Speed and Coordination

Overview

This 50-minute lesson is designed for a class of 30 students (divided into small groups of 3 for stations) focusing on developing speed and coordination skills within athletics. It aligns with the UK National Curriculum for Physical Education (Key Stage 2, Ages 9-11) emphasising physical competence, tactical knowledge, and personal fitness.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the session, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate improved sprinting speed and effective technique.
• Execute coordinated movements when jumping hurdles.
• Develop accuracy and power in javelin throwing (using safety-appropriate equipment).
• Enhance fine motor coordination through a specially designed running with button station.
• Exhibit teamwork and sportsmanship through warm-up games.

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Curriculum Links

• National Curriculum for PE (Key Stage 2):
  Pupils should continue to apply and develop a broader range of skills, learning how to use them in different ways and to link them to make actions and sequences of movement. They should enjoy communicating, collaborating and competing with each other.
• Association for Physical Education (AfPE) Quality PE framework:
  Encourages progressive learning of fundamental movement skills and specialised physical skills.

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Equipment Needed

• Lightweight foam javelins or rubber throws for safety
• Mini hurdles (adjusted height for KS2)
• Small plastic buttons (large enough to be safe)
• Stopwatch or timer
• Cones to mark stations and boundaries
• Whistle

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction and Safety Briefing (5 minutes)

• Quick discussion on the importance of speed and coordination in athletics.
• Safety rules, especially for throwing and hurdles.
• Explain rotation method and buddy system (groups of 3 per station).

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2. Warm-Up Games (10 minutes)

Game 1: “Speed Tag” (5 minutes)

• Area: Clearly marked square or circular zone.
• Rules: One or two “taggers” try to touch other players. Tagged players perform 5 star jumps before rejoining.
• Objective: Develop quick changes in speed and reaction.

Game 2: “Coordination Simon Says” (5 minutes)

• Teacher calls out physical actions (jumping, balancing on one foot, sprinting on spot, side steps).
• Mix in coordination challenges: e.g., "Simon says run on your heels" or "Simon says hop with one hand touching the ground".
• Objective: Develop body awareness and coordination.

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3. Main Activity: Athletics Skill Stations (30 minutes)

Students are divided into 10 groups of 3, rotating through each station for 7 minutes with 30 seconds transition.

Station 1: Javelin Throw

• Focus: Throwing technique, power, and accuracy.
• Method: Each student gets 3 throws aiming at a target cone. Emphasise grip, run-up, and controlled release.
• Safety: Use foam/rubber javelins to keep environment safe.

Station 2: Mini Hurdle Jumps

• Focus: Coordination and rhythm.
• Set up 5 mini hurdles spaced for KS2 stride length.
• Activity: Students sprint and jump over hurdles using quick, controlled leg movements.
• Coaching points: Lead knee up, quick ground contact, arm action.

Station 3: Button Run

• Focus: Coordination, agility, and hand-eye coordination.
• Set-up: Students run 15m while balancing a large plastic button on the back of their hand.
• Task: Complete as quickly as possible without dropping the button.
• Modification: If drop, return to start and continue.

Station 4: Speed Relay with Baton Pass

• Focus: Sprint speed and smooth baton handling.
• Set-up: Teams of 3 relay up and down a marked 20m track.
• Instructions: Practise quick takeoffs and safe baton exchanges.
• Reflection: Discuss how coordination in passing affects overall speed.

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4. Cool-Down and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Slow jogging followed by static stretches focusing on legs, arms, and back.
• Circle time discussion:
  What skill challenged you the most?
  How can coordination help in other sports or daily activities?
  Which station was your favourite, and why?

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Assessment and Differentiation

Aspect	Strategies
Assessing Speed	Time sprints using stopwatch, observe technique improvements across stations.
Coordination	Watch for smooth movements at hurdles and button run station, provide immediate feedback.
Differentiation	Adjust hurdle height and distance based on student ability; use larger or more stable buttons for coordination struggles; alternate throwing distance in javelin station.
Inclusion	Pair students thoughtfully to allow peer support; provide verbal cues for instructions.

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Teacher Tips

• Rotate groups clockwise to maintain flow.
• Use positive reinforcement focusing on effort and teamwork.
• Vary equipment if possible to keep engagement (e.g., different coloured buttons).
• Incorporate music rhythm in warm-up for added coordination challenge.
• Record or video portions for visual feedback in next lesson.

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Extension Ideas

• Introduce simple biomechanical explanations for running and throwing.
• Challenge students to create their own coordination games for peer teaching next time.
• Link skills to real athletics events like 100m sprint or javelin competitions.

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This lesson plan brings together fundamental physical literacy pillars—speed, coordination, teamwork—through engaging, varied activities ensuring pupils experience success and understanding in athletics within the UK curriculum framework.