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Lesson 1 - Competitive Running Events

Competitive Athletics: From Personal Excellence to Sports Leadership

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Year 6

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Athletics

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Big Question

How can we use running technique and tactical thinking to maximise our performance in competitive athletics events?

Learning Objectives

To apply effective sprinting and distance running techniques in competitive race situations
To understand and implement tactical approaches including pacing and relay changeovers
To organise and participate collaboratively in athletics competitions with fair play

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved running technique across sprint and distance events
Students will apply tactical knowledge to enhance team and individual performance
Students will show leadership and teamwork skills in organising competitive events

Equipment & Resources Required

Relay Baton

16 (4 per team)

One set per team, kept at team stations when not in use

Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags, or foam tubes

Cones

40-50

Create 4 distinct lanes for track events with clear start/finish lines

Alternative: Painted lines, rope, or chalk marks

Stopwatch

4-6

One per race judge for accurate timing

Alternative: Smartphone timer apps or digital wall clock

Bibs

32 (8 per team)

Different colour per team for easy identification

Alternative: Coloured headbands or team shirts

Score Sheets

Track points for each event and overall team standings

Alternative: Digital scoring app or whiteboard

Measuring Tapes

For setting up accurate race distances and relay exchange zones

Alternative: Paced distances or pre-marked track

Key Vocabulary

Pacing

Controlling your running speed to maintain energy throughout a longer race

Drive Phase

The explosive start of a sprint with powerful leg drive and forward lean

Baton Exchange

The handover of the relay baton between team members in the designated zone

False Start

Beginning to run before the starting signal, resulting in disqualification

Sprint Finish

A final burst of speed in the last 50-100m of a distance race

Lane Discipline

Staying within your designated lane throughout the race

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running technique with arm and leg coordination
Understanding of personal space and following directions
Experience with simple competitive activities

Current Skills

Advanced sprinting technique with drive phase and acceleration
Distance running with pacing and tactical awareness
Relay baton exchange techniques and team coordination

Next Steps

Advanced athletics events including hurdles and field events
Inter-school competition preparation and performance analysis
Leadership roles in organising athletics meets

Milestone Indicators

Consistent technique maintained under competitive pressure

Strategic thinking evident in race tactics

Effective communication and teamwork in relay events

Key Teaching Points

Running technique changes between sprint and distance events - emphasise appropriate form for each
Tactical thinking is as important as physical ability in competitive athletics
Teamwork and communication are crucial for relay success, not just individual speed
Pacing is the key to distance running success - start conservatively to finish strong
Fair play and sportsmanship matter more than winning - celebrate all efforts and improvements
Personal best efforts should be recognised equally with fastest times
Safety through lane discipline and controlled starts/finishes must be maintained throughout

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Fastest runners should always go first in relays' - Correction: Strategic placement considers when speed is most needed
Misconception: 'You should sprint as fast as possible in all running events' - Correction: Distance events require pacing and energy management
Misconception: 'Looking at other runners helps you go faster' - Correction: Focus on your own technique and lane discipline
Misconception: 'If you're not winning, you're not helping your team' - Correction: Every placement earns valuable points for the team
Misconception: 'The baton exchange should be as fast as possible' - Correction: Smooth and secure exchanges are more important than speed
Misconception: 'Good athletes don't get tired' - Correction: Managing energy and fatigue is part of athletic skill

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and roles, use movement positively as focus tool

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for baton exchanges, provide larger/lighter equipment where needed, focus on effort over coordination

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of events, create quiet waiting areas, use consistent routines and signals

visual impairment

Use bright coloured bibs and batons, provide clear verbal descriptions of track layout, assign sighted guide runners for support

hearing impairment

Use visual start signals (flag or light), provide written race instructions, ensure clear sight lines for communication

physical disability

Adapt distances and modify events for wheelchair users, create inclusive relay formats, focus on personal achievement

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Timing races, calculating team scores, measuring distances and track layouts, analysing performance data

Science

Understanding energy systems, heart rate changes during exercise, forces and motion in running

Geography

Mapping track layouts, understanding direction and orientation during races

PSHE

Teamwork, resilience under pressure, fair play, supporting others, goal setting and achievement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the track perimeter for optimal viewing of all events and students

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique application, fair competition, and signs of overexertion

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe practices observed, technique needs immediate correction, or conflict resolution needed

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show technique differences between sprinting and distance running

Verbal Cues

•'Head up, eyes forward!'
•'Pump those arms!'
•'Stay in your lane!'
•'Find your pace!'
•'Support your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 60m x 40m area for track events, or school playground with marked lanes

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from loose stones, holes, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Batons checked for splinters or sharp edges
•Cones positioned securely and visible to all runners
•Scoring equipment kept away from running areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between runners in different lanes
•Overexertion during distance running event
•Trips and falls on uneven surfaces
•Dehydration during extended physical activity

Risk Mitigation

•Clear lane discipline enforced throughout all events
•Adequate warm-up and cool-down procedures followed
•Regular monitoring of students for signs of fatigue or distress
•Water breaks available, especially during longer events
•Safe zones established beyond finish lines for deceleration

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all lanes during races
•Monitor exchange zones during relay events
•Watch for technique breakdown that might indicate fatigue
•Ensure fair play and sportsmanship throughout competition

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional help if needed