Lesson 5 - Sprint Technique and Racing
Diverse Fitness Development
•Year 4
•Health Related Fitness
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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- Complete activity instructions & timing
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- Assessment guidance & success criteria
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How can we run like a cheetah - with perfect technique and explosive speed?
Learning Objectives
- To develop correct sprinting technique including start and finish positions
- To understand how different body parts work together for maximum speed
- To reflect on performance and recognise success in themselves and others
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved sprinting technique with correct body positioning
- Students will explain what makes an effective sprint start and finish
- Students will self-assess their technique and provide constructive feedback to peers
Equipment & Resources Required
Mark sprint distances, relay points, and station boundaries
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines
Lay flat on ground with clear approach and exit zones
Alternative: Chalk ladder markings on ground, rope sections
Set at knee height, 2-3 metres apart
Alternative: Pool noodles on cones, rope between cones
For timed station activities and assessments
Alternative: Smartphone timer, countdown timer
For filming self-assessment responses and technique analysis
Alternative: Smartphone, tablet
Key Vocabulary
Running at maximum speed over a short distance
The body position used to begin a sprint race
Lifting the front knee high during each stride for power
Powerful backward and forward arm movement while sprinting
Gradually increasing speed from the start
The end point of a race where runners should lean forward
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running technique and coordination
- Understanding of fast and slow movement
- Experience with simple relay races
- Ability to follow instructions and work in teams
Current Skills
- Correct sprinting start position and technique
- Coordinated arm and leg action during sprinting
- Effective sprint finish technique
- Self-assessment and reflection on performance
Next Steps
- Applying sprint technique in competitive situations
- Developing stamina alongside speed
- Using sprint technique in invasion games
- Teaching and coaching others in sprint technique
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Eyes focused on ground at start, gradually lifting to horizon during acceleration
- Arms pump close to body with bent elbows, driving backwards and forwards not across body
- High knee drive with complete leg extension for maximum power generation
- Light, quick foot contacts on balls of feet during acceleration phase
- Gradual stride lengthening as speed increases, avoiding over-striding
- Slight forward lean at finish line while maintaining balance and control
- Technique maintenance is more important than pure speed in learning phase
Common Misconceptions
- Believing that looking at other runners helps performance - actually causes slower starts
- Thinking that longer strides are always faster - over-striding reduces efficiency
- Assuming that tight, tense muscles create more speed - relaxation is key to fluid technique
- Believing that arms don't matter in running - arm action drives leg action
- Thinking that sprint technique is natural and doesn't need teaching - technique dramatically improves performance
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break down technique into smaller steps, provide frequent movement breaks between instruction, use high-energy activities therapeutically, offer choice in participation level
dyspraxia
- Demonstrate technique multiple times slowly, break down complex movements into simple steps, provide extra practice time, use rhythm and counting to aid coordination
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine for station rotations, offer quiet observation time if needed, use visual timetable for lesson sequence, prepare for noise levels during competitive activities
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured cones for lane markings, provide verbal descriptions of technique, assign sighted buddy for guidance, use audio signals for starts
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals for starts and stops, provide written technique instructions, demonstrate all activities clearly, use vibrating start signals if available
physical disability
- Adapt distances for wheelchair users, focus on upper body technique for seated participants, modify starting positions, provide alternative speed activities
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Describing technique using precise vocabulary, giving clear instructions to teammates, expressing reflections articulately
Maths
Timing sprint races, calculating improvement percentages, measuring distances, counting relay runs and rotations
Science
Understanding forces in explosive starts, friction in turning, body systems during high-intensity exercise, energy transfer in sprinting
Geography
Understanding direction changes, spatial awareness in racing lanes, mapping movement patterns around sprint track
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position to observe all sprint lanes simultaneously, move between stations during circuit to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct technique application, safety during high-speed movements, and positive competitive behaviour
Intervention Points
Step in if technique becomes unsafe, if competition becomes too intense, or if students show signs of fatigue
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate all technique elements slowly before expecting speed, use students as examples when appropriate, emphasise safety in all movements
Verbal Cues
- •'Drive those knees high!'
- •'Pump your arms like pistons!'
- •'Quick feet, light touches!'
- •'Explode from the start!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 30m for sprint activities, with additional 10m run-off space beyond finish lines
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, stones or slippery areas that could cause slips during high-speed running
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check cones are stable and not cracked
- •Ensure SAQ ladders lie flat with no raised edges
- •Verify hurdles are appropriate height and stable
- •Test stopwatch functionality before timed activities
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during sprint races
- •Falls during direction changes
- •Muscle strains from explosive movements
- •Overexertion during high-intensity activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear lane markings for sprint races
- •Adequate spacing between activities and participants
- •Thorough warm-up before explosive movements
- •Progressive intensity increase throughout lesson
- •Clear signals for start and stop of activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all sprint lanes simultaneously
- •Monitor technique to prevent unsafe movements
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Ensure clear communication during competitive activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if incident occurs, assess injuries, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed