Lesson 2 - Sprinting Technique Development
Multi-Discipline Mastery
•Year 6
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we work together to perfect our sprinting technique and achieve our personal best?
Learning Objectives
- To develop and refine sprinting technique through systematic practice
- To demonstrate collaborative teamwork by providing constructive feedback
- To understand the biomechanics of efficient sprinting movement
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate consistent stride length and proper sprinting form
- Students will effectively coach and support their peers through feedback
- Students will apply sprinting techniques in timed challenges and team events
Equipment & Resources Required
Place at 10m intervals for distance marking and corner stations
Alternative: Bean bags, marker discs, or painted lines
Teacher use for timing intervals and challenges
Alternative: Smartphone timer app, countdown timer
For accurate 10m, 20m, and 30m distance setup
Alternative: Pre-measured court markings, pace counting
Key Vocabulary
The distance covered between when one foot leaves the ground and the same foot touches down again
The study of how the body moves efficiently during physical activity
The specific body position and movement patterns used for maximum speed running
Changing speed between walking, jogging, and sprinting within the same run
Working together to observe, analyse, and suggest improvements to performance
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running technique and coordination
- Understanding of pace changes (walk, jog, sprint)
- Experience working in pairs and small groups
Current Skills
- Consistent stride length in sprinting
- Biomechanical awareness of sprinting technique
- Collaborative feedback and coaching skills
- Strategic thinking in team challenges
Next Steps
- Sprint starts and acceleration phases
- Advanced biomechanical analysis
- Competitive sprinting in athletics events
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Consistent stride length is more important than maximum speed for developing technique
- Peer coaching develops both technical understanding and communication skills
- Biomechanical awareness helps students understand why technique matters for performance
- Collaborative strategy in team challenges builds problem-solving and leadership skills
- Progressive skill development from individual technique to team application
- Connection between physical technique and mathematical/scientific understanding
- Positive peer feedback creates supportive learning environment for skill development
Common Misconceptions
- Faster always means better - emphasise technique quality over speed
- Sprinting is just running fast - explain biomechanical differences and efficiency
- Individual performance is most important - highlight value of team collaboration and peer coaching
- Technique is natural and can't be improved - demonstrate systematic improvement through practice
- Coaching is telling people what they did wrong - model positive, constructive feedback approaches
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear roles and responsibilities, physical movement opportunities throughout
dyspraxia
- Simplified technique focus (2-3 points rather than 5), extra practice time, patient peer coaching with demonstration
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routine for partner work, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet spaces available for breaks if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured cones for boundaries, verbal descriptions of technique points, buddy system for guidance and safety
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations of all technique points, written instruction cards, hand signals for timing and feedback
physical disability
- Adapted distances for wheelchairs, modified techniques for different mobility levels, focus on personal improvement rather than comparison
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating distances covered, timing intervals, measuring stride length, working with 10m intervals and total distances
Science
Understanding biomechanics and efficient movement, forces in sprinting, how muscles work during high-intensity exercise
Geography
Understanding distance and measurement, spatial awareness during team strategy planning
PSHE
Collaborative decision-making, providing constructive feedback, supporting others' learning and improvement, leadership skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position for warm-up circuit, move between pairs during skill development, clear view of sprint lanes during challenges
Observation Focus
Watch for consistent stride length, proper arm action, safe movement patterns, effective peer coaching
Intervention Points
Step in if technique creates injury risk, facilitate discussions if teams struggle with strategy, provide encouragement during challenges
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate each technique point clearly, show common errors and corrections, model effective peer coaching language
Verbal Cues
- •'Big strides, strong arms!'
- •'Coaches, what do you notice?'
- •'Technique first, speed second!'
- •'How can your team work together?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m clear area for sprinting activities, additional space for warm-up circuit
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles, appropriate for high-speed movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Cones placed securely and visible to prevent tripping
- •Adequate spacing between activity areas
- •Stopwatch functioning correctly for accurate timing
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during sprint activities
- •Muscle strains from inadequate warm-up
- •Falls due to inappropriate footwear or surface conditions
- •Overexertion during timed challenges
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and pathways established for all activities
- •Comprehensive warm-up targeting muscles used in sprinting
- •Appropriate footwear check before high-intensity activities
- •Rest periods built into all challenges
- •Partner system for safety monitoring and support
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all sprint lanes
- •Monitor technique to prevent injury-causing errors
- •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety
- •Ensure safe changeover procedures in team challenges
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if required