill for best results
Running as fast as possible over a short distance
The moment when a jumper leaves the ground
Continuing the throwing movement after releasing the object
Watching carefully and giving helpful feedback about performance
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
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