KS3 · Physical education · Year 9
Adapt to different distances
Athletics: fitness development of pace or power
Learn it. Recall it. Make it stick.
IllumED Slides
IllumED · 1/10
Your learning goal
I can adapt my pace and technique to race over different distances
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Adapt to different distances: slides adapted from the imported teaching text; recall questions created from its keywords, learning points and common mistakes. Self-check practice, with no automatic grading or XP. Answers stay on this page and are cleared when you leave.
What you’ll learn
I can adapt my pace and technique to race over different distances
Key learning points
- Move: adapting your pacing strategy helps you run more efficiently over longer distances.
- Move: refining your stride rhythm supports controlled effort and endurance across increased distances.
- Think: understanding the physical demands of longer races helps you plan a more effective strategy.
- Feel: learning how to stay composed during longer races builds confidence in your ability to go further.
- Connect: encouraging peers during challenging races helps build mutual respect and shared motivation.
Words to know
- pacing
- controlling your speed to match the demands of the distance
- strategy
- a plan for how to approach and complete the race
- stride
- each step taken when running, including its length and rhythm
Common mistakes
Pupils often believe they can maintain their shorter distance pace over the longer distance, without needing to adjust.
Longer distances require more controlled pacing. Running a 1500m at 800m pace or a 200m at 100m pace will almost always lead to early fatigue and poor performance. Learning to distribute your effort is key to completing longer events effectively.
For parents, carers and teachers
- With learning cycles here for both 1500m and 200m, you could choose to focus on just one distance. Depending on time, you could go into more detail or split the lesson into two lessons.