Introduction to pacing
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore how to pace myself when running over a longer distance.
Key learning points
- Move: when running longer distances we need relaxed shoulders, arms swinging naturally and a comfortable stride length.
- Move: long distance running requires a steady pace and rhythm that you can keep up for a long time saving energy.
- Think: if we sprint during a long distance race and do not pace ourselves, we run out of energy and have to slow down.
- Feel: pacing ourselves over a longer distance requires us to be self-disciplined to make sure we can finish the race.
- Connect: we can help our partners improve their pacing by communicating whether they need to speed up or slow down.
Keywords
Long distance - a type of running race or activity that covers a significant distance
Pacing - running at a speed that we can keep up for a long time
Energy - a fuel for our body which helps us to move and do things
Common misconception
Pupils sprint and then slow up and then sprint again and slow again, especially at the start of the run.
Explain that having a steady rhythm may not get pupils to the front initially, but their overall time will be quicker than if they sprint and stop continuously.
Teacher tip
Ensure the track set up is large enough for half the class to run at once. Alternatively, you can create 2 tracks and split the class.
Equipment
30+ cones
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which action helps you to run consistently fast?
Q2.Which word describes getting faster as a race begins?
Q3.What can help you to maintain speed in the middle of a sprint race?
Q4.What does striving to improve and trying your best demonstrate?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which word describes running at a speed you can keep up for a long time?
Q2.When running, what can help you to save energy?
Q3.What can cause you to quickly lose energy at the start of the run?
Q4.What do you need to have to ensure you finish a long distance run without stopping?
To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: Introduction to pacing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: Introduction to pacing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 2 physical education lessons from the Athletics: athletic challenges developed unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.