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Lesson 2 - Hurdling Technique & Consistency

Technical Foundations

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Year 4

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Athletics

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1h 15min

Big Question

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

Hurdles (various heights)

12 hurdles minimum (3 different height sets)

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

Cones

20 cones minimum

Mark start lines, turning points, and relay positions

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, tape

Measuring Tapes

2 tapes

For accurate hurdle spacing and relay distances

Alternative: Pre-marked measuring rope, stride counters

Sun Markers

12 spots

Place 0.5m before each hurdle as take-off guides

Alternative: Small cones, chalk marks, tape crosses

SAQ Ladders

3 ladders

Set up for relay race activities and footwork practice

Alternative: Ground markings, rope ladder pattern

Video Device

1 tablet/camera

For capturing technique and assessment evidence

Alternative: Mobile phone, digital camera

Bibs

Sets of 4 different colours

Clearly identify relay teams for organisation

Alternative: Coloured bands, team cards

Key Vocabulary

Lead leg

The first leg to go over the hurdle, usually your stronger leg

Trail leg

The second leg to follow over the hurdle, staying low and close to the hurdle

Take-off foot

The foot you push off from before going over the hurdle

Attack the hurdle

Approaching the hurdle with speed and confidence, ready to clear it efficiently

Sprint rhythm

Maintaining consistent step pattern and speed between hurdles

Shoulder alignment

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

Consistent use of same lead leg for all hurdles

Maintains step count between hurdles

Demonstrates forward body position when clearing hurdles

Shows quality teamwork in relay activities

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