Lesson 1 - Sprint Start & Power
Power & Technique Excellence
•Year 6
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use power and technique to become faster sprinters and achieve our personal best times?
Learning Objectives
- Use power to improve sprint start technique and increase running speed
- Refine running skills through practice and experimentation with different techniques
- Work collaboratively to record accurate results and support improvement
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved sprint start technique using both standing and crouch starts
- Students will show increased understanding of how power generation affects sprint performance
- Students will accurately measure and record sprint times to track personal improvement
Equipment & Resources Required
Mark sprint lanes, islands for warm-up game, and measurement points
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or playground markings
One per small group for accurate timing
Alternative: Mobile phone timers, playground clock
For measuring sprint distances and recording results
Alternative: Trundle wheels, marked playground lines
Pre-prepared with name, attempt columns, and measurement units
Alternative: Exercise books, clipboards with paper
For clear start signals and activity transitions
Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals
Key Vocabulary
The technique used to begin a short-distance race with maximum acceleration
The combination of strength and speed to generate explosive movement
The initial acceleration phase where the runner gradually rises to full sprinting position
Starting position with hands on ground and one knee down for maximum power generation
The distance covered in each running step
The rate at which a runner increases their speed from the start
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running technique with arm and leg coordination
- Understanding of fair play and taking turns
- Experience with measuring and recording simple data
Current Skills
- Sprint start technique development (standing and crouch)
- Power generation through body positioning
- Accurate timing and distance measurement
Next Steps
- Advanced sprint techniques including baton changes
- Competitive sprint events and race tactics
- Training programmes for sustained improvement
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Power generation comes from explosive leg drive and strong arm action
- Crouch start position loads muscles for maximum explosive force
- Forward body lean in start position creates potential energy for acceleration
- Eyes down during first few steps maintains optimal body position
- Gradual rise to full sprinting height maximises acceleration phase
- Practice and measurement help track improvement and build confidence
- Personal improvement is more important than comparison with others
Common Misconceptions
- Students think bigger strides always mean faster running - explain optimal stride length
- Standing starts are easier than crouch starts - show how crouch creates more power
- Looking ahead during starts is better - explain why eyes down improves technique
- Fastest person has best technique - emphasise personal improvement over comparison
- Sprint technique doesn't matter for short distances - show how starts affect overall performance
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts with clear start/stop signals, active roles for all students, immediate feedback
dyspraxia
- Simplified technique focus, extra practice time, peer support for coordination development
autism spectrum
- Clear routine for start commands, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet practice area if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured cones for lane markers, verbal descriptions of technique, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual start signals (flag or hand signal), written technique points, clear visual demonstrations
physical disability
- Adapted start positions (seated or supported), modified sprint distances, alternative timing roles
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development - technical terms like acceleration, power, technique, descriptive language for movement
Maths
Measuring distances accurately, timing to nearest second, recording and comparing data, calculating improvements
Science
Forces and motion - how explosive force creates acceleration, friction between feet and ground, body mechanics
PSHE
Personal goal setting, resilience when facing challenges, supporting and encouraging peers
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at side of sprint lanes for clear view of all students, move to different angles to check technique
Observation Focus
Watch for explosive starts, correct body positioning, and safe running technique
Intervention Points
Step in if students showing poor technique, unsafe practices, or not following instructions
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, demonstrate from side view for body positioning
Verbal Cues
- •'Explosive push-off!'
- •'Drive those arms!'
- •'Eyes down for power!'
- •'Feel the power building!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area with clear sprint lanes, or large sports hall
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or wet patches
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Cones securely placed and visible
- •Stopwatches working correctly
- •Measuring tapes in good condition without sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during sprint starts
- •Slips and falls on wet surfaces
- •Muscle strains from explosive movements
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear lane markings with adequate spacing
- •Proper warm-up before intense sprinting
- •Gradual progression from easy to explosive movements
- •All students sprinting in same direction
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all sprint lanes simultaneously
- •Monitor for correct technique to prevent injury
- •Ensure students follow start signals
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, seek medical attention if required