Lesson 5 - Athletics Competition Part 2
Competitive Athletics: Technique, Tactics and Personal Excellence
•Year 5
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use technical skills and teamwork to achieve success in athletics competitions?
Learning Objectives
- To apply running, jumping and throwing techniques in a competitive athletics environment
- To work collaboratively to organise teams and select appropriate competitors for each event
- To evaluate performance and provide constructive feedback to team members
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct technique in their chosen athletics events
- Students will successfully organise themselves into teams and make strategic decisions about event participation
- Students will provide effective evaluation and encouragement to support team performance
Equipment & Resources Required
Mark out track lanes and field event areas
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
One per team for timing events
Alternative: Mobile phone timer apps
For measuring throwing and jumping distances
Alternative: Marked ground, pace counting
Shot put, discus, javelin - ensure all equipment is safe and age-appropriate
Alternative: Bean bags for shot put, pool noodles for javelin
Ensure safe landing area with clear take-off line
Alternative: Marked grass area, gymnastics mats
Set at appropriate height for Year 5 students (30-35cm)
Alternative: Low cones, rope between cones
4 different colours for team identification
Alternative: Coloured t-shirts, house colours
For recording results and organising teams
Alternative: Laminated sheets with dry wipe markers
Essential for outdoor athletics activities
Alternative: Ice packs, basic supplies
Key Vocabulary
The correct way to perform a skill or movement in athletics
Running at maximum speed over a short distance
Athletics events involving jumping or throwing, usually held in a designated field area
Athletics events involving running, held on a marked track or course
An individual's best ever performance in a particular event
A team running event where athletes take turns to complete the race
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running techniques including arm action and posture
- Fundamental jumping skills including take-off and landing
- Basic throwing techniques with correct grip and stance
- Understanding of athletics events and basic rules
Current Skills
- Application of technique under competitive pressure
- Team organisation and strategic thinking
- Performance evaluation and peer coaching
- Leadership and collaboration in competitive situations
Next Steps
- Advanced athletics techniques and tactics
- Inter-school competition preparation
- Sports leadership and officiating roles
- Personal performance tracking and goal setting
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Technique consistency is more important than winning individual events in athletics competition
- Team organisation and strategic thinking develop leadership and collaborative skills
- Officiating responsibilities teach fairness, accuracy, and attention to detail
- Competition pressure provides authentic context for applying learned athletics skills
- Peer coaching develops observation skills and technical understanding
- Sportsmanship and resilience are as important as physical performance in athletics
- Personal improvement and effort deserve recognition alongside competitive success
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking only first place contributes to team success - explain cumulative scoring system
- Believing power is more important than technique in field events - demonstrate efficiency of good technique
- Assuming fastest students should do all running events - discuss strategic team selection
- Thinking competition means individual achievement only - emphasise team collaboration and support
- Believing athletics is only for naturally gifted students - celebrate improvement and effort alongside achievement
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter event rotations, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback, opportunities for leadership roles to channel energy
dyspraxia
- Extra practice time for coordination skills, simpler event choices, partner support system, focus on personal improvement rather than comparison
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of events, designate quiet area for breaks, use consistent routines and signals, prepare for competition environment in advance
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment and markers, provide verbal descriptions of competition layout, assign sighted guide for track events, use audio signals for starts
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for starts and instructions, provide written event lists and results, ensure clear sight lines for demonstration and lip reading
physical disability
- Adapt distances and equipment as needed, wheelchair racing categories, seated throwing events, modified jumping from standing position
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Descriptive language for technique coaching; listening skills during instruction; speaking clearly when giving peer feedback; reading and interpreting result sheets
Maths
Recording and calculating distances, times, and team points; measuring accuracy in field events; data handling and results analysis; geometry in understanding throwing angles and jump trajectories
Science
Forces and motion in throwing and jumping; energy transfer in running; biomechanics of efficient movement; air resistance and projectile motion
PSHE
Teamwork and collaboration in competition; resilience when facing challenging events; leadership through team organisation; respect and fair play in competitive situations
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with sight lines to all event areas, move between events to provide support and ensure safety
Observation Focus
Technical consistency under pressure, team organisation skills, sportsmanship, safety compliance, officiating accuracy
Intervention Points
Step in if safety is compromised, technique is breaking down dangerously, or poor sportsmanship is displayed
Demonstration Notes
Be prepared to quickly demonstrate key technique points when students struggle under competitive pressure, emphasise safety in all demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember your technique - it's more important than distance or speed!'
- •'Great teamwork - I can see you're really supporting each other!'
- •'Officials, take your time to get accurate measurements!'
- •'How can you help your teammate improve that technique?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 60m x 40m with additional space for throwing events
Surface Check
Firm, level surface for track events; soft landing areas for jumps; clear throwing zones
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all throwing implements for damage and appropriate weight
- •Ensure hurdles are correct height and securely positioned
- •Verify measuring equipment is accurate and in good condition
- •Confirm first aid kit is accessible and supplies are current
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during track events
- •Injuries from throwing implements
- •Falls during jumping events
- •Overexertion in competitive environment
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and safety zones established for all events
- •Throwing events supervised with retrieval protocols
- •Officials positioned safely away from competition areas
- •Regular monitoring for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Teams maintain safe distances from active competition areas
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all events simultaneously
- •Monitor throwing areas continuously during field events
- •Check track events for lane discipline and safe finishing
- •Ensure proper warm-up and cool-down completion
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activities immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required