❤️

Lesson 3 - Core Strength Challenge

Athletic Foundations: Endurance to Power

•

Year 3

•

Health Related Fitness

•

Big Question

How can developing our core strength help us become better athletes and improve our performance in all sports?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate good core strength through sustained exercises
To understand the importance of core strength and flexibility in sports performance
To develop perseverance and resilience during challenging physical activities

Key Outcomes

Students will perform a range of core strengthening exercises with correct technique
Students will explain why core strength is important for sports performance
Students will demonstrate improved endurance and persistence when muscles fatigue

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

15 (1 per pair)

Distributed around circuit stations

Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags for passing activities

Cones

Mark 20m running distance and 5m leopard crawl distance

Alternative: Markers, spots, or tape marks on floor

Score Sheets

30 (1 per student)

Pre-prepared with station names and scoring columns

Alternative: Clipboards with paper, mini whiteboards

Stopwatch

Visible timing for all activities

Alternative: Phone timer, classroom clock with second hand

Digital Cameras

For filming assessment evidence during circuits

Alternative: School camera for recording evidence

Key Vocabulary

Core strength

The strength of muscles in your trunk and pelvis that support your spine

Plank

An exercise where you hold your body straight like a wooden plank

Endurance

The ability to keep going for a long time without giving up

Circuit training

Moving between different exercise stations to work different muscles

Fatigue

When your muscles feel tired and want to stop working

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of muscle groups from previous lessons
Experience with simple fitness activities
Ability to follow safety instructions during physical activity

Current Skills

Core muscle engagement and control
Sustained physical effort during fatigue
Self-assessment and personal challenge

Next Steps

Complex core stability exercises
Sport-specific core training
Leading fitness sessions for others

Milestone Indicators

Maintains plank position for 30+ seconds with good form

Completes circuit activities with consistent effort

Shows resilience when exercises become challenging

Key Teaching Points

Core strength is fundamental to all sports and physical activities
Quality of movement is always more important than quantity or speed
Personal challenge and improvement matter more than comparison with others
Honest self-assessment builds character and realistic goal-setting
Perseverance through appropriate challenge builds physical and mental strength
Supporting others creates a positive learning environment for everyone
Proper technique prevents injury and maximises benefit from exercise

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Faster/more repetitions means better fitness' - Correction: Focus on controlled, quality movements
Misconception: 'Core strength is only about stomach muscles' - Correction: Explain core includes back, sides and deep muscles
Misconception: 'Pain and fatigue are the same thing' - Correction: Teach difference between appropriate challenge and harmful pain
Misconception: 'Some people are naturally good at fitness' - Correction: Emphasise that everyone can improve with effort and practice
Misconception: 'Fitness is only important for athletes' - Correction: Show how core strength helps in daily life activities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement changes, clear activity boundaries, positive reinforcement for focus, partnership support

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra demonstration time, buddy support for complex activities, modified equipment if needed

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, predictable timing patterns

visual impairment

Clear verbal instructions for all activities, tactile guidance for positioning, buddy system for station rotations

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration of all exercises, written instruction cards at stations, clear visual timing signals

physical disability

Modified exercises suitable for wheelchair users, seated versions of core exercises, adapted scoring systems

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, using fitness vocabulary accurately, explaining techniques to others

Maths

Timing activities in seconds and minutes, counting repetitions and recording scores, comparing improvements using data

Science

Understanding muscle groups and how they work, exploring fatigue and recovery, learning about heart rate and breathing

PSHE

Building resilience and perseverance, honest self-assessment, supporting and encouraging others through challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, circulate between stations during circuits to monitor technique and safety

Observation Focus

Watch for core engagement, proper form maintenance, signs of fatigue, peer support and encouragement

Intervention Points

Step in when technique deteriorates due to fatigue, if students are overexerting unsafely, or if scoring becomes competitive rather than personal

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Perfect technique for each exercise, common mistakes to avoid, modified versions for different abilities, enthusiasm and positive attitude

Verbal Cues

•'Feel those core muscles working!'
•'Quality over quantity!'
•'Keep breathing steadily!'
•'Challenge yourself, not others!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor area, minimum 20m x 15m with wall space available

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential for all floor exercises, clean area for ground work

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Footballs properly inflated and in good condition
•Cones stable and not presenting trip hazards
•Wall area clear of obstacles and safe for squats

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Muscle fatigue leading to poor technique
•Overexertion during sustained holds
•Falls during leopard crawls or moving exercises

Risk Mitigation

•Progressive building of intensity throughout lesson
•Continuous monitoring of technique as fatigue increases
•Clear instruction to stop if experiencing pain rather than discomfort
•Adequate rest periods and hydration opportunities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all stations during circuit activities
•Monitor wall squat technique for knee safety
•Watch for signs of overexertion or distress

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, apply first aid if qualified, seek additional support as needed