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Lesson 1 - Sprinting Technique and Speed Development

From Sprint Technique to Distance Strategy: A Complete Running Journey

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Year 6

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

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

Cones

20-30

Create 6-8 lanes, 40-80m long with clear start and finish markers

Alternative: Bean bags, spot markers, chalk lines

Coloured Cones

4 (red, yellow, green, blue)

One set per group leader for traffic light activity

Alternative: Coloured cards, flags, or hand signals

Measuring Tapes

Mark accurate distances for sprint lanes

Alternative: Pre-measured track markings, stride counting

Whistles

For clear start signals and activity transitions

Alternative: Voice commands, clapping

Key Vocabulary

Sprinting

Running as fast as possible over a short distance using maximum effort

Lane discipline

Staying within your designated running lane throughout the race

Pumping action

Moving arms backwards and forwards with bent elbows to generate speed

False start

Beginning to run before the starting signal is given

Finish line

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

Maintains head position throughout sprint without looking down

Demonstrates consistent arm pumping action during acceleration

Stays in designated lane from start to finish line

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

•'Head up, eyes forward!'
•'Pump those arms!'
•'Stay in your lane!'
•'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

•Ensure cones are stable and visible
•Check lane markers are secure and won't create trip hazards
•Verify adequate stopping space beyond finish lines

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students during sprinting
•Muscle strain from maximum effort activities
•Loss of control during high-speed running
•Fatigue-related accidents

Risk Mitigation

•Clear lane boundaries with adequate spacing
•Proper warm-up before high-intensity activities
•Progressive build-up to maximum sprint speeds
•Regular rest periods between sprint efforts
•Constant supervision and clear safety rules

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all lanes during races
•Monitor finish line area for safe deceleration
•Watch for signs of exhaustion or distress
•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