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Lesson 1 - Sprinting Technique

Sprint to Endurance

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Year 4

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Athletics

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Big Question

How can we use our bodies to run as fast as possible and why is speed important in athletics?

Learning Objectives

To explore and apply correct sprinting technique including head position and arm action
To understand the importance of staying in lanes during athletic events
To develop speed and coordination through progressive sprinting activities

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved sprinting technique with correct head and arm positioning
Students will understand race rules and consequences of lane violations
Students will show progression in their personal sprinting speed and form

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

20-30

Used to mark lanes and boundaries

Alternative: Bean bags or markers

Dish Cones

4 (green, yellow, red, blue)

For traffic lights warm-up activity

Alternative: Coloured cards or flags

Measuring Tapes

To measure 40-80m track distances

Alternative: Pre-measured distances marked

Chalk

As needed

To mark start and finish lines clearly

Alternative: Rope or tape

Stopwatch

2-3

For timing races and activities

Alternative: Phone timer apps

Key Vocabulary

Sprint

Running at maximum speed over a short distance

Lane discipline

Staying within your allocated lane during a race

False start

Starting to run before the 'Go' command is given

Pumping action

Moving arms back and forth with bent elbows to help with speed

Finish line

The end point of a race that runners must cross

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and stopping on command
Understanding of fast and slow movement
Following simple instructions in PE activities

Current Skills

Correct sprinting technique with head position
Effective arm action for speed
Lane discipline and race etiquette

Next Steps

Sprint starts and reaction times
Sprint relay techniques
Hurdles and sprint barriers

Milestone Indicators

Maintains correct head position for full sprint distance

Shows consistent arm pumping action

Stays in lane throughout race distance

Key Teaching Points

Head up and eyes focused straight ahead for direction and balance
Arms pump backwards with bent elbows close to the body for speed
Stay in designated lanes throughout the entire race distance
Start only on the 'GO' command to avoid false starts
Maintain technique even when racing competitively
Good sportsmanship is as important as good technique
Practice makes improvement - focus on personal progress

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that arms should swing across the body rather than parallel to it
Believing that looking down helps you run faster or safer
Assuming that lane rules don't matter in practice sessions
Thinking that starting early gives you an advantage rather than disqualification
Believing that technique doesn't matter if you're naturally fast

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, leadership roles to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Simplified technique focus, larger lane spaces, extra practice time, peer buddies for support and modelling

autism spectrum

Predictable race structure, clear visual schedule, quiet zone available, advance warning of loud starting commands

visual impairment

Use bright coloured lane markers, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, guide rope for lane boundaries, buddy system for races

hearing impairment

Visual starting signals with flags, written instructions, clear demonstration of all techniques, sign language support if available

physical disability

Wheelchair racing options, adapted distances, modified technique goals, inclusive competitive formats

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with athletic terms, following complex instructions, articulating feedback clearly

Maths

Measuring sprint distances, timing races, ordering finishing positions, data collection and comparison

Science

Understanding muscle types (fast-twitch vs slow-twitch), forces and motion in sprinting, human body systems during exercise

PSHE

Competitive fairness, following rules, resilience in competition, celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at finish line with clear view of all lanes, move to start for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for technique application, lane discipline, and competitive behaviour

Intervention Points

Stop for safety issues, intervene for persistent technique errors, manage competitive tensions

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion for technique, normal speed for full demonstration, exaggerate key points for clarity

Verbal Cues

•'Head up, eyes forward!'
•'Pump those arms!'
•'Stay in your lane!'
•'Strong finish!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 60m x 20m area with clear sight lines, level surface essential for sprinting

Surface Check

Firm, dry, level surface free from holes or debris, good grip for sprint starts

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cones securely placed and visible
•No sharp edges on any equipment
•Clear lane boundaries

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during sprinting
•Falls during explosive starts
•Overexertion in competition

Risk Mitigation

•Clear lane separation with adequate width
•Controlled starts with proper commands
•Progressive skill building before full sprinting
•Designated spectator areas away from racing lanes

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position at finish line for clear view of all lanes
•Monitor starts for false starts and safety
•Observe lane discipline throughout races

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if any collision or fall occurs, first aid trained staff available, clear evacuation route established