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Year 1

Running

I can experiment with different running techniques and begin to understand how to run as fast as possible.

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New
New
Year 1

Running

I can experiment with different running techniques and begin to understand how to run as fast as possible.

Download all resources
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These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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Lesson guide

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: running fast requires focusing the head forwards and pumping the arms.
  2. Move: running fast requires driving from the balls of your feet.
  3. Think: using the correct technique with our head, arms and feet will enable us to run faster.
  4. Feel: showing confidence in your running technique will help to improve performance.
  5. Connect: showing empathy and encouragement will help others to develop running technique.

Keywords

  • Running - the activity of moving fast using our feet

  • Fast - moving all or part of the body as quickly as possible

  • Technique - the method we use to perform a task

Common misconception

Pupils move with limited or incorrect arm action such as punching their arms forwards. Pupils often run flat footed and look around at others while running instead of focusing forwards.

Tell pupils to run with pumping arms (pump backwards to propel forwards). Tell pupils to run with their head focused forwards and on the ball parts of the feet.

Provide demonstrations throughout to aid understanding of the correct technique. Award points to pupils who show the correct technique, who understand the correct technique, who help others with their technique and those who continue to try hard at improving their technique.
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Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

A beanbag each, 20m of running track, 30+ cones (all colours), 15 red cones

content-guidance

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity
supervision-level

Supervision

Adult supervision required

copyright

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Starter quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What is the quickest way of moving?
walking
jogging
Correct answer: running
Q2.
What do we call an open area that we can run into?
Correct answer: space
square
box
Q3.
Which activity requires the most energy?
walking
Correct answer: running
sitting down
Q4.
What do you call the person who is trying to stop you in a game?
Correct Answer: a defender

Exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What is it called when we move all, or part of the body as quickly as possible?
Correct Answer: fast
Q2.
Why should we run using the correct technique?
Correct Answer: to be as fast as possible
Q3.
What do we do with our arms when running to ensure we can run as fast as possible?
Correct Answer: pump them
Q4.
What could we say to someone who has not won, which would show empathy?
Correct Answer: Well done for trying, empathy