Athletics: Meaning and Types of Middle-Distance Races, Phases of Middle-Distance Races and Middle-Distance Running Skills Primary 4 (Basic 4) Second Term Week 2 Physical and Health Education

ATHLETICS: MEANING AND TYPES OF MIDDLE-DISTANCE RACES, PHASES OF MIDDLE-DISTANCE RACES AND MIDDLE-DISTANCE RUNNING SKILLS PRIMARY 4 (BASIC 4) SECOND TERM WEEK 2 PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION 

PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION (PHE)

PRIMARY 4 – SECOND TERM – WEEK 2

THEME – GAMES AND SPORTS 

PREVIOUS LESSON – First Aid and Safety Education: Meaning of First Aid and First Aid Box, Uses and Contents of a First Aid Box Primary 4 (Basic 4) First Term Week 10 Physical and Health Education

TOPIC – MIDDLE DISTANCE RACES 

LEARNING AREA

1. Introduction

2. Meaning and Types of Middle-Distance Races

3. Middle-Distance Running Phases and Skills

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 middle-distance races.

2. Mention the types of middle-distance races.

3. Identify the phases of a middle-distance race.

4. Explain the middle-distance running skills.

5. Demonstrate the basic skills used in middle-distance runn ing.

ENTRY BEHAVIOUR

Pupils have previously learned about sprint races, including their meaning, types, and basic running techniques. They practised starting, running, and finishing short-distance races.

This lesson builds on that knowledge by introducing middle-distance races, where pupils will learn to combine speed with endurance, use proper pacing and breathing, understand the phases of the race, and apply the correct running skills to complete longer distances successfully.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The teacher will teach the lesson with the aid of:

1. Whistle

2. Stopwatch

3. Cones or markers

4. Running track or open field

5. Pictures/chart showing middle-distance races

6. Sportswear and running shoes

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 run more than one lap around a track? Some races are longer than sprint races but shorter than long-distance races. These races are called middle-distance races.

Unlike sprint races, middle-distance races require both speed and endurance. Runners must know how to start well, maintain a steady pace, breathe properly, and finish strongly.

In this lesson, pupils will learn the meaning and types of middle-distance races, the phases of a middle-distance race, and the basic running skills needed to perform well in these races

MEANING OF MIDDLE-DISTANCE RACES

Middle-distance races are running races that are longer than sprint races but shorter than long-distance races. They require both speed and endurance because runners must maintain a steady pace while running a longer distance.

TYPES OF MIDDLE-DISTANCE RACES

The common types of middle-distance races are:

1. 800 metres race – The runner completes two laps of a standard 400-metre track.

2. 1,500 metres race – The runner completes three and three-quarter laps of a standard 400-metre track.

PHASES OF MIDDLE-DISTANCE RACES

Phases are the stages a runner passes through during the race. A middle-distance race has four main phases:

1. Starting Phase – The runner starts the race smoothly when the signal is given.

2. Running Phase – The runner keeps a steady speed and breathes properly throughout the race.

3. Acceleration Phase – The runner gradually increases speed as the finish line gets closer.

4. Finishing Phase – The runner runs faster and crosses the finish line without slowing down too early.

IMPORTANCE OF MIDDLE-DISTANCE PHASES

1. it helps runners use their energy wisely.

2. It improves endurance throughout the race.

3. It prevents early tiredness.

4. It increases the chances of finishing strongly.

5. It improves overall performance in middle-distance races.

MIDDLE-DISTANCE RUNNING SKILLS

Skills are the abilities or techniques a runner needs to perform well throughout the race. To perform well in middle-distance races, athletes should develop the following skills:

1. Proper Starting – Start the race correctly when the signal is given.

2. Good Running Posture – Keep your head up, back straight, and swing your arms naturally while running.

3. Good Breathing – Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth to avoid getting tired quickly.

4. Pacing – Run at a steady speed and do not run too fast at the beginning.

5. Endurance – Keep running without stopping until you reach the finish line.

6. Strong Finishing – Increase your speed near the finish line and run through it confidently.

IMPORTANCE OF MIDDLE-DISTANCE RUNNING

1. It improves physical fitness.

2. It builds endurance and stamina.

3. It strengthens the heart and lungs.

4. It improves breathing and body coordination.

5. It rromotes self-discipline and determination.

6. It encourages healthy competition and sportsmanship.

PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION OF MIDDLE-DISTANCE RACES 

The teacher demonstrates each activity before allowing pupils to practise.

1. Starting Position

• Stand behind the starting line.

• Keep the body relaxed.

• Listen carefully for the starting signal.

• Start running smoothly without rushing.

2. Running at a Steady Pace

• Run at a comfortable and steady speed.

• Do not run too fast at the beginning.

• Swing the arms naturally while running.

3. Proper Breathing

• Breathe in through the nose.

• Breathe out through the mouth.

• Maintain regular breathing throughout the race.

4. Maintaining Good Running Posture

• Keep the head up.

• Look straight ahead.

• Keep the back straight.

• Land lightly on the feet while running.

5. Strong Finishing

• Increase speed gradually near the finish line.

• Lean the body slightly forward while crossing the finish line.

• Continue running a few steps after crossing the finish line.

Group Practical Activities

The teacher divides pupils into small groups and asks each group to:

1. Demonstrate the correct starting position.

2. Practise running at a steady pace.

3. Practise proper breathing while running.

4. Demonstrate correct running posture.

5. Run a short middle-distance race (such as 200–400 metres, depending on the pupils’ age and available space).

6. Demonstrate a strong finishing technique.

7. Encourage teammates and observe the rules of athletics.

The teacher observes the pupils, corrects mistakes, encourages teamwork and fair play, and ensures that all safety rules are followed throughout the practical activities.

WEEKLY ASSESSMENT: TEST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS/ASSIGNMENT

A. Multiple Choice Questions

1. Middle-distance races are races that are ______.

A. shorter than sprint races

B. longer than sprint races but shorter than long-distance races

C. longer than marathon races

D. not part of athletics

2. Which of the following is a middle-distance race?

A. 100 metres

B. 200 metres

C. 800 metres

D. 4 × 100 metres relay

3. Which phase comes first in a middle-distance race?

A. Running phase

B. Finishing phase

C. Acceleration phase

D. Starting phase

4. Which running skill helps a runner avoid getting tired quickly?

A. Sitting down

B. Jumping

C. Walking slowly

D. Good breathing

5. Which running skill helps a runner keep a steady speed throughout the race?

A. Pacing

B. Diving

C. Heading

D. Throwing

B. Fill in the Blanks

6. The ______ metres race is a middle-distance race.

7. The ______ phase is the first stage of a middle-distance race.

8. The ______ phase is the last stage of a middle-distance race.

9. Good ______ helps a runner maintain a steady speed.

10. Proper ______ helps a runner breathe well during the race.

C. True or False

11. Middle-distance races require both speed and endurance. ______

12. The 1,500 metres race is a middle-distance race. ______

13. A runner should run as fast as possible from the beginning of a middle-distance race. ______

14. Good running posture is important in middle-distance races. ______

15. A strong finish helps a runner complete the race well. ______

D. Match Column A with Column B

Column A – Column B

16. 800 metres – A. Last phase of the race

17. Starting phase – B. Middle-distance race

18. Pacing – C. Ability to run for a long time

19. Finishing phase – D. Running at a steady speed

20. Endurance – E. First phase of the race

ANSWER KEYS

1. B – Longer than sprint races but shorter than long-distance races

2. C – 800 metres

3. D – Starting phase

4. D – Good breathing

5. A – Pacing

6. 800

7. Starting

8. Finishing

9. Pacing

10. Breathing

11. True

12. True

13. False

14. True

15. True

16. B – 800 metres → Middle-distance race

17. E – Starting phase → First phase of the race

18. D – Pacing → Running at a steady speed

19. A – Finishing phase → Last phase of the race

20. C – Endurance → Ability to run for a long time

SUMMARY

In this lesson, pupils learned that middle-distance races are races that are longer than sprint races but shorter than long-distance races. The common middle-distance races are the 800 metres and 1,500 metres races.

Pupils also learned the four phases of a middle-distance race, which are:

• Starting phase

• Running (Pacing) phase

• Acceleration phase

• Finishing phase

They also learned the basic middle-distance running skills, including:

• Proper starting

• Good running posture

• Good breathing

• Pacing

• Endurance

• Strong finishing

Finally, pupils understood that middle-distance races require both speed and endurance. They also learned that regular practice, proper breathing, good posture, and maintaining a steady pace help runners perform better and finish the race successfully.

PRESENTATION

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

Step 1: Introduction – The teacher asks pupils questions about sprint races and explains that today they will learn about middle-distance races.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils answer