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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...