KS4 · Physical education · Year 10
Middle distance performance
Non-examined assessment: athletics practical
Learn it. Recall it. Make it stick.
IllumED Slides
IllumED · 1/10
Your learning goal
I can manage the different phases of the 800m to perform my personal best time.
1 of 10
Middle distance performance: 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 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.
Words to know
- 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 mistakes
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).
For parents, carers and teachers
- 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.