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Lesson 2 - Sprinting Power and Speed

Whole-Body Technique

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Year 4

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can I use my whole body to sprint like a champion athlete?

Learning Objectives

To develop power and speed in sprinting technique through coordinated arm and leg movements
To understand the biomechanics of efficient sprinting including foot placement and arm action
To apply sprinting technique in competitive situations whilst maintaining proper form

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved fluency and coordination in their sprinting action
Students will consistently run on the balls of their feet with proper arm movement
Students will provide constructive feedback to peers on sprinting technique

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Used for marking start/finish lines, creating tracks, and boundaries

Alternative: Bean bags, marker spots, chalk lines

Stopwatch

1-2

For timing relay activities and measuring improvement

Alternative: Smartphone timer, countdown timer

Clipboards

8 (1 per pair/group)

For peer assessment and technique feedback recording

Alternative: Whiteboards, observation sheets

Key Vocabulary

Sprint

Running at maximum speed over a short distance

Coordination

The ability to move different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently

Fluency

Smooth, flowing movement without hesitation or awkwardness

Technique

The correct way to perform a skill or movement

Power

The ability to exert maximum force quickly

Drive phase

The part of sprinting where you accelerate to top speed

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and jogging skills from previous units
Understanding of moving safely in shared spaces
Experience with simple competitive games and activities

Current Skills

Coordinated arm and leg action during sprinting
Running on balls of feet with proper posture
Providing peer feedback on technique

Next Steps

Sprint starts and reaction times
Relay changeover techniques
Longer distance running and pacing

Milestone Indicators

Consistent coordinated arm-leg action throughout sprint

Maintained technique when running at maximum speed

Accurate identification of technique points in others

Key Teaching Points

Elbows bent at 90 degrees throughout arm action
Run on balls of feet with light, quick footsteps
High knee drive with thigh parallel to ground at maximum lift
Hands move from pocket to mouth level, not across body
Head steady looking forward to destination
Coordinate opposite arm and leg movements naturally
Maintain technique consistency even when tired or competitive

Common Misconceptions

Thinking longer strides always mean faster running - actually quick, shorter strides are more efficient
Believing arms should swing across the body - they should move forward and back parallel to direction of travel
Assuming landing on heels is natural - sprinting requires ball-of-foot landing for power and speed
Thinking fastest start wins the race - consistent technique throughout often beats pure speed
Believing sprinting is just about leg strength - coordination and technique are equally important

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear movement boundaries, additional movement breaks, specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Simplified technique instructions, additional practice time, larger equipment where possible, focus on one technique element at a time

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones for breaks, consistent routines, advance notice of activity changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured cones for track marking, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, audio cues for timing

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written technique cards, hand signals for start/stop, visual timing systems

physical disability

Wheelchair racing adaptations, seated sprint technique, modified distances, alternative role as official timer/coach

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, giving clear instructions and feedback, descriptive language for movement

Maths

Timing activities, measuring distances, counting laps and calculating averages, angle work with arm positions

Science

Forces and motion in sprinting, friction and surface effects, human body systems during exercise, energy transfer

Geography

Understanding directions and spatial awareness, mapping running routes, using compass points for positioning

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, determination and resilience, supporting others, goal setting and self-improvement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around outside of activity area to observe all students, position at finish line during sprint activities

Observation Focus

Watch for consistent technique application, safe running practices, and positive peer interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if students losing technique focus, provide technique reminders, ensure fair play during competitive activities

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate from side-on position so students can see leg action clearly. Use slow motion building to full speed. Exaggerate key points for visibility.

Verbal Cues

•'Elbows bent like carrying boxes!'
•'Light feet, like running on hot sand!'
•'Drive those knees up high!'
•'Eyes forward to your destination!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Level, non-slip surface free from holes, debris, or wet patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Cones positioned safely away from running lanes
•No sharp edges or damaged equipment
•Adequate cone visibility for all lighting conditions

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during relay changeovers
•Falls due to poor surface conditions
•Overexertion in high-intensity sprinting

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing between teams and activities
•Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures
•Progressive intensity building throughout lesson

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all sprint lanes and activities
•Monitor changeover areas during relay activities
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs. Assess severity and provide appropriate first aid. Clear communication with other students about continuing or stopping activity.