Athletics - Lesson 3

In the third lesson of a Year 1 athletics plan, the objective is to develop pupils' ability to run with speed and kick with accuracy. The session begins with a warm-up game called Domes and Dishes Team Challenge, where pupils work in teams to flip cones within a set time, fostering both agility and teamwork. Variations and extensions to the game are provided to adjust the difficulty level. The main activity progresses to focus on sprinting and kicking skills. For sprinting, pupils run in a zigzag formation around cones, with their performance timed and scored to encourage speed and agility. Key teaching points include running on the balls of the feet, driving the knees forward, and using the arms efficiently, all while keeping the eyes forward and maintaining an upright posture.

The lesson then shifts to target kicking, where pupils are grouped and tasked with knocking down skittles by kicking a ball from a distance. Each pupil has three attempts to hit as many skittles as possible, with the aim of achieving a high score. The technique focuses on using the instep for controlled kicking, keeping the eye on the target, and following through with the kicking leg for power. Pupil discussions encourage reflection on the use of different legs for kicking and the effects of varying the kicking strength. The session culminates in a competitive obstacle course that combines the running and kicking activities, with teams aiming to knock over skittles and complete the course. The cool-down involves a gentle jog and stretches with the ball, followed by a reflection on the skills learned during the lesson, allowing pupils to identify their strengths and areas for improvement.