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Lesson 5 - Athletics Competition

Athletic Fundamentals

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Year 4

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Athletics

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Big Question

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

Cones

Mark track lanes, field event areas and team zones

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Measuring Tapes

For measuring jumps and throws accurately

Alternative: Metre sticks, marked ground

Foam Javelins

Safe throwing implements for children

Alternative: Pool noodles, cardboard tubes

Foam Discus

Lightweight throwing implements

Alternative: Flying discs, paper plates

Shot Put

Age-appropriate weight implements

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls

Mats

Safe landing areas for jumping events

Alternative: Sand pit, marked grass area

Hurdles

Adjustable height obstacles for running

Alternative: Cones, skipping ropes on cones

Relay Baton

For team relay races

Alternative: Short sticks, cardboard tubes

Stopwatch

One per team for timing events

Alternative: Mobile phone timers, tablet apps

Score Sheets

Recording results and points for each team

Alternative: Clipboards with paper, tablet apps

Key Vocabulary

Sprint

A short-distance race run at maximum speed

Long Jump

Jumping as far as possible from a running start

Triple Jump

A jumping event involving hop, step and jump phases

Javelin

Throwing a spear-like implement for maximum distance

Discus

Throwing a disc-shaped implement using rotational technique

Shot Put

Throwing a heavy ball from shoulder height for distance

Relay

Team race where runners pass a baton

Technique

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

Consistent technique execution during competition

Effective team collaboration and decision-making

Accurate peer assessment and constructive feedback

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