Lesson 1 - Sprint Technique Development
Sprint to Strategy: Building Running Excellence Through Technique and Tactics
•Year 5
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our whole body to run as fast as possible whilst maintaining control and staying in our lane?
Learning Objectives
- Explore how we can use our bodies to run at maximum speed
- Learn and apply correct sprinting technique including head position and arm action
- Understand the importance of staying in lanes during sprint races
Key Outcomes
- Students can demonstrate correct sprinting technique with head up, focused forwards, and pumping arm action
- Students understand the consequences of incorrect technique and breaking lane discipline
- Students can evaluate their own and others' sprinting performance
Equipment & Resources Required
Used to mark lane boundaries and track distances
Alternative: Markers, bean bags
To measure 40-80m sprint distances accurately
Alternative: Marked playground lines
Green, Yellow, Red, Blue for different movement speeds
Alternative: Coloured bibs, hand signals
For timing activities and monitoring rest periods
Alternative: Smartphone timer apps
Key Vocabulary
Running at maximum speed over short distances
Staying within your designated running lane throughout a race
Driving arms backwards and forwards with elbows bent to aid speed
Beginning to run before the 'Go' command is given
The correct way to perform a skill or movement
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running technique from earlier years
- Understanding of following simple instructions
- Experience of moving safely in shared spaces
Current Skills
- Correct head position for sprinting (straight ahead and focused)
- Proper arm action with elbows bent and pumping motion
- Lane discipline and race start procedures
Next Steps
- Sprint starts and reaction time
- Running for longer distances
- Relay running and baton passing
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Head position is crucial - level and looking straight ahead for balance and speed
- Arm action provides power - elbows bent at 90 degrees, driving backwards
- Lane discipline is essential - staying in lanes prevents disqualification and collisions
- Technique before speed - correct form leads to faster times naturally
- Start discipline - wait for GO command to avoid false starts
- Personal improvement focus - celebrate individual progress over winning
- Sportsmanship matters - support all ability levels and show respect for effort
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Running faster just means trying harder' - Reality: Correct technique makes you faster with less effort
- Misconception: 'Arms should swing across the body' - Reality: Arms drive backwards parallel to the body for maximum power
- Misconception: 'Looking down helps you run faster' - Reality: Looking ahead maintains balance and allows full stride length
- Misconception: 'Lane boundaries don't matter in practice' - Reality: Lane discipline must be practiced to become automatic in races
- Misconception: 'Only naturally fast students can improve their technique' - Reality: All students can improve speed through better technique
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries and rules, positive behaviour reinforcement, leadership roles for motivation
dyspraxia
- Slower technique progression, simplified instructions, partner support system, focus on one technique element at a time
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of lesson activities, consistent routine for race starts, quiet zones for breaks if needed, advance warning of competitive elements
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured lane markers, verbal cues for all signals, partner guide runner system, describe technique using tactile cues
hearing impairment
- Visual start signals using flags, clear hand signals for instructions, demonstration-based teaching, written technique cards
physical disability
- Adapted sprint distances, wheelchair racing lanes, modified start positions, focus on personal technique improvement
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances for sprint tracks, timing races, calculating improvements and speed over distance.
Science
Muscle fibres and how they work - fast twitch vs slow twitch for sprinting vs distance. Forces and motion in running technique.
Geography
Olympic cities and countries, where different athletics events originated, mapping famous running tracks.
PSHE
Goal setting for personal improvement, dealing with not winning, supporting others with different abilities.
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at finish line during races for clear view of all lanes. Move to side areas during technique practice to observe form.
Observation Focus
Watch for: 1) Head position - level and forward-looking, 2) Arm action - bent elbows driving backwards, 3) Lane discipline - staying within boundaries, 4) Start reactions - waiting for GO command
Intervention Points
Step in if: students showing poor technique repeatedly, lane violations becoming frequent, signs of overexertion or distress, competitive behaviour becoming negative
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Always show technique slowly first, then at race pace. Use students as examples when they show good form. Contrast good vs poor technique clearly.
Verbal Cues
- •'Head like a lighthouse - straight and tall!'
- •'Arms like pistons - drive them back!'
- •'Run your own race in your own lane!'
- •'Technique first, speed will follow!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 20m flat area with clear run-off space at finish line
Surface Check
Level, non-slip surface free from obstacles, holes, or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Cones placed securely and visible
- •Lane markers positioned to avoid trips
- •No equipment in running lanes during sprints
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students in lanes
- •Overexertion from high-intensity sprinting
- •Falls from poor technique or surface conditions
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear lane boundaries maintained throughout
- •Adequate rest periods between sprint efforts
- •Progressive technique development before full-speed racing
- •Monitor for signs of fatigue and overheating
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position at finish line for clear view of all lanes
- •Move around during activities to observe technique
- •Monitor students not currently racing for appropriate behaviour
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs. Clear other students from area. Apply first aid as appropriate and seek additional help if needed.