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Lesson 4 - Combining Sprinting with Hurdling

Power, Precision & Performance

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Year 5

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Athletics

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1h 21min

Big Question

How can we combine speed with efficient hurdle clearance to become better athletes?

Learning Objectives

Combine sprinting techniques with hurdling to improve athletic performance
Understand the biomechanics of take-off foot and lead leg positioning
Demonstrate effective collaboration and peer assessment skills

Key Outcomes

All students will combine basic sprinting with hurdle clearance
Most students will demonstrate consistent lead leg technique over hurdles
Some students will show advanced coordination of arms and legs during hurdle clearance

Equipment & Resources Required

Hurdles (various heights)

12 (4 per lane x 3 lanes)

Set in 3 lanes: 12m to first hurdle, 7m between hurdles

Alternative: Cones with bamboo canes, foam pool noodles on cones

Mats

Placed 0.5m before each hurdle as take-off markers

Alternative: Chalk marks, masking tape

Cones

Mark sprint lanes and station boundaries for athletics circuit

Alternative: Natural boundaries, rope markers

SAQ Ladders

1 per team

Position for relay warm-up activity

Alternative: Chalk ladder, rope ladder, ground markers

PE Equipment

5 stations

Long jump pit, high jump, javelin, shot put, sprint lanes

Alternative: Modified equipment for space/budget constraints

Measuring Tapes

For recording distances and heights at athletics stations

Alternative: Marked ground measurements, measuring wheels

Score Sheets

For students to record partner performance data

Alternative: Digital recording app, whiteboard

Video Device

For filming evidence of cooperation and technique

Alternative: Smartphone, tablet with video capability

Key Vocabulary

Lead leg

The first leg to clear the hurdle, usually the stronger leg

Trail leg

The second leg to follow over the hurdle

Take-off foot

The foot that pushes off the ground before clearing the hurdle

Hurdle clearance

The technique of efficiently passing over a hurdle without losing speed

Run-up

The approach distance and steps taken before attempting a jump or throw

Biomechanics

The study of how body movements work most efficiently in sports

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic sprinting technique
Single hurdle clearance
Understanding of lead and trail leg concepts

Current Skills

Combining sprinting with multiple hurdle clearance
Coordinating arm and leg movements during hurdling
Peer assessment and feedback skills

Next Steps

Advanced hurdle racing techniques
Hurdle spacing variations
Competitive hurdling strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent take-off point before hurdles

Smooth rhythm between hurdles

Effective peer coaching and feedback

Key Teaching Points

Lead leg reaches forward relatively straight during hurdle clearance
Take-off point should be consistent, approximately 0.5m before hurdle
Opposite arm moves parallel to lead leg for balance and coordination
Head and shoulders remain forward throughout clearance for speed maintenance
Trail leg pulls through quickly after lead leg clears hurdle
Efficiency is more important than height - clear hurdles, don't jump them
Cooperation between hurdlers and helpers is essential for safe practice

Common Misconceptions

Higher hurdle clearance equals better technique - actually efficiency and speed matter most
Always use the same leg as lead leg regardless of circumstances - lead leg should be strongest/preferred leg
Jump over hurdles rather than clear them - maintain running rhythm, don't jump
Same-side arm as lead leg provides balance - opposite arm creates proper coordination
Individual performance is most important - cooperation and peer support are equally valuable
Run-up distance doesn't matter - consistency in approach is crucial for technique development

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback and recognition

dyspraxia

Simplified technique focus, additional practice time, larger equipment and modified distances

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, visual schedule showing lesson progression, quiet observation area available

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment and markers, provide verbal descriptions of technique, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations and clear written instructions, hand signals for key technique points, visual feedback cards

physical disability

Seated or modified hurdle clearance, wheelchair racing options, alternative athletic activities suited to individual needs

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion in hurdling technique, biomechanics of efficient movement, physics of projectile motion in throwing events

Geography

Countries and capitals knowledge reinforced through active warm-up game, spatial awareness and mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork skills, giving and receiving constructive feedback, resilience and perseverance in skill development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear sight lines to all hurdle lanes, mobile supervision during athletics circuit

Observation Focus

Lead leg technique, take-off timing, cooperation between hurdlers and helpers, safety awareness at all stations

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe practices observed, provide technique guidance when students struggling, facilitate peer feedback

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Clear, slow-motion hurdle technique showing all elements, emphasise efficiency over height, model positive peer feedback language

Verbal Cues

•'Lead leg reaching forward!'
•'Take off from the marker!'
•'Opposite arm parallel to leg!'
•'Head and shoulders forward!'
•'Quick trail leg pull-through!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 60m x 40m area for hurdle lanes plus additional space for athletics stations

Surface Check

Level, non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate drainage if outdoors

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Hurdles properly weighted and stable, with safe knockdown mechanism
•Take-off markers securely positioned and visible
•Athletic implements stored safely when not in use
•First aid kit accessible during throwing and jumping activities

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Hurdle collision or falls
•Collisions between students in relay activities
•Injury from throwing implements
•Falls during jumping activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear lanes established with adequate spacing between hurdles
•Helpers positioned safely away from running paths
•Comprehensive safety briefing for all athletic stations
•Progressive skill development from simple to complex
•Appropriate hurdle heights for different ability levels

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all three hurdle lanes
•Regular rotation between athletics stations for safety monitoring
•Ensure helpers remain alert and appropriately positioned
•Monitor student fatigue levels during intensive activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required