Lesson 5 - Athletics Competition
Athletic Fundamentals
•Year 4
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use technique, teamwork and strategy to excel in athletic competition?
Learning Objectives
- To apply correct running, jumping and throwing techniques in competition conditions
- To demonstrate effective teamwork and strategy in selecting event participants
- To evaluate performance and provide constructive feedback to peers
Key Outcomes
- Students will compete in athletics events using correct techniques
- Students will work collaboratively to organise team selections
- Students will assess their own and others' performances accurately
Equipment & Resources Required
Mark track lanes, field event areas and team zones
Alternative: Markers, bean bags
For measuring jumps and throws accurately
Alternative: Metre sticks, marked ground
Safe throwing implements for children
Alternative: Pool noodles, cardboard tubes
Lightweight throwing implements
Alternative: Flying discs, paper plates
Age-appropriate weight implements
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls
Safe landing areas for jumping events
Alternative: Sand pit, marked grass area
Adjustable height obstacles for running
Alternative: Cones, skipping ropes on cones
For team relay races
Alternative: Short sticks, cardboard tubes
One per team for timing events
Alternative: Mobile phone timers, tablet apps
Recording results and points for each team
Alternative: Clipboards with paper, tablet apps
Key Vocabulary
A short-distance race run at maximum speed
Jumping as far as possible from a running start
A jumping event involving hop, step and jump phases
Throwing a spear-like implement for maximum distance
Throwing a disc-shaped implement using rotational technique
Throwing a heavy ball from shoulder height for distance
Team race where runners pass a baton
The correct method of performing a skill
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running, jumping and throwing techniques
- Understanding of athletics events and rules
- Experience working in teams and groups
Current Skills
- Applying techniques under competitive pressure
- Strategic thinking about team selection
- Performance evaluation and feedback skills
Next Steps
- Advanced athletics techniques and training methods
- Leadership roles in sporting competitions
- Statistical analysis of athletic performance
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Focus on technique application under competitive pressure rather than just winning
- Emphasise teamwork and strategy in event selection and team management
- Encourage peer coaching and support roles for non-competing team members
- Maintain safety protocols especially during throwing and jumping events
- Celebrate effort, improvement and sportsmanship equally with results
- Use competition as opportunity to assess learning from previous lessons
- Connect athletics skills to broader principles of health and fitness
Common Misconceptions
- Athletics is only about being the fastest or strongest - emphasise technique and strategy
- Competition means being unsporting to win - model and reward good sportsmanship
- Only natural athletes can succeed - highlight improvement and effort over raw ability
- Field events are just about power - demonstrate the importance of technique
- Team events don't require individual skill - show how personal technique contributes to team success
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter event rotations, clear roles and responsibilities, regular movement breaks built into structure
dyspraxia
- Simplified technique instructions, extra practice time, larger/softer equipment for safety and confidence
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of events, quiet space available, predictable routines and structure
visual impairment
- Bright coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of all events, buddy system for guidance around track
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for starts, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Modified events with seated throwing, shorter distances, alternative equipment as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating team scores and points totals, measuring distances and times, statistical analysis of results
Science
Understanding forces in throwing events, physics of running and jumping, effects of exercise on the body
Geography
Mapping track layouts, understanding distances and measurement, spatial awareness in field events
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competition pressure, showing respect for others, resilience and determination
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with clear sight lines to all event areas, mobile between stations to provide support
Observation Focus
Watch for technique application, team collaboration, safety compliance and fair play throughout
Intervention Points
Step in for unsafe practices, poor sportsmanship, or when students need technique reminders
Demonstration Notes
Show key techniques clearly at start of each event, emphasise safety procedures, model positive behaviour
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember your technique!'
- •'Support your teammates!'
- •'Focus on your best effort!'
- •'Well done, great sportsmanship!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor space minimum 50m x 80m for track and field events, alternative indoor hall if weather poor
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from holes, debris or wet areas that could cause slips or trips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all throwing implements for damage or wear
- •Ensure hurdles are stable and appropriate height
- •Verify measuring equipment is accurate and safe to use
- •Confirm mats and landing areas are adequate and positioned correctly
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Throwing implement injuries
- •Collision between runners in track events
- •Landing injuries in jumping events
- •Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing sectors with spectator safety zones
- •Designated lanes for running events with adequate spacing
- •Proper landing areas for all jumping activities
- •Warm-up protocols and regular hydration breaks
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all event areas simultaneously
- •Ensure adequate adult supervision at throwing events
- •Monitor students for signs of fatigue or overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Immediate stop signal for all activities, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation routes maintained