KS4 · Physical education · Year 10
Sprint training
Non-examined assessment: athletics practical
Learn it. Recall it. Make it stick.
IllumED Slides
IllumED · 1/10
Your learning goal
I can sprint with effective technique to reach maximal performance.
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Sprint training: 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 with effective technique to reach maximal performance.
Key learning points
- Move: effective sprinting technique requires appropriate stride length, high knees and strong elbow drive.
- Move: correctly performed sprint starts launch the performer into the drive phase and improve overall time.
- Think: remembering to keep low during the drive phase will ensure a quick start.
- Feel: being focussed and dedicated to performing at maximal levels will ensure you achieve your best performance.
- Connect: assessing a peer and giving feedback will help to check and improve technique and motivate them.
Words to know
- sprint start
- the explosive phase of a sprint in which the performer moves from stationary into movement on the starter’s command
- drive phase
- the second phase of the race in the first 20m following the start
- efficient
- optimally converting energy into forward momentum
Common mistakes
At the beginning of a sprint performance, pupils will rise up into an upright position as soon as possible.
An effective drive phase of sprinting sees the body gradually rise up over the first 20m before assuming an upright position. Trying to get upright too soon after starting will hinder acceleration.
For parents, carers and teachers
- Performance in sprints is often maximised when performed alongside those with similar ability and speed. Even in training practices, group pupils by ability as closely as possible to motivate them to run maximally.