Lesson 1 - Sprinting Technique and Speed Development
From Sprint Technique to Distance Strategy: A Complete Running Journey
ā¢Year 6
ā¢Athletics
ā¢Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use correct technique to become faster sprinters and achieve our personal best?
Learning Objectives
- To explore and apply correct sprinting technique including head position and arm action
- To understand the importance of staying in lanes during sprint races
- To develop speed and coordination through progressive sprinting activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct sprinting technique with head focused forward and arms pumping
- Students will be able to sprint in lanes maintaining control and direction
- Students will understand the consequences of poor technique on performance
Equipment & Resources Required
Create 6-8 lanes, 40-80m long with clear start and finish markers
Alternative: Bean bags, spot markers, chalk lines
One set per group leader for traffic light activity
Alternative: Coloured cards, flags, or hand signals
Mark accurate distances for sprint lanes
Alternative: Pre-measured track markings, stride counting
For clear start signals and activity transitions
Alternative: Voice commands, clapping
Key Vocabulary
Running as fast as possible over a short distance using maximum effort
Staying within your designated running lane throughout the race
Moving arms backwards and forwards with bent elbows to generate speed
Beginning to run before the starting signal is given
The line that marks the end of the sprint race
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running skills and spatial awareness
- Understanding of fast and slow movement speeds
- Experience following simple instructions and signals
Current Skills
- Correct head position during sprinting
- Proper arm action with bent elbows and pumping motion
- Lane discipline and race etiquette
Next Steps
- Sprint starts and blocks technique
- Relay running and baton exchange
- Sprint endurance and race tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Head position directly affects balance and speed - always look forward when sprinting
- Proper arm action with bent elbows provides power and momentum for faster running
- Lane discipline is essential in athletics - staying in your lane prevents disqualification
- Progressive technique development - feel the difference before applying under pressure
- Race etiquette and sportsmanship are as important as speed and technique
- Technique should be maintained even when running at maximum effort
- Self-assessment and reflection help consolidate learning and identify improvement areas
Common Misconceptions
- Students think running faster automatically means better technique - emphasise control with speed
- Belief that arm position doesn't matter for speed - demonstrate clear performance differences
- Assumption that looking down helps see the ground better - show how this reduces speed and awareness
- Thinking that winning is more important than technique - focus on personal improvement
- Belief that athletics is only for naturally fast students - emphasise technique over natural ability
- Misconception that warm-up isn't necessary for short sprints - explain injury prevention importance
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use high-energy activities positively
dyspraxia
- Simplify technique focus to one element at a time, provide extra practice time, use larger lane spacing
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure, use visual timetable for lesson sections, offer quiet reflection time
visual impairment
- Use highly contrasting cone colours, provide clear verbal descriptions of technique, assign sighted guide for activities
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals alongside verbal commands, demonstrate all techniques visually, ensure student can see teacher clearly
physical disability
- Modify distances according to mobility, focus on technique rather than speed, provide wheelchair racing alternatives
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, giving clear instructions, descriptive language for movement
Maths
Measuring distances and times, comparing speeds, data collection from race results
Science
Forces and motion - how body position affects speed and efficiency, muscle fibres and their role in explosive movement
PSHE
Perseverance and resilience, fair play and sportsmanship, self-improvement and goal setting
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at side of track with clear view of all lanes and finish line area
Observation Focus
Monitor technique development, safety compliance, and individual progress
Intervention Points
["Stop activity if unsafe behaviour observed", "Provide immediate feedback for technique correction", "Adjust groupings if competition becomes unfair"]
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate perfect technique consistently, use exaggerated movements to show contrast between good and poor technique
Verbal Cues
- ā¢'Head up, eyes forward!'
- ā¢'Pump those arms!'
- ā¢'Stay in your lane!'
- ā¢'Run through the line!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 50m x 20m clear athletics area with 6-8 sprint lanes
Surface Check
Level, dry surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- ā¢Ensure cones are stable and visible
- ā¢Check lane markers are secure and won't create trip hazards
- ā¢Verify adequate stopping space beyond finish lines
Risk Management
Key Risks
- ā¢Collision between students during sprinting
- ā¢Muscle strain from maximum effort activities
- ā¢Loss of control during high-speed running
- ā¢Fatigue-related accidents
Risk Mitigation
- ā¢Clear lane boundaries with adequate spacing
- ā¢Proper warm-up before high-intensity activities
- ā¢Progressive build-up to maximum sprint speeds
- ā¢Regular rest periods between sprint efforts
- ā¢Constant supervision and clear safety rules
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- ā¢Position to observe all lanes during races
- ā¢Monitor finish line area for safe deceleration
- ā¢Watch for signs of exhaustion or distress
- ā¢Ensure students follow starting commands
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if needed