Lesson 1 - Pacing in Middle-Distance
Olympic Technique Mastery
•Year 6
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use pacing strategies to become more efficient runners over different distances?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the ability to change pace and run at different tempos during middle-distance running
- To sustain consistent pace over longer distances using strategic energy management
- To understand how running technique differs between straights and bends on a track
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate controlled pacing over middle distances with consistent times
- Students will apply different running strategies based on distance and energy management
- Students will explain and demonstrate proper technique for running bends versus straight sections
Equipment & Resources Required
Mark out running circuit and relay changeover zones
Alternative: Markers, playground markers
Distribute to timing partners before main activity
Alternative: Smartphone timers, digital watches
One per team for relay activities
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, foam tubes
For marking out accurate distances
Alternative: Trundle wheel, marked measuring rope
For recording lap times and assessment notes
Alternative: Tablet with recording app
Key Vocabulary
Controlling your running speed to maintain energy throughout a race
The speed or rhythm at which you run
Running events typically between 400m and 1500m requiring both speed and endurance
Running technique used on curved sections of a track
The time taken to complete one circuit of the track
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running technique and start positions
- Understanding of warm-up importance
- Experience with relay running and baton passing
Current Skills
- Pace control and tempo variation
- Middle-distance running strategies
- Bend running technique and body positioning
Next Steps
- Advanced pacing for different racing distances
- Competitive race tactics and positioning
- Training programme design for endurance running
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Pace control is about efficiency, not just speed - emphasise sustainable effort over maximum speed
- Bend technique requires body lean and inside line discipline - practice separately before combining with pace work
- Strategic thinking in team events - encourage discussion and adaptation of tactics
- Individual progress focus - celebrate personal improvement over comparison with others
- Integration of skills under pressure - gradually increase challenge while maintaining technique quality
- Self-monitoring awareness - teach students to recognise their own effort levels and adjust accordingly
- Safety through gradual progression - always warm up properly and monitor for overexertion signs
Common Misconceptions
- That fastest pace is always best - explain energy management and sustainability
- That bend running is the same as straight running - demonstrate specific technique differences
- That competition means abandoning strategy - emphasise smart racing over pure effort
- That timing is about exact seconds - focus on consistency and personal improvement
- That stronger students should do most work in teams - encourage equitable participation
- That middle-distance is just slow sprinting - explain different energy systems and pacing
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear role definitions, regular movement breaks, immediate feedback on progress
dyspraxia
- Slower pace introduction, extra practice time for technique, simplified strategies, peer support systems
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available, consistent timing patterns
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured cones for circuit marking, provide verbal descriptions of track layout, assign sighted running partner for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for start/stop commands, provide written strategy sheets, use hand signals for timing
physical disability
- Wheelchair racing versions of activities, shorter distances for reduced mobility, seated timing and coaching roles
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Timing activities, calculating pace differences, measuring distances, analysing performance data and lap time statistics
Science
Understanding energy systems in the body, forces and motion in bend running, cardiovascular response to sustained exercise
Geography
Map reading skills for understanding racing circuits, directions and positioning on tracks, compass work
PSHE
Goal setting and personal achievement, resilience during challenging activities, teamwork and cooperation in relay racing
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with clear sight lines to entire circuit, moving to provide individual feedback during activities
Observation Focus
Pace consistency, technique on bends, strategic thinking, team cooperation, signs of fatigue
Intervention Points
["Step in if students showing signs of overexertion", "Provide individual coaching for technique difficulties", "Facilitate team discussions if strategy conflicts arise"]
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, provide multiple examples of pacing strategies, show both correct and incorrect bend technique for comparison
Verbal Cues
- •'Feel your pace, don't fight it!'
- •'Lean into the bend, hug that line!'
- •'Think strategy, not just speed!'
- •'Control your breathing!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 50m x 30m for circuit creation, or access to school athletics track
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from holes or debris that could cause injury during sustained running
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check cones are stable and visible
- •Ensure stopwatches are working properly
- •Verify relay batons have no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Overexertion during sustained running activities
- •Collisions during relay races and circuit running
- •Trips and falls on uneven surfaces
- •Heat exhaustion during extended physical activity
Risk Mitigation
- •Progressive warm-up to prepare bodies for sustained effort
- •Clear spacing between teams and runners
- •Regular monitoring for signs of fatigue or distress
- •Adequate rest periods between intense activities
- •Emphasis on personal pace rather than competition
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe the entire circuit
- •Monitor bend sections for proper technique and safety
- •Watch for signs of overexertion during middle-distance work
- •Ensure proper hydration opportunities
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, call for additional support if needed