New
New
Year 4

Introduction to pacing

I can explore how to pace myself when running over a longer distance.

New
New
Year 4

Introduction to pacing

I can explore how to pace myself when running over a longer distance.

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: when running longer distances we need relaxed shoulders, arms swinging naturally and a comfortable stride length.
  2. Move: long distance running requires a steady pace and rhythm that you can keep up for a long time saving energy.
  3. Think: if we sprint during a long distance race and do not pace ourselves, we run out of energy and have to slow down.
  4. Feel: pacing ourselves over a longer distance requires us to be self-disciplined to make sure we can finish the race.
  5. 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.


To help you plan your year 4 physical education lesson on: Introduction to pacing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

30+ cones

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which action helps you to run consistently fast?
looking sideways
Correct answer: looking ahead
straight arms
Q2.
Which word describes getting faster as a race begins?
speed
winning
Correct answer: accelerating
Q3.
What can help you to maintain speed in the middle of a sprint race?
Correct answer: increased stride length
faster arm pump
trying harder
Q4.
What does striving to improve and trying your best demonstrate?
speed
Correct answer: determination
honesty

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which word describes running at a speed you can keep up for a long time?
sprinting
Correct answer: pacing
accelerating
Q2.
When running, what can help you to save energy?
sprinting
Correct answer: a steady pace
pumping your arms
Q3.
What can cause you to quickly lose energy at the start of the run?
pacing yourself
relaxing your shoulders
Correct answer: starting too fast
Q4.
What do you need to have to ensure you finish a long distance run without stopping?
Correct answer: self-discipline
speed
integrity