Sprinting - Basics, Skills, and Techniques

Grade 7 · Physical Education

Semester 2 | Period 4 | Week 20

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Subject: Physical Education

Semester: 2

Period: 4

Week: 20

School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: Physical Education
Grade Level: Grade 7
Date:
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 20, Period 4
Topic: Sprinting – Basics, Skills, and Techniques
Sub-topic: Starting position, running posture, stride, arm movement, and breathing

Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the correct starting position for sprinting.
  2. Explain proper running posture, stride, arm movement, and breathing techniques.
  3. Identify notable Liberian sprinters and relate their techniques to practice.

Previous Knowledge
Students already know:
• Basic understanding of Track & Field events.
• General concepts of running and fitness.

Instructional Materials
• Textbook: Physical education textbooks for Grade 7
• Teaching aids: Diagrams of sprinting posture, videos of sprinting techniques, stopwatch, markers for starting lines
• Students' notebooks and writing materials

Lesson Development – ABC Model
A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Activity: The teacher will ask the class:
• “Who has participated in a sprint race before?”
• “What do you think makes a sprinter run faster?”
The teacher will record responses on the board.
Teacher’s Role: Guide discussion, highlight key sprinting skills, and correct misconceptions.
Learner’s Role:
• Share personal experiences and ideas about sprinting.
• Respond verbally and participate in the warm-up discussion.

B – BUILDING KNOWLEDGE (Main Lesson Body)
Time: 25–30 minutes

Teacher’s Role:
• Explain and demonstrate sprinting techniques:

  • Starting position: Crouch with hands on the starting line, weight balanced for explosive push-off.
  • Running posture: Upright torso, relaxed shoulders, head facing forward.
  • Stride: Focus on length and frequency, landing on the balls of the feet.
  • Arm movement: Elbows bent at ~90 degrees, coordinating opposite arm and leg movement.
  • Breathing: Use rhythmic breathing to maintain oxygen flow and reduce fatigue.
    • Highlight notable Liberian sprinters, such as George Weah, discussing their achievements and how proper techniques contributed to their performance.
    • Relate sprinting techniques to practical application in school athletics, emphasizing safety, coordination, and proper warm-up.

Learners’ Activities (Expanded):
• Take notes and ask clarifying questions.
• Watch teacher demonstrations of sprinting techniques.
• Practice starting positions, running posture, stride, arm movements, and breathing in small groups under supervision.
• Observe peers and provide feedback on correct technique.
• Discuss how following proper techniques can improve personal performance and prevent injuries.

Assessment Checks:
• Demonstrations:

  • “Demonstrate the correct sprinting start.”
  • “Show proper arm movement during a sprint.”
    • Oral questions:
  • “Why is arm movement important in sprinting?”
  • “Name a notable Liberian sprinter and one technique they use.”
    • Teacher observes and provides feedback on technique, coordination, and posture.

Notes (Expanded & Detailed):
• Sprinting is a short-distance track event requiring speed, power, and coordination.
• Correct technique improves performance, reduces fatigue, and prevents injury.
• Key elements include:

  • Starting position for an explosive launch.
  • Upright running posture for efficient motion.
  • Optimal stride length and frequency.
  • Coordinated arm movement to propel the body forward.
  • Controlled breathing for endurance and energy.
    • Liberia-specific reference: George Weah exemplifies discipline and mastery of sprinting technique, inspiring young athletes.

Practical Activities:

  • Pair students for sprint practice over short distances (10–20 meters).
  • Conduct mini-races applying proper technique.
  • Peer assessment: students observe each other’s posture, stride, and arm coordination.

Assignment:

  • Write a paragraph: “Explain how proper sprinting techniques help prevent injury and improve performance.”
  • List three key sprinting techniques and describe their importance.

 

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary:
• Teacher will ask students to recall starting position, posture, stride, arm movement, breathing techniques, and notable Liberian sprinters.
Evaluation Method (Expanded):
• Exit slip/quiz: Students will write short answers to:

  1. Explain the correct starting position in sprinting.
  2. Describe two aspects of running posture.
  3. Mention one notable Liberian sprinter and a technique they use.
    Teacher will collect and quickly review for understanding
    • Provide oral feedback before class ends
    Assignment (Expanded): Students will practice sprinting techniques at home or school track and record their time over a short distance, noting improvements.

Follow-up Activity: Students will pair up to observe and provide feedback on each other’s sprinting techniques.

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
• Struggling Learners: Provided with guided demonstrations, step-by-step instructions, and peer support.
• Advanced Learners: Asked to analyze sprinting mechanics and suggest ways to improve speed.
• Students with Disabilities: Supported through adapted demonstrations, visual aids, and modified sprint distances.

Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)
• What worked well? ______________________________________________________
• What needs improvement? _________________________________________________
• Students’ engagement level: □ High □ Medium □ Low