Lesson 4 - Combining Sprinting with Hurdling
Power, Precision & Performance
•Year 5
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Set in 3 lanes: 12m to first hurdle, 7m between hurdles
Alternative: Cones with bamboo canes, foam pool noodles on cones
Placed 0.5m before each hurdle as take-off markers
Alternative: Chalk marks, masking tape
Mark sprint lanes and station boundaries for athletics circuit
Alternative: Natural boundaries, rope markers
Position for relay warm-up activity
Alternative: Chalk ladder, rope ladder, ground markers
Long jump pit, high jump, javelin, shot put, sprint lanes
Alternative: Modified equipment for space/budget constraints
For recording distances and heights at athletics stations
Alternative: Marked ground measurements, measuring wheels
For students to record partner performance data
Alternative: Digital recording app, whiteboard
For filming evidence of cooperation and technique
Alternative: Smartphone, tablet with video capability
Key Vocabulary
The first leg to clear the hurdle, usually the stronger leg
The second leg to follow over the hurdle
The foot that pushes off the ground before clearing the hurdle
The technique of efficiently passing over a hurdle without losing speed
The approach distance and steps taken before attempting a jump or throw
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
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