New
New
Lesson 1 of 12
  • Year 7

Running for speed and the relationship between distance and time

I understand the relationship between running different speeds and distances and how to maximise my distance in a 20 second run.

Lesson 1 of 12
New
New
  • Year 7

Running for speed and the relationship between distance and time

I understand the relationship between running different speeds and distances and how to maximise my distance in a 20 second run.

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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: running over different distances requires different styles and paces to achieve your best performance.
  2. Move: sprinting requires the coordination of elbow and knee drives simultaneously to maximise performance.
  3. Think: calculating how fast you can run and how long you can sustain it for will help you to select the right pace.
  4. Feel: setting yourself a goal before performing can increase motivation levels.
  5. Connect: helping someone else to improve can be rewarding for both of you.

Keywords

  • Distance - the amount of ground covered while running

  • Sprinting - running at maximum speed

  • Goal - a specific target or outcome that a person aims to achieve

Common misconception

Pupils may believe that all the power in sprinting comes from the legs and not use their arms enough when performing.

Power in sprinting is created by a combination of powerful legs and arms working simultaneously, hence why sprinters often have muscular arms as well as legs.


To help you plan your year 7 physical education lesson on: Running for speed and the relationship between distance and time, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

In the effective sprinting technique section, it would be beneficial to perform the investigation into the relationship between arms and legs before sharing the explanation, as it gives the answers away.
Teacher tip

Equipment

stack of cones, whistle

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.
How can you show integrity when performing?

Correct answer: trying your hardest
being lazy
disrespecting others

Q2.
How will good running technique help you?

Correct answer: efficient energy use
stops you tiring
guarantees race wins

Q3.
Which of these is the fastest running style?

jog
Correct answer: sprint
moderate run

Q4.
What does it mean to ‘pace yourself’?

keep changing speed
Correct answer: maintain steady speed
start quickly

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which limbs are important in producing power in sprinting?

arms
legs
Correct answer: arms and legs

Q2.
Which % of your maximum pace is most likely to suit running in the 800m?

50%
Correct answer: 75%
100%

Q3.
How can goal setting help you to perform well in running?

Correct answer: gives added motivation
distracts you
guarantees better results

Q4.
Which body parts should our hands move level to during a sprint?

hip to ear
hip to shoulder
Correct answer: hip to lip