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Lesson 5 - Athletics Competition Part 2

Competitive Athletics: Technique, Tactics and Personal Excellence

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Year 5

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Athletics

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Big Question

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

Cones

Mark out track lanes and field event areas

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Stopwatch

One per team for timing events

Alternative: Mobile phone timer apps

Measuring Tapes

For measuring throwing and jumping distances

Alternative: Marked ground, pace counting

PE Equipment

1 set

Shot put, discus, javelin - ensure all equipment is safe and age-appropriate

Alternative: Bean bags for shot put, pool noodles for javelin

Mats

Ensure safe landing area with clear take-off line

Alternative: Marked grass area, gymnastics mats

Hurdles

6-8

Set at appropriate height for Year 5 students (30-35cm)

Alternative: Low cones, rope between cones

Bibs

4 different colours for team identification

Alternative: Coloured t-shirts, house colours

Numbered Papers

For recording results and organising teams

Alternative: Laminated sheets with dry wipe markers

First Aid Kit

Essential for outdoor athletics activities

Alternative: Ice packs, basic supplies

Key Vocabulary

Technique

The correct way to perform a skill or movement in athletics

Sprint

Running at maximum speed over a short distance

Field Events

Athletics events involving jumping or throwing, usually held in a designated field area

Track Events

Athletics events involving running, held on a marked track or course

Personal Best

An individual's best ever performance in a particular event

Relay

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

Maintains technique quality during competition

Makes thoughtful decisions about team strategy

Provides constructive feedback to peers

Shows resilience when facing challenges

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