Athletics (Track Events): Meaning and Types of Sprint Races, and Phases of a Race Primary 4 (Basic 4) First Term Week 5 Physical and Health Education

ATHLETICS (TRACK EVENTS): MEANING AND TYPES OF SPRINT RACE, PHASES OF A RACE 5

PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION (PHE)

PRIMARY 4 – FIRST TERM – WEEK 

THEME – GAMES AND SPORTS 

PREVIOUS LESSON – Athletics: 4 × 100 Relay Race, Meaning and Types of Baton, and How to Handle a Baton Without Dropping It Primary 4 (Basic 4) First Term Week 4 Physical and Health Education

TOPIC – SPRINT RACES 

LEARNING AREA

1. Introduction

2. Meaning and Types of Sprint Races

3. Phases of a Race

4. Weekly Assessment: Test Questions and Answers/Assignment

5. Summary

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Define sprint races.

2. Explain the meaning of track events.

3. Identify the different types of sprint races.

4. State and explain the phases of a sprint race.

5. Demonstrate the correct starting and running techniques during a sprint race.

ENTRY BEHAVIOUR

Pupils have previously learned about the 4 × 100 relay race, the baton, and how to pass and receive it correctly during a relay race. They also learned that running is an important athletic activity.

This lesson builds on that knowledge by introducing sprint races, where an athlete runs alone over a short distance without passing a baton. Pupils will also learn the different types of sprint races and the phases of a race, from the start to the finish line.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The teacher will teach the lesson with the aid of:

1. Whistle

2. Stopwatch

3. Cones or markers

4. Starting blocks (if available)

5. Pictures or charts of sprint races

6. Playground or running track

METHOD OF TEACHING

Choose a suitable and appropriate methods for the lessons.

Note – Irrespective of choosing methods of teaching, always introduce an activities that will arouse pupil’s interest or lead them to the lessons. 

REFERENCE MATERIALS

1. Scheme of Work

2. 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum

3. Course Book

4. All Relevant Material

5. Online Information

CONTENT OF THE LESSON

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever watched athletes compete in a 100-metre race? They run as fast as they can from the starting line to the finish line. These short races are called sprint races.

Sprint races require speed, quick reaction, proper starting technique, and good body movement. Every sprint race has different phases, from the start to the finish.

In this lesson, pupils will learn the meaning of sprint races, the types of sprint races, and the phases of a race.

LESSON 1 – MEANING OF SPRINT RACES

Sprint races are short-distance running races in which athletes run as fast as possible from the starting line to the finish line.

Sprint races are track events because they take place on a running track.

TYPES OF SPRINT RACES

1. 100-Metre Sprint

• It is the shortest outdoor sprint race.

• Athletes run 100 metres as fast as they can.

• It is known as the fastest race in athletics.

2. 200-Metre Sprint

• Athletes run 200 metres.

• The race starts on a curved part of the track and ends on a straight path.

• It requires both speed and endurance.

3. 400-Metre Sprint

• Athletes run 400 metres, which is one complete lap of a standard track.

• It requires speed, strength, and endurance.

IMPORTANCE OF SPRINT RACES

1. They improve speed.

2. They keep the body fit and healthy.

3. They strengthen the muscles and bones.

4. They improve coordination and balance.

5. They develop confidence and sportsmanship.

6. They prepare pupils for athletic competitions.

Sprint races are short-distance races in which athletes run at maximum speed from the starting line to the finish line. The three main types of sprint races are the 100-metre sprint, 200-metre sprint, and 400-metre sprint. Sprint races help improve speed, fitness, strength, coordination, and healthy competition.

LESSON 2 – PHASES OF A RACE

Every sprint race has four main phases. Each phase is important for a successful race.

1. Starting Phase

• The runner gets into the correct starting position.

• The runner listens carefully to the starter’s commands: “On your marks,” “Set,” and “Go.”

• A quick and correct start helps the runner gain an advantage.

2. Acceleration Phase

• The runner gradually increases speed after leaving the starting line.

• The body leans slightly forward.

• The arms and legs move quickly to build up speed.

3. Running (Maximum Speed) Phase

• The runner reaches the highest speed.

• The body becomes more upright.

• The runner maintains a steady rhythm and keeps running as fast as possible.

4. Finishing Phase

• The runner continues running through the finish line without slowing down.

• The runner may lean the chest slightly forward while crossing the finish line.

• The race ends only after crossing the finish line.

IMPORTANCE OF THE PHASES OF A RACE

1. They help the runner start correctly.

2. They help the runner build up speed.

3. They help the runner maintain maximum speed.

4. They help the runner finish strongly.

5. They improve performance during competitions.

Summary – The four phases of a sprint race are:

• Starting Phase

• Acceleration Phase

• Running (Maximum Speed) Phase

• Finishing Phase

Following these phases correctly helps a runner perform better and complete the race successfully.

