Lesson 4 - Multi-Event Athletics Competition
Competitive Athletics: Technique, Tactics and Personal Excellence
•Year 5
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we combine running, jumping and throwing skills to compete fairly and celebrate achievement in a team athletics competition?
Learning Objectives
- To apply running, jumping and throwing techniques in competitive situations
- To work effectively as part of a team whilst competing individually
- To evaluate performance and provide constructive feedback to teammates
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct technique in at least two athletics events
- Students will compete fairly whilst supporting their team
- Students will identify strengths and areas for improvement in their own and others' performances
Equipment & Resources Required
Mark out 100m circular track and 4 field event zones
Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalked lines
One for each field event station for accurate measurement
Alternative: Trundle wheel or marked rope
Foam javelins, rubber discus, soft shot puts, sand pit or mats for landing
Alternative: Tennis balls for javelin, bean bags for shot put
Set at appropriate height (45-60cm) with safe spacing
Alternative: Skipping ropes tied between cones at 30cm height
One per team captain plus extras for accurate timing
Alternative: Mobile phone timers or watch with second hand
Pre-prepared with student names and event columns
Alternative: Clipboards with paper or tablet scoring app
Clearly identify team membership for organisation
Alternative: Coloured bands, house t-shirts, or team badges
Key Vocabulary
Your best ever performance in a particular event
Prepare (stance and grip), throw (power and release), follow-through (balance and safety)
Explosive start position with strong arm drive and quick leg turnover
Controlled run-up before jumping or throwing to build momentum
Competing within rules whilst showing respect for opponents and officials
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running technique with arm action
- Fundamental jumping movements from two feet and one foot
- Three-phase throwing technique (prepare, throw, follow-through)
- Understanding of competition rules and fair play
Current Skills
- Applying techniques under competitive pressure
- Team organisation and strategy in athletics events
- Performance evaluation and peer coaching
- Managing emotions during competition
Next Steps
- Advanced event-specific techniques
- Personal best tracking and goal setting
- Leadership roles in school sports events
- Inter-school competition preparation
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety is paramount in all athletics events - never compromise safety for competition
- Focus on personal bests and improvement rather than just winning
- Build team spirit whilst maintaining individual achievement recognition
- Encourage application of previously learned techniques under competitive pressure
- Celebrate effort, sportsmanship and teamwork as much as athletic performance
- Ensure all students participate meaningfully in every event
- Use competition as motivation for skill development rather than an end goal
Common Misconceptions
- Belief that only winning matters - emphasise personal achievement and team contribution
- Thinking that stronger/faster students should do all events - ensure full participation
- Assumption that competition means being unfriendly to opponents - teach respectful competition
- Idea that technique doesn't matter in competition - maintain focus on skill application
- Misconception that athletics is only for naturally athletic students - show that all can improve and contribute
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Clear boundaries and expectations, frequent positive reinforcement, opportunities for movement and leadership roles
dyspraxia
- Simplified equipment and techniques, extra practice time before competition, focus on personal improvement rather than comparison
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routine for event rotation, visual schedule showing order of events, quiet areas available if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment and cones, provide verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system for guidance during events
hearing impairment
- Clear visual signals for starts and finishes, written instructions on cards, ensure students can see teacher demonstrations clearly
physical disability
- Modified distances and equipment, seated throwing options, alternative scoring systems to ensure participation
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances and recording data, calculating team scores and points totals, timing events and comparing results, understanding place value in competitive ranking
Science
Understanding forces in throwing and jumping, effects of exercise on body systems, biomechanics of running technique, energy and motion in athletics
Geography
Understanding distances and scales, map reading skills for event planning, weather effects on athletics performance
PSHE
Teamwork and collaboration, managing competitive emotions, celebrating others' success, setting personal goals and targets
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position allowing clear view of all event areas, move between stations to provide feedback and ensure safety
Observation Focus
Monitor technique application under competitive pressure, team collaboration skills, safety awareness during field events
Intervention Points
Step in if safety protocols not followed, provide encouragement for less confident students, mediate any team disputes
Demonstration Notes
Emphasise safety procedures clearly, model positive competition behaviour, show enthusiasm for all achievements not just winning
Verbal Cues
- •'Safety first - check the area!'
- •'Remember your technique!'
- •'Support your teammates!'
- •'Celebrate everyone's effort!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area with 100m track perimeter and 4 separate field event zones minimum 20m x 20m each
Surface Check
Dry, level surface free from holes, obstacles and trip hazards. Appropriate landing areas for jumping events
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Only foam javelins and rubber implements to be used
- •All throwing equipment checked for damage before use
- •Measuring tapes secured and not left trailing
- •Hurdles set at appropriate height with safe spacing
- •Track boundaries clearly marked with visible cones
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during running events
- •Impact injuries from throwing implements
- •Overexertion during competitive activities
- •Falls during jumping events
- •Students in throwing areas during field events
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear lane discipline enforced during running events
- •Strict safety zones around all field events with no students in danger areas
- •Only appropriate soft implements used for throwing events
- •Proper landing areas provided for all jumping activities
- •Continuous supervision at each event station
- •Regular hydration breaks and monitoring for overexertion
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all events simultaneously
- •Extra supervision at field events during throwing activities
- •Clear sight lines maintained between track and field areas
- •Emergency access routes kept clear around all activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activities immediately on whistle signal, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure clear access for emergency services if needed