New
New
Lesson 11 of 12
  • Year 9

Performing at your best

I can perform under pressure in a competitive scenario.

Lesson 11 of 12
New
New
  • Year 9

Performing at your best

I can perform under pressure in a competitive scenario.

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: putting maximum effort into a performance allows for testing fitness and technique under pressure.
  2. Move: rehearsing key parts of the event beforehand can help to hit peak form when it matters.
  3. Think: managing nerves and using mental strategies can help stay focused and perform to full potential.
  4. Feel: giving your best and reflecting on progress can build confidence and self-belief.
  5. Connect: encouraging others during performance creates a positive and supportive environment.

Keywords

  • Performance - the act of executing your run to the best of your ability, especially when it counts

  • Focus - maintaining concentration and control, before and during the race, to avoid errors and maximise outcomes

  • Motivation - the internal drive or excitement to perform well, often heightened by competition and support

Common misconception

Pupils may believe that they need to feel hyped up or overly energised to perform well.

Overexcitement can lead to mistakes, such as, starting too fast or losing focus. Controlled breathing and mental rehearsal help you stay calm, focused and perform more efficiently.


To help you plan your year 9 physical education lesson on: Performing at your best, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Matching pupils with others of similar ability/experience in race situations can help to push them to perform at their best. Choose race groups carefully for this added benefit.
Teacher tip

Equipment

cones, stopwatches, workbooks/sheets

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.
What kind of increases must we make when applying FITT principles?

very large
zero
Correct answer: incremental

Q2.
When is the best time to perform PNF?

Correct answer: after warming up
before warming up
during warm up

Q3.
What should both people do during PNF?

Correct answer: communicate clearly
stay silent
close their eyes

Q4.
What key benefit does PNF provide?

Correct answer: better flexibility
faster reactions
increased VO2 max

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What does deep breathing help with before a race?

feeling sleepy
Correct answer: calming yourself
hyping yourself up

Q2.
How can you help other runners when you are not running?

Correct answer: give encouragement
stay quiet
try distracting them

Q3.
What technique can boost confidence before running?

copying others
Correct answer: mental rehearsal
jumping around

Q4.
What could happen to someone who is overhyped at the start line?

run smoothly
feel focussed
Correct answer: start too quickly