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Lesson 4 - Multi-Event Athletics Competition

Competitive Athletics: Technique, Tactics and Personal Excellence

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Year 5

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Athletics

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1h 6min

Big Question

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

Cones

20-30

Mark out 100m circular track and 4 field event zones

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalked lines

Measuring Tapes

4 (25m minimum)

One for each field event station for accurate measurement

Alternative: Trundle wheel or marked rope

Throwing Implements

Foam javelins, rubber discus, soft shot puts, sand pit or mats for landing

Alternative: Tennis balls for javelin, bean bags for shot put

Hurdles

10-12

Set at appropriate height (45-60cm) with safe spacing

Alternative: Skipping ropes tied between cones at 30cm height

Stopwatch

4-6

One per team captain plus extras for accurate timing

Alternative: Mobile phone timers or watch with second hand

Score Sheets

4 team sheets plus master sheet

Pre-prepared with student names and event columns

Alternative: Clipboards with paper or tablet scoring app

Team bibs

32 (8 per team in 4 colours)

Clearly identify team membership for organisation

Alternative: Coloured bands, house t-shirts, or team badges

Key Vocabulary

Personal Best (PB)

Your best ever performance in a particular event

Three-phase throwing

Prepare (stance and grip), throw (power and release), follow-through (balance and safety)

Sprint start

Explosive start position with strong arm drive and quick leg turnover

Approach run

Controlled run-up before jumping or throwing to build momentum

Fair play

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

Maintains technique quality when competing

Shows resilience when not winning

Provides helpful feedback to teammates

Demonstrates understanding of different event requirements

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