LESSON 3 – WEEKLY ASSESSMENT: TEST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS/ASSIGNMENT

A. Multiple Choice Questions

1. A sprint race is a ______ race.

A. long-distance

B. short-distance

C. swimming

D. cycling

2. Which of the following is a sprint race?

A. 100 metres

B. Marathon

C. 5,000 metres

D. Cross-country race

3. Which sprint race covers one complete lap of a standard track?

A. 100 metres

B. 200 metres

C. 400 metres

D. 800 metres

4. Which phase of a race comes immediately after the starting phase?

A. Finishing phase

B. Running phase

C. Resting phase

D. Acceleration phase

5. During the finishing phase, the runner should ______.

A. stop before the finish line

B. slow down before the finish line

C. sit down after running

D. run through the finish line

B. Fill in the Blanks

6. Sprint races are ______ distance races.

7. The ______ metre sprint is the shortest outdoor sprint race.

8. The ______ phase helps the runner build up speed after the start.

9. The ______ phase is the last phase of a race.

10. The 400-metre sprint requires speed and ______.

C. True or False

11. Sprint races are run as fast as possible. ______

12. The 200-metre race starts on a curved part of the track. ______

13. The starting phase is the last phase of a race. ______

14. The runner should slow down before crossing the finish line. ______

15. The 100-metre, 200-metre, and 400-metre races are sprint races. ______

D. Match Column A with Column B

Column A – Column B

16. 100 metres – A. One complete lap

17. 200 metres – B. Shortest outdoor sprint race

18. 400 metres – C. Crossing the finish line

19. Starting phase – D. Beginning of the race

20. Finishing phase – E. Starts on a curved track

ANSWER KEYS

1. B – Short-distance

2. A – 100 metres

3. C – 400 metres

4. D – Acceleration phase

5. D – Run through the finish line

6. Short

7. 100

8. Acceleration

9. Finishing

10. Endurance

11. True

12. True

13. False

14. False

15. True

16. B – 100 metres → Shortest outdoor sprint race

17. E – 200 metres → Starts on a curved track

18. A – 400 metres → One complete lap

19. D – Starting phase → Beginning of the race

20. C – Finishing phase → Crossing the finish line

SUMMARY

In this lesson, pupils learned that sprint races are short-distance running races in which athletes run as fast as possible from the starting line to the finish line.

They identified the three main types of sprint races:

• 100-metre sprint

• 200-metre sprint

• 400-metre sprint

Pupils also learned the four phases of a sprint race:

• Starting Phase

• Acceleration Phase

• Running (Maximum Speed) Phase

• Finishing Phase

Finally, pupils understood that following the correct phases of a race helps runners improve their speed, coordination, confidence, and overall performance in athletics. Regular practice also helps to keep the body healthy, strong, and physically fit.

PRESENTATION

To deliver the lesson, the teacher adopts the following steps:

1. The teacher displays pictures or charts of athletes participating in sprint races and explains the meaning of sprint races.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils observe the pictures and explain the meaning of sprint races.

2. The teacher explains the different types of sprint races (100 metres, 200 metres, and 400 metres).

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils identify the different types of sprint races and state their distances.

3. The teacher explains and demonstrates the four phases of a race: starting, acceleration, running (maximum speed), and finishing.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils observe and demonstrate each phase correctly.

4. The teacher organizes pupils on the playground and demonstrates the correct starting position, acceleration, running, and finishing techniques.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils practise the correct techniques individually and in groups.

5. The teacher conducts a short sprint race and guides pupils through the different phases of the race.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils participate in the sprint race and apply the correct phases while running.

6. The teacher asks oral questions based on the lesson.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils answer the questions and participate actively in the discussion.

7. The teacher summarizes the lesson.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils participate in the summary and write the key points in their notebooks.

8. The teacher gives classwork, marks pupils’ responses, and provides corrections where necessary.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils complete the exercise and correct their mistakes.

CONCLUSION

To conclude the lesson for the week, the teacher revises the entire lesson and links it to the following week’s lesson.

NEXT LESSON

Athletics (Track Events): Practical Demonstration of Sprint Races Primary 4 (Basic 4) First Term Week 6 Physical and Health Education

LESSON EVALUATION 

Teacher asks pupils,

1. What is a sprint race?

2. Mention the three types of sprint races.

3. Which sprint race is the shortest outdoor race?

4. Which sprint race covers one complete lap of a standard track?

5. Mention the four phases of a sprint race.

6. Explain the starting phase of a race.

7. Explain the finishing phase of a race.

8. State four benefits of participating in sprint races.