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      Running for speed competition

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can run as fast as possible when taking part in a competition.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: when sprinting, making sure we have accurate head, arm and leg technique helps us run quicker in a competition.
      2. Move: when receiving the relay baton, our hand is behind us, palm up and we start to run before receiving it.
      3. Think: creating and applying various relay tactics can make our team run faster in competition.
      4. Feel: it is important to try our best when competing against other individuals and teams to show we have integrity.
      5. Connect: collaborating and organising our team in relay races demonstrates trustworthiness.

      Keywords

      • Technique - the method we use to perform a task

      • Team - a group of people who work together with the objective of achieving the same goal

      • Compete - the process or act of trying to win

      Common misconception

      Pupils believe that winning is everything and become disappointed if they fail to win every race.

      Encourage pupils to focus on personal improvement, teamwork and enjoying themselves.

      Teacher tip

      If there are some teams with extra pupils, due to the group number, ensure they all get the opportunity to compete. Assign roles to any pupils not running, such as official starter and finish line judge. Rotate pupils so they have non running roles at some stage for an equal learning experience.

      Equipment

      30+ cones, 1 relay baton between 4 pupils, worksheet: running competition scoresheet

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which events require you to sprint?

      shot put
      Correct answer: relay race
      standing triple jump

      Q2.
      Which part of a sprint race requires you to accelerate?

      Correct answer: the start
      the middle
      the end

      Q3.
      What can help you to maintain your top speed after accelerating?

      shorter strides
      looking down
      Correct answer: longer strides

      Q4.
      What do you demonstrate by continuing to try, even if you don’t win your race?

      Correct answer: courage
      honesty
      communication

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What can help you to run quicker in a short distance race?

      racing your friends
      Correct answer: good running technique
      starting slow

      Q2.
      What can help your relay team to complete a race quicker?

      Correct answer: using tactics
      throwing the baton
      not communicating

      Q3.
      Which word describes the method you use to perform a task?

      Correct Answer: technique

      Q4.
      How can you race with integrity when racing against others?

      false starting
      Correct answer: always trying hard
      always winning

      To help you plan your 6 physical education lesson on: Running for speed competition, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...