KS4 · Physical education · Year 10

Sprint performance

Non-examined assessment: athletics practical

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Your learning goal

I can sprint a full race distance adapting effectively to different phases.

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Sprint 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 sprint a full race distance adapting effectively to different phases.

Key learning points

Move: use a sprint start to power yourself into the drive phase and accelerate quickly towards your maximal speed.
Move: during the drive phase use effective technique to move with maximal possible speed.
Think: understanding which phase the race is in and adapting technique to the phase will maximise your performance.
Feel: being determined, even during the final phase when fatigued, will help to achieve the best possible time.
Connect: congratulate all your opponents at the end of the race to demonstrate mutual respect.

Words to know

maximal: the best possible performance with maximum effort
phase: a particular stage of the race performance
fatigue: decline in physical performance as the body reaches its limits

Common mistakes

Pupils will tire during the latter phases of a 100m sprint race and may withdraw their effort because fatigue is setting in and they expected to perform at maximal throughout.

Fatigue will always feature in the final stages if the athlete is giving it their best. Recognising this by remaining determined to finish and maintaining technique will result in the best possible time.

For parents, carers and teachers

Remember that performance quality is the important measure with GCSE PE practical assessments. With adolescents it is possible a less biologically mature pupil will perform technically better than a more mature pupil, despite completing the distance in a slower time.