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Lesson 2 - Sprinting Technique & Speed

Fitness Discovery & Challenge

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Year 3

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Health Related Fitness

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45 min

Big Question

How can proper technique help me run faster and more efficiently?

Learning Objectives

To develop fundamental sprinting technique using opposite arm to leg coordination
To improve speed through correct body positioning and movement patterns
To understand the importance of technique in athletic performance

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate proper sprinting form with coordinated arm and leg movements
Students will show improved running speed through technique application
Students will provide constructive feedback to help partners improve

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Place around perimeter and for marking distances

Alternative: Markers, beanbags, or chalk marks

Whistles

For timing and start signals

Alternative: Voice commands or hand signals

Measuring Tapes

To accurately mark 20m and 30-50m distances

Alternative: Pre-measured distances marked with cones

Key Vocabulary

Sprint

Running as fast as possible over a short distance

Coordination

Using opposite arm to leg when running for better balance and speed

Balls of feet

The part of your foot between toes and arch, used for running

Ready stance

Starting position with one foot forward, knees bent, body leaning slightly forward

Technique

The correct way to perform a skill to be most effective

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and stopping on command
Understanding of personal space and movement safety
Ability to follow simple movement instructions

Current Skills

Coordinated arm and leg movement in sprinting
Correct foot placement and posture
Partner observation and feedback skills

Next Steps

Sprint starts from crouched position
Maintaining speed over longer distances
Competitive sprint racing techniques

Milestone Indicators

Consistent opposite arm-leg coordination

Running on balls of feet naturally

Maintaining form under time pressure

Key Teaching Points

Run on the balls of your feet for speed and efficiency
Use opposite arm to leg coordination for balance and power
Keep elbows bent at 90 degrees, hands moving from pocket to mouth
Maintain high knees and forward head position
Start from ready stance with one foot forward
Provide specific, encouraging feedback to help others improve
Demonstrate good sportsmanship in all competitive activities

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that running flat-footed is faster - correct by emphasising balls of feet for spring and speed
Moving same arm and leg together - practice opposite coordination slowly then build speed
Looking down while running affects balance - encourage forward focus with superhero analogy
Arm swing across body wastes energy - teach straight forward-back motion from pocket to mouth
Competition is only about winning - emphasise personal improvement and supporting others

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries and expectations, movement breaks between instruction, positive reinforcement systems

dyspraxia

Break technique into smaller steps, more practice time for coordination, visual and verbal cues combined, celebrate effort over outcome

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine for activities, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet reflection time, consistent partner pairings

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of technique, tactile guidance for body positioning, audio cues for start/stop, bright coloured cones for visibility

hearing impairment

Visual start signals instead of whistle, clear demonstrations of all technique points, written technique reminders, partner support for instructions

physical disability

Adapt sprinting to ability level - wheelchair racing, walking pace technique focus, upper body only movements, seated coaching roles

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with technique terms, giving clear instructions and feedback, listening skills during coaching

Maths

Measuring 20m and 30m distances, timing 3-second intervals, counting repetitions and comparing distances

Science

Understanding how muscles work during exercise, forces needed for acceleration, heart rate changes during activity

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, giving and receiving feedback respectfully, celebrating others' success, perseverance through challenge

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position to observe all students, move between pairs during technique practice

Observation Focus

Sprint technique, safety awareness, peer coaching quality, sportsmanship behaviours

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe practice, incorrect technique teaching, poor sportsmanship, signs of fatigue

Demonstration Notes

Exaggerate technique points for clarity, use positive examples from students, show rather than just tell

Verbal Cues

•'Balls of feet - bouncy like a kangaroo!'
•'Pocket to mouth with your arms!'
•'Head up like a superhero!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area with additional 10m run-through space

Surface Check

Dry, level surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cones placed securely and visible to all students
•No trip hazards from equipment left in running areas
•Whistle checked for clear, audible sound

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during sprinting
•Muscle strain from inadequate warm-up
•Falls due to poor surface or overexertion
•Overexertion leading to dehydration or exhaustion

Risk Mitigation

•Clear lane boundaries established with adequate spacing
•Thorough warm-up including dynamic movements
•Progressive intensity building from gentle jogging to sprinting
•Regular breathing and recovery breaks
•Clear stopping and turning procedures taught

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all sprint lanes simultaneously
•Monitor individual students for signs of fatigue or distress
•Ensure safe starting and stopping procedures
•Watch for proper technique to prevent injury

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, clear safe pathway for emergency services if needed