Hurdles and Sprints

Overview

This 45-minute session, Lesson 5 of 6 in the "Athletics Skills for All" unit, is designed for Year 5 students (aged 9-10). It builds on prior lessons aimed at developing core athletic skills by focusing on hurdle technique and sprinting. The lesson is fully inclusive, featuring adapted activities for wheelchair users, ensuring every pupil can participate and progress.

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National Curriculum Links

Key Stage 2 (Year 5) PE Program

• Pupils should be taught to:
  • Use running, jumping, throwing and catching in isolation and in combination (NC PoS 2014)
  • Play competitive games, modified where appropriate, and apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending (competitive activities)
  • Develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance, for example through athletics
  • Compare their performances with previous ones and demonstrate improvement to achieve their personal best

Inclusion: Ensure activities meet the Equality Act 2010 requirements - adapting activities to meet all pupils’ needs.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:

1. Demonstrate effective hurdle technique over low-height hurdles with control and rhythm.
2. Apply sprinting techniques to improve speed and acceleration in short distances.
3. Participate cooperatively and competitively in sprint relays, including adaptations for wheelchair users.
4. Reflect on their own performance and identify areas for improvement (personal best).

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Resources and Equipment

• Adjustable low hurdles (set to a safe, comfortable height for Year 5)
• Cones to mark sprint lanes and relay exchange zones
• Stopwatch or timing app for measuring sprint and relay times
• Wheelchairs for adapted sprint relays (ensure safety checks done beforehand)
• Whistle for signalling starts/stops
• Chalk or tape for start and finish lines
• Clipboards with simple observation checklists for self and peer assessments

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Lesson Structure

1. Warm-Up (8 minutes)

• Dynamic stretches and mobility drills:
  • High knees, butt kicks, arm swings, leg swings (2 mins)
  • Low-intensity jogging around the hall/field (3 mins)
• Introduction to hurdle drills:
  • Pupils mimic hurdle rhythm by stepping over taped lines on the floor to introduce hurdle pacing (3 mins)

Why: Prepares muscles and joints, reinforces coordination needed for hurdle clearance.

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2. Hurdle Technique Practice (15 minutes)

Activity A: Technique Focus

• Set hurdles at a comfortable height (approx. 15-20cm for Year 5).
• Explain and demonstrate key hurdle components:
  • Lead leg straight over hurdle, quick and smooth motion
  • Trail leg bent and pulled through efficiently
  • Maintain forward momentum and rhythm
• Pupils take turns running over 4-6 hurdles individually, focusing on form rather than speed.

Activity B: Partner Feedback

• Pupils pair up and use simple criteria (body position, rhythm, foot placement) to give positive, specific feedback.

Inclusion: Wheelchair users complete a parallel ‘roll and slalom’ activity navigating cones to develop upper body strength and rhythm, simulating flow and acceleration.

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3. Sprinting Drills and Relay (15 minutes)

Activity A: Sprint Technique Drills (~7 minutes)

• Emphasise key sprinting skills: explosive starts, arm drive, knee lift, lean finish
• Short bursts (10-20m) practising starts from two-point stance or standing starts

Activity B: Inclusive Sprint Relay (~8 minutes)

• Divide class into 2 or 3 teams (mix of seated and ambulant pupils)
• Sprint relay with baton exchanges in marked zones
• Wheelchair users participate in rolling relays using their speed and handling skills
• Timing each team to encourage personal and team improvement

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4. Cool Down and Reflection (7 minutes)

• Slow jog/walk followed by static stretching (hamstrings, calves, quads, shoulders)
• Group discussion:
  • What did you do well in hurdles and sprints today?
  • What would you like to improve next time?
• Pupils complete a short self-assessment checklist (could be pictorial) rating their confidence and enjoyment.

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Assessment for Learning

• Observation:
  • Monitor technique accuracy and effort during hurdle and sprint drills.
  • Check engagement and inclusion during wheelchair activities.
• Peer feedback:
  • Partners provide specific positive feedback, promoting social skills and understanding of technique.
• Self-assessment:
  • Pupils reflect on their own strengths and goals linked to personal best progress.

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Differentiation and Inclusion

• Adjustable hurdle heights to meet varied physical abilities.
• Parallel tasks for wheelchair users focusing on ballistics and speed control.
• Use of clear verbal cues, demonstration, and visual markers for pupils with learning or sensory needs.
• Encourage peer support and cooperative learning.

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Safety Considerations

• Confirm the floor surface is appropriate and free from hazards.
• Ensure hurdles are secure and adjustable only by adults.
• Check wheelchair condition and safe space for rolling without obstacles.
• Reinforce spacing between pupils during sprinting/hurdling to avoid collisions.

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This lesson ensures all pupils build on their athletic skills, celebrate their personal bests, and experience the thrill of competition in a supportive, inclusive environment aligned with the National Curriculum for England.