New
New
Year 3

Sprinting: explore acceleration

I can explain how and why we need to accelerate at the start of a race.

New
New
Year 3

Sprinting: explore acceleration

I can explain how and why we need to accelerate at the start of a race.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: keeping our head up, pumping our arms, elbows bent, running on the balls of our feet helps us run faster.
  2. Move: at the start of the race we must shorten our stride, keep our body low and drive our arms accelerating quickly.
  3. Think: accelerating well at the start of a race can give us an advantage over our opponents so we get a head start.
  4. Feel: focusing on yourself and continuing to try hard to improve your technique demonstrates self-motivation.
  5. Connect: treating our opponents with respect when we race against one another develops cooperation and trust

Keywords

  • Accelerate - getting faster and faster as the race begins

  • Race - a competition where runners compete to see who can run the fastest over a certain distance.

  • Sprinting - when you run and use all of your energy to go as fast as you can for a short distance

Common misconception

When applying their acceleration skills to a race, pupils false start in an attempt to win.

Explain to pupils that they need to start fast, reacting quickly to the start command, however, too many false starts can result in being disqualified.


To help you plan your year 3 physical education lesson on: Sprinting: explore acceleration, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

In cycle 3, group pupils in ability groups to create an environment where they push and challenge each other and each pupil gets the chance to experience success.
Teacher tip

Equipment

30+ cones, 1 ball between 2, bibs.

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 word describes each runner’s individual space on the track?
Correct answer: lane
box
space
Q2.
How should you pump your arms when applying the sprinting technique?
up and down
to the side
Correct answer: forwards and backwards
Q3.
What happens if you run out of your lane?
You run slower
Correct answer: you are disqualified
you fall over
Q4.
How can you show resilience when sprinting?
Correct answer: keep trying
slow down
smile

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which word describes getting faster and faster?
sprinting
winning
Correct answer: accelerating
Q2.
In which part of the race should you accelerate?
the end
Correct answer: the start
the middle
Q3.
How can you be respectful towards other runners when you race?
Correct answer: congratulating each other
ignoring each other
letting them win
Q4.
What is it called if you start running before the starting signal?
Correct Answer: a false start