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Lesson 2 - Sprinting Technique Development

Multi-Discipline Mastery

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Year 6

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Athletics

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57 min

Big Question

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

Cones

Place at 10m intervals for distance marking and corner stations

Alternative: Bean bags, marker discs, or painted lines

Stopwatch

1-2

Teacher use for timing intervals and challenges

Alternative: Smartphone timer app, countdown timer

Measuring Tapes

For accurate 10m, 20m, and 30m distance setup

Alternative: Pre-measured court markings, pace counting

Key Vocabulary

Stride length

The distance covered between when one foot leaves the ground and the same foot touches down again

Biomechanics

The study of how the body moves efficiently during physical activity

Sprint technique

The specific body position and movement patterns used for maximum speed running

Pace variation

Changing speed between walking, jogging, and sprinting within the same run

Collaborative feedback

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

Maintains consistent technique over 30m distance

Provides specific, actionable feedback to peers

Demonstrates improved personal times through technique refinement

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