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Lesson 1 - Sprint Technique Development

Sprint to Strategy: Building Running Excellence Through Technique and Tactics

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Year 5

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

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

Cones

Used to mark lane boundaries and track distances

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Measuring Tapes

To measure 40-80m sprint distances accurately

Alternative: Marked playground lines

Dish Cones

4 different colours

Green, Yellow, Red, Blue for different movement speeds

Alternative: Coloured bibs, hand signals

Stopwatch

1-2

For timing activities and monitoring rest periods

Alternative: Smartphone timer apps

Key Vocabulary

Sprinting

Running at maximum speed over short distances

Lane discipline

Staying within your designated running lane throughout a race

Pumping action

Driving arms backwards and forwards with elbows bent to aid speed

False start

Beginning to run before the 'Go' command is given

Technique

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

Consistent technique across multiple sprints

Improved sprint times over 40-80m distances

Ability to maintain technique under race conditions

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.