Lesson 2 - Hurdling Technique & Consistency
Technical Foundations
•Year 4
•Athletics
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How can we combine sprinting speed with efficient hurdle technique to become faster athletes?
Learning Objectives
- Develop consistent hurdling technique with identified lead and trail legs
- Improve sprint speed and rhythm between hurdles
- Demonstrate effective teamwork and peer support during athletics activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will hurdle efficiently using consistent lead leg technique
- Students will maintain sprint rhythm with consistent step patterns between hurdles
- Students will work cooperatively in team relays and peer assessment activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Set up 3 lanes with 4 hurdles each - first hurdle 12m from start, 7m between hurdles
Alternative: Cones with pool noodles, agility poles, foam barriers
Mark start lines, turning points, and relay positions
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, tape
For accurate hurdle spacing and relay distances
Alternative: Pre-marked measuring rope, stride counters
Place 0.5m before each hurdle as take-off guides
Alternative: Small cones, chalk marks, tape crosses
Set up for relay race activities and footwork practice
Alternative: Ground markings, rope ladder pattern
For capturing technique and assessment evidence
Alternative: Mobile phone, digital camera
Clearly identify relay teams for organisation
Alternative: Coloured bands, team cards
Key Vocabulary
The first leg to go over the hurdle, usually your stronger leg
The second leg to follow over the hurdle, staying low and close to the hurdle
The foot you push off from before going over the hurdle
Approaching the hurdle with speed and confidence, ready to clear it efficiently
Maintaining consistent step pattern and speed between hurdles
Keeping shoulders forward and level when landing after clearing a hurdle
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running technique and speed
- Simple jumping and leaping movements
- Understanding of taking turns and following instructions
Current Skills
- Efficient hurdling technique with lead and trail leg identification
- Sprint rhythm maintenance between obstacles
- Peer support and teamwork in athletics activities
Next Steps
- Advanced hurdling with varying heights and distances
- Competitive hurdle racing with timing
- Combined athletics events and multi-skills challenges
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Lead leg goes over hurdle first and stays straight
- Same take-off leg creates consistent technique
- Maintain sprint speed between hurdles
- Head and shoulders stay forward when clearing hurdles
- Count steps between hurdles for rhythm development
- Opposite arm to lead leg for balance and efficiency
- Attack hurdles with confidence, don't slow down before them
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking both legs need to go high over hurdle - trail leg should stay low
- Believing you need to jump high over hurdles - efficient clearance is key
- Assuming stronger runners always make better hurdlers - technique matters more than speed
- Thinking hurdles are just jumping - they require specific sprint-based technique
- Believing you can't improve hurdling - consistent practice develops efficiency
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear role definitions, movement-based learning throughout
dyspraxia
- Extra practice time, simplified technique focus, larger equipment for easier handling
autism spectrum
- Clear routine for hurdle lanes, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured hurdles, verbal descriptions of distances, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for timing, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Lower hurdles or ground markers, seated coaching role, alternative relay distances
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring hurdle distances, counting step patterns, timing relay races, calculating improvements
Science
Forces in jumping and landing, momentum and speed, body systems during exercise, physics of hurdle clearance
Geography
Directions and spatial awareness, mapping relay courses, understanding distances and measurements
PSHE
Perseverance through challenging activities, self-assessment and reflection, supporting teammates, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between hurdle lanes for optimal viewing, position at side for video evidence collection
Observation Focus
Lead leg consistency, speed maintenance, teamwork during helper roles, safety awareness
Intervention Points
Step in if technique becoming unsafe, support struggling students with lower hurdles, encourage reluctant participants
Demonstration Notes
Use student volunteers when possible, show technique slowly first then at speed, emphasise key teaching points clearly
Verbal Cues
- •'Lead leg first!'
- •'Attack the hurdle!'
- •'Head and shoulders forward!'
- •'Same steps between each hurdle!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m for hurdle lanes plus relay space
Surface Check
Level grass or track surface, free from holes, wet patches, or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check hurdles are stable and appropriate height for age group
- •Ensure agility ladders are flat and secure
- •Verify cones are visible and in good condition
- •Check measuring equipment is accurate and safe to use
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Tripping over hurdles
- •Collisions during relay activities
- •Falls when landing after hurdling
- •Equipment being knocked over onto students
Risk Mitigation
- •Proper hurdle spacing and height selection
- •Clear timing system for starts to prevent collisions
- •Hurdle helpers positioned safely beside equipment
- •Progressive skill building from leaping to hurdling
- •Adequate warm-up and preparation
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all three hurdle lanes
- •Monitor relay changeover areas for safety
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
- •Ensure helpers maintain safe positions
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, appropriate first aid, clear evacuation route to medical support