New
New
Year 4

Use tactics when running for distance

I can improve my ability to pace myself to improve my long distance running performance.

New
New
Year 4

Use tactics when running for distance

I can improve my ability to pace myself to improve my long distance running performance.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: we must maintain a steady pace so that we can keep going in long distance running even if others set off quickly.
  2. Move: breathing deeply during long distance running will help increase our oxygen intake and improve endurance.
  3. Think: pacing ourselves in a long distance race is a good tactic to allow us to reserve energy for a sprint finish.
  4. Feel: applying running tactics and completing the run without stopping shows determination.
  5. Connect: communicating and discussing race tactics helps us to improve our performance.

Keywords

  • Pacing - running at a speed that we can keep up for a long time. It's like finding a comfortable speed so we don't get too tired too quickly

  • Tactics - a carefully planned set of actions that are used by a team or an individual to achieve a certain goal

  • Performance - how well we run or compete in a race

Common misconception

Pupils believe that they shouldn't start to feel fatigued if they are pacing themselves and slow down or stop if they do.

Ensure that pupils understand that it is normal to feel fatigued during the run, even when they are pacing themselves, and they need to push through this using determination.


To help you plan your year 4 physical education lesson on: Use tactics when running for distance, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

When splitting pupils into running groups in cycle 1, where possible, try to use ability groups observed from previous lessons. In cycle 2, when choosing teams of 3, try to differentiate the teams in terms of ability.
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.
What should you do with your arms and shoulders when running a long distance?

pump them fast
Correct answer: relax them
tense them

Q2.
Which word describes a fuel for our body that helps us to move?

Correct answer: energy
liquids
speed

Q3.
Which stride length is most suitable for long distance running?

short
Correct answer: comfortable
long

Q4.
What can having good self-discipline help you to do in a long distance race?

go fast
use quick strides
Correct answer: finish without stopping

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which pace is best suited for a long distance race?

a sprint
walking
Correct answer: a steady pace

Q2.
Which word describes how well you run in a race?

winner
Correct answer: performance
tactics

Q3.
What should you do if you start to feel tired during a long distance run?

stop
Correct answer: continue running
speed up

Q4.
What can help you to improve your long distance running performance?

Correct answer: race tactics
sprinting
slowing down