Middle distance training
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can maintain an effective running style at an ideal pace to complete 800m.
Key learning points
- Move: maintaining an effective smooth, upright and relaxed running technique will maximise the use of energy.
- Move: discovering a pace which is sustainable for you and performing it consistently will aid performance in races.
- Think: making good decisions about the pace you can sustain will positively impact your personal best.
- Feel: self-assessing your condition during performance will help to select and apply the optimal pace going forward.
- Connect: working with others to discover your ideal pace will build confidence in your ability to apply it in a race.
Keywords
Pace - the steady, controlled speed a runner maintains during the race
Split time - time taken to cover a segment of the race
Upright - a vertical posture maintaining a straight back
Common misconception
Pupils may perform middle distances by jogging the majority to conserve energy and putting a sprint in at the end. This often leads to pupils wishing they had put more effort into the initial stages.
A well performed 800m requires a fine line between holding back some energy for the finish but also performing at around 80-90% maximum effort for around the first 600m.
Teacher tip
This lesson is designed with pupils performing 800m due to its accessibility to mixed ability groups. However, if you believe your pupils would suit 1500m, you can find alternative split times in the additional materials.
Equipment
A whistle, stack of cones and a stopwatch.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What are you most likely to experience in the final phase of sprinting?
Q2.Over what distance does the body gradually rise to upright in sprints?
Q3.What part of the foot contacts the ground in sprinting?
Q4.What can you do post race to show respect to your fellow competitors?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of these is a common mistake in middle distance running?
Q2.The first lap of the 800m should be performed at what percentage of your maximum effort?
Q3.What action would you take if you are feeling tired after the first lap?
Q4.What should your breathing pattern be like during a middle distance run?
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Middle distance training, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Middle distance training, 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 4 physical education lessons from the Non-examined assessment: athletics practical unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.