Middle distance performance
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can manage the different phases of the 800m to perform my personal best time.
Key learning points
- Move: running at a pace which is suited to your personal capabilities will help manage your energy and kick finish.
- Move: ‘kicking’ at an ideal moment towards the end of the race will improve finish time and overtake opponents.
- Think: constantly assess your condition and position to decide whether and when to kick.
- Feel: remaining confident and focused on your pacing strategy will ensure you perform at your maximal level.
- Connect: encouraging others when they are taking part in their races can motivate them to perform at their best.
Keywords
Kick - a strategic sprint in the final stages of the race
Pace - the steady, controlled speed a runner maintains during the race
Split time - time taken to cover a segment of the race
Common misconception
Pupils expend far too much energy by sprint starting instead of finding their race pace, leading them to tire in the second half of the race.
Pupils should focus on finding their race pace, not getting over excited at the start line, beginning too fast or being influenced by others who do. Ideally, the second half of the race is completed quicker than the first (called a negative split).
Teacher tip
It's difficult in mixed ability classes to create race situations in which pupils will form a pack and apply tactics. However, careful groupings by ability and target pace will make for better performances. This should include mixed gender groups.
Equipment
1 stopwatch between 2, a stack of cones, recording sheet.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is a common error made in the first lap of a middle distance race?
Q2.How many metres would you ideally run at 80-90% of your maximum pace?
Q3.Why might you decide to stick to maintaining your current pace mid-race?
Q4.What do we call a time taken to run a section of the distance?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.How quickly should you get to race pace?
Q2.What does a negative split in the second lap reflect?
Q3.How can non-participants aid performance?
Q4.When are you most likely to be working anaerobically in 800m?
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Middle distance performance, 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 performance, 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.