Running for speed: sprinting
I can explore how to use my body to run as fast as possible so I have a good sprinting technique.
Running for speed: sprinting
I can explore how to use my body to run as fast as possible so I have a good sprinting technique.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Move: sprinting technique requires pumping arms, running on the balls of our feet, keeping our head focused forwards.
- Think: we need to stay in our own lane when sprinting to stop us from being disqualified.
- Feel: continuing to try our best, even when we don’t beat our record, shows that we have resilience.
- Connect: encouraging each other is important so everyone is motivated to try their best.
Keywords
Sprinting - when you run and use all of your energy to go as fast as you can for a short distance.
Race - a competition where runners compete to see who can run the fastest over a certain distance.
Lane - each runner’s individual space on the track so no one bumps into each other.
Common misconception
Pupils often believe that tensing their body (hands, face, arms, legs), will help them generate more speed.
Explain to pupils that this can actually slow them down, by affecting their running form and using energy inefficiently.
To help you plan your year 3 physical education lesson on: Running for speed: sprinting, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 physical education lesson on: Running for speed: sprinting, 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 unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
30+ cones, beanbags.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
