Lesson 2 - Running for Speed
Sprint to Endurance
•Year 4
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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- Complete activity instructions & timing
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How can we use correct technique to run as fast as possible?
Learning Objectives
- Develop and apply correct sprinting technique including head, arm and leg positioning
- Understand how different body positions affect running speed and efficiency
- Apply sprinting technique to run at maximum speed while maintaining lane discipline
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved sprinting technique with correct head and arm positioning
- Students will understand the biomechanical principles that make running faster and more efficient
- Students will apply learned technique to achieve personal best times in short sprints
Equipment & Resources Required
Mark out running lanes and distance markers
Alternative: Spot markers, bean bags, or chalk lines
For timing activities and personal best challenges
Alternative: Mobile phone timers, counting method
To measure 100m or 50m distances for Beat Bolt activity
Alternative: Pre-marked track, counting steps
For recording times and technique points
Alternative: Paper and clipboard, verbal feedback
Key Vocabulary
Running as fast as possible for a short distance
Staying within designated running lanes throughout a race
Powerful forward and backward arm movement to drive speed
Lifting knees up towards chest to generate power and speed
The front part of the foot behind the toes, used for light, springy running
The powerful pushing action of the leg against the ground
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running and jogging skills
- Understanding of different ways to move (walking, running, skipping)
- Experience of running games and activities
- Basic awareness of staying in designated areas
Current Skills
- Correct head positioning during sprinting
- Proper arm action with bent elbows and pumping motion
- Effective leg drive with high knees
- Running on balls of feet for efficiency
- Lane discipline during sprints
Next Steps
- Sprint starts and explosive acceleration
- Relay running and baton changes
- Sprint finishes and maintaining form
- Longer distance running technique
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Technique is more important than pure speed - good form leads to faster times
- All four components work together - head, arms, legs and feet must coordinate
- Practice makes permanent, so focus on correct technique from the beginning
- Running on balls of feet creates efficiency and reduces injury risk
- High knees generate power while straight legs waste energy
- Arms drive the legs - correct arm action improves overall speed
- Lane discipline and safety awareness are essential for group sprint activities
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: Longer strides always make you faster. Correction: Overstriding slows you down - focus on quick, powerful steps
- Misconception: Looking down helps you see where you're going. Correction: Head up position improves posture and maintains speed
- Misconception: Tensing up makes you more powerful. Correction: Relaxed muscles move faster than tight ones
- Misconception: Arms don't matter in sprinting. Correction: Arms drive the legs and provide rhythm and power
- Misconception: Only fast students can have good technique. Correction: Anyone can learn excellent technique regardless of natural speed
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide immediate feedback and praise, use physical demonstrations to maintain attention, clear boundaries
dyspraxia
- Allow extra practice time for coordination skills, break down technique into smaller steps, use bigger targets and equipment where helpful
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedule cards, create quiet space for breaks if needed, consistent language for instructions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured cones for lane markers, provide verbal descriptions of all technique points, buddy system for guidance during activities
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals for start/stop, demonstrate all techniques clearly, provide written technique reminder cards
physical disability
- Adapt techniques for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility, focus on achievable improvements, modify distances as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Using technical vocabulary accurately, explaining technique to others, reflecting on learning experiences
Maths
Measuring distances, timing activities, comparing numerical data from Beat Bolt challenge, calculating improvement percentages
Science
Understanding forces and motion, biomechanics of efficient movement, energy systems in short sprints, physics of acceleration
PSHE
Setting personal goals, resilience when learning new skills, encouraging others, dealing with competitive situations positively
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at side of sprint lanes to observe all students, move to finish area during timed activities
Observation Focus
Technique quality over speed, lane discipline, effort and attitude, signs of fatigue
Intervention Points
When technique breaks down significantly, if students not following safety rules, signs of overexertion or distress
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate technique at moderate speed first, then show at full speed. Exaggerate key points for visibility. Use students as positive examples when appropriate.
Verbal Cues
- •'Head up, eyes forward!'
- •'Pump those arms like pistons!'
- •'Drive those knees up high!'
- •'Light and springy on your toes!'
- •'Stay in your lane like you're on train tracks!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 20m for sprint lanes and activities, clear run-off area beyond finish lines
Surface Check
Firm, dry surface with good grip - avoid wet or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Cones securely placed and visible to all students
- •No equipment in running lanes during sprints
- •Stopwatches functioning correctly for accurate timing
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students in lanes
- •Overexertion leading to injury or exhaustion
- •Slips or falls during maximum effort sprints
- •Competitive pressure leading to unsafe technique
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear lane markings with adequate spacing (minimum 1.5m)
- •Graduated warm-up before maximum efforts
- •Emphasis on technique over pure speed
- •Adequate rest periods between high-intensity efforts
- •Clear start and stop signals
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all students during sprints
- •Monitor for signs of overexertion (excessive breathing, distress)
- •Watch for technique breakdown that might indicate fatigue
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safe and supervised