Sprinting: explore acceleration
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how and why we need to accelerate at the start of a race.
Key learning points
- Move: keeping our head up, pumping our arms, elbows bent, running on the balls of our feet helps us run faster.
- Move: at the start of the race we must shorten our stride, keep our body low and drive our arms accelerating quickly.
- Think: accelerating well at the start of a race can give us an advantage over our opponents so we get a head start.
- Feel: focusing on yourself and continuing to try hard to improve your technique demonstrates self-motivation.
- 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.
Teacher tip
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.
Equipment
30+ cones, 1 ball between 2, bibs.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which word describes each runner’s individual space on the track?
Q2.How should you pump your arms when applying the sprinting technique?
Q3.What happens if you run out of your lane?
Q4.How can you show resilience when sprinting?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which word describes getting faster and faster?
Q2.In which part of the race should you accelerate?
Q3.How can you be respectful towards other runners when you race?
Q4.What is it called if you start running before the starting signal?
To help you plan your 3 physical education lesson on: Sprinting: explore acceleration, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 physical education lesson on: Sprinting: explore acceleration, 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.