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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can plan a training programme using suitable training methods and progressive overload.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: challenging ourselves to work at our maximum level, without compromising technique, will help prevent injury.
      2. Think: applying progressive overload throughout a training programme will provide challenge and decrease boredom.
      3. Feel: planning a specific training plan that meets your needs gives a feeling of control.
      4. Connect: communicating with others to share ideas helps nurture friendships and learning from each other.

      Keywords

      • Fitness - the ability to meet the demands of the environment

      • Training programme - a structured approach to exercise designed to improve fitness and achieve specific goals

      • Progressive overload - gradually increasing the amount of stress on the body so fitness gains occur

      Common misconception

      Progressive overload only applies when weight training.

      Gradually increasing frequency, intensity and time or altering the type of exercise through the manipulation of different training methods can develop all fitness components. Clear examples must be shared across activities other than weight training.

      Teacher tip

      Support with ideas for progressions for skill based activities to ensure they overload the body.

      Equipment

      one ball per pupil - mixture of footballs, basketballs/netballs, cones, stopwatches

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What is most important about our performance when we complete exercises that are designed to improve our fitness?

      Correct answer: good technique
      good confidence
      100% effort

      Q2.
      What must happen at the start of every training programme?

      Correct answer: warm up
      fitness test
      quiz

      Q3.
      What would it mean if our fitness had plateaued?

      Correct answer: stayed the same
      improved
      decreased

      Q4.
      What do we need when training programmes are really challenging?

      good posture
      Correct answer: resilience
      power

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What component of fitness can we develop by applying progressive overload?

      just strength
      Correct answer: any component
      none of them

      Q2.
      What does applying progressive overload to training programmes prevent?

      Correct answer: boredom and injury
      challenge and progress
      adaptations

      Q3.
      Why is it important in the planning phase to communicate and share our ideas?

      Correct answer: learn from others
      validate our thoughts
      to increase pace

      Q4.
      What must not be sacrificed when challenging our body to work at its maximum to achieve our aims?

      work rate
      Correct answer: technique
      image

      To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Planning a training programme, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...