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Lesson 1 - Running, Jumping, Throwing

Biomechanics in Athletics

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Year 4

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we challenge ourselves to run faster, jump further and throw more accurately?

Learning Objectives

Challenge yourself to jump in a variety of ways for distance and height
Show different ways of running and moving
Compare different throws with different equipment

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate at least 3 different jumping techniques
Students will execute 4 different running styles with good technique
Students will successfully aim and throw using varied equipment

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

30 (1 per student)

Distributed at throwing stations

Alternative: Small balls, quoits

Hoops

Placed at various distances as targets

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Shuttles

Set up in groups for knocking down

Alternative: Plastic bottles, foam blocks

Targets

7 large circles

Fixed to wall at chest height

Alternative: Chalk targets, paper plates

Water Containers

Some elevated on benches for height variation

Alternative: Large PE hoops, cardboard boxes

Sticky Notes

1 pack

For height jumping activity

Alternative: Sticky dots, chalk

Music Player

For warm-up routine timing

Alternative: Percussion instrument, counting aloud

Measuring Tapes

For measuring jumping distances

Alternative: Metre rulers, marked lines

Key Vocabulary

Take-off

The moment when you push off the ground to begin a jump

Landing

How you come down safely after a jump

Aim

Looking at and focusing on your target before throwing

Technique

The proper way to perform a movement or skill

Distance

How far something travels

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Simple jumping movements
Running at different speeds

Current Skills

Jumping for distance using different take-off and landing combinations
Throwing accurately at targets using various equipment
Running with different techniques and styles

Next Steps

Combining movements in athletic sequences
Competitive athletics events
Advanced throwing techniques with implements

Milestone Indicators

Can perform all four jumping combinations with control

Hits target 3 out of 5 times from set distance

Demonstrates clear differences between running styles

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise aiming before every throwing attempt to develop accuracy
Focus on soft, controlled landings in all jumping activities for safety and technique
Encourage experimentation with different techniques to find personal strengths
Connect each activity to real athletic events and sports
Maintain focus on personal improvement rather than comparison with others
Use specific technique vocabulary to develop students' understanding
Celebrate effort and improvement as much as achievement

Common Misconceptions

Throwing harder always means throwing better - emphasise accuracy and technique over power
Only one jumping style works for everyone - encourage experimentation with all combinations
Running fast is always better - show how different styles develop different skills and muscles
Athletic ability is fixed - emphasise that practice and technique development lead to improvement
Competition means beating others - focus on personal bests and self-improvement goals

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear physical boundaries, regular positive feedback, opportunity for movement throughout

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, focus on personal improvement rather than comparison

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, visual timetable of activities, quiet zone available for breaks, consistent verbal cues and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of target locations, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for instructions, written or pictorial station cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated throwing variations, shorter distances for all activities, adapted equipment (larger balls, lower targets), wheelchair-accessible station arrangements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Descriptive vocabulary for movement, following multi-step instructions, explaining techniques to others

Maths

Measuring distances and heights, counting attempts and scores, timing activities, comparing numerical results

Science

Understanding forces in throwing and jumping, effects of exercise on the body, friction and movement

PSHE

Personal challenge and goal-setting, resilience through practice, celebrating effort and improvement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Rotate between stations to provide guidance and assessment opportunities, position for maximum visibility of all activities during station work

Observation Focus

Watch for technique development, safety awareness, effort and improvement, peer interaction and sportsmanship

Intervention Points

Step in when technique becomes unsafe, when students need encouragement to attempt challenges, when equipment needs adjustment

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate safe technique first, show clear contrast between good and poor technique, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate, use enthusiastic and encouraging tone throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Eyes on target first, then throw!'
•'Soft landings with bent knees!'
•'Control your movement style!'
•'What can you change to improve?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m with additional height clearance for jumping activities

Surface Check

Level, non-slip surface suitable for running and jumping activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all beanbags and balls for damage before use
•Ensure skittles/cones are stable and safe
•Verify wall targets are securely attached
•Check containers and elevated equipment are stable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running activities
•Unsafe landings during jumping
•Equipment strikes from throwing activities
•Muscle strain from inadequate warm-up

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between throwing stations
•Proper warm-up with dynamic movements
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Emphasis on controlled movements over speed/distance

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear sight lines across all three stations
•Monitor jumping activities for safe landing technique
•Ensure throwing activities maintain safe directions
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting technique

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activities immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, ensure other students are safe and supervised