Sprinting and Jumping

Overview

This 45-minute session is lesson 2 of 6 in the unit "Athletics Skills for All" and is designed for a class of 10 Year 5 students (age 9-10). It focuses on developing sprinting agility and the standing long jump technique, with adaptations for wheelchair users. The lesson aligns with the National Curriculum for Physical Education (England, Key Stage 2) by promoting fundamental movement skills, physical competence, and personal wellbeing.

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National Curriculum Links

Key Stage 2 (Ages 9-11) - Physical Education Programme of Study:

• Pupils should be taught to:
  • Use running, jumping, throwing, and catching in isolation and in combination
  • Play competitive games and apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending (adapted here towards skill development)
  • Develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance
  • Perform dances using a range of movement patterns (movement patterns applies to sprint start positions and jumping technique)
  • Take part in outdoor and adventurous activity challenges both individually and within a team
  • Compare their performances with previous ones and demonstrate improvement to achieve their personal best

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson pupils will:

• Understand and demonstrate correct sprinting starts from a variety of positions to improve speed and agility (NC: running with technique)
• Perform the standing long jump focusing on coordinated technique to maximise distance (NC: jumping with balance and control)
• Measure and record jump distances accurately, fostering numeracy skills integrated with PE
• Adapt activities independently or with peers (including wheelchair users), promoting inclusivity and personal challenge
• Reflect on their own technique and set a simple improvement goal

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction and Warm-Up (10 minutes)

Objective: Prepare muscles and joints, introduce sprinting starts, build enthusiasm

• Circle briefing: Explain learning objectives and safety (2 mins)
• Dynamic warm-up:
  • Jogging around the hall/playground (2 mins)
  • High knees, butt kicks, side shuffles in pairs (3 mins)
  • Sprint starts practice from 3 positions: standing, crouch, and one knee down (3 mins)
    • Emphasise quick reaction, arm drive, looking forward

Quick Teacher Tip: Use a countdown "3-2-1-go" to simulate race starts, enhancing focus and excitement.

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2. Sprinting Drills (10 minutes)

Objective: Practice agility and acceleration from different start positions

• Set out 10m sprint lanes
• Students take turns sprinting from each starting position, focusing on explosive start and running technique
• Peers provide positive feedback using prompt cards: “Look straight ahead”, “Drive your arms”, “Push off powerfully”
• For wheelchair users: Modified push start drills from a stationary position to simulate sprinting effort

Inclusion Note: Encourage wheelchair users to propel from a stationary start on a smooth surface, focusing on explosive arm push.

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3. Standing Long Jump Technique (15 minutes)

Objective: Learn and apply long jump technique, measure distance

• Demonstrate standing long jump steps:
  • Bend knees, swing arms backward
  • Explode forward, swinging arms forward and extending legs
  • Land with knees slightly bent to absorb impact
• Group practice in pairs with teacher feedback
• Mark take-off line with cones or tape
• Measure each jump with tape measure/markers
• Record jump distances individually in a simple chart (helps embed numeracy)
• Wheelchair user adaptation:
  • Use a smooth ramp, students roll down in their wheelchairs aiming to land/stop on a soft mat
  • Focus: controlling approach speed and safe landing/stop

Differentiation:

• Provide visuals and step-by-step cue cards for the jump phases
• Peer mentoring for those needing extra support

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4. Cool Down and Reflection (10 minutes)

Objective: Recovery and self-assessment

• Cool down: slow walking, gentle stretching of legs and arms (5 mins)
• Group circle discussion:
  • What did you find easy or challenging?
  • How did your sprint starts or jump change from the start of the lesson?
  • Can you name one thing to improve before next lesson?
• Encourage self and peer praise to build confidence

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Resources Required

• Stopwatch or timer
• Cones and tape for marking sprint lanes and jump lines
• Tape measure or metre ruler
• Soft landing mat for long jump and wheelchair ramp stop zone
• Cue cards with sprinting and jump technique tips
• Individual recording sheets for jump measurements

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Assessment Opportunities

• Formative: Observation of sprint starts and jump technique with immediate verbal feedback
• Peer Assessment: Using prompt cards and reflection discussions
• Self-Assessment: Completion of simple jump charts and setting personal improvement targets
• Inclusion Check: Ensure wheelchair user can participate meaningfully and safely with adapted activity

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Extension Ideas / Homework

• Encourage pupils to practice sprint starts at home with family (standing, crouch, one knee start) and report any progress next lesson
• Create a "Jump Journal" for recording any jumping activities, distances or challenges out of school

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WOW Factor: Engaging Innovation

• Use a simple stopwatch app on tablets/phones for pupils to time their starts and sprints—this integrates technology literacy with PE
• Introduce a "Sprint-off" mini-challenge at the end of the sprint drills, where pupils guess their sprint time before running to add a playful element of measurement and prediction

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This lesson plan leverages inclusive practice, cross-curricular numeracy and technology, alongside National Curriculum expectations, offering an engaging, well-rounded session in athletics fundamentals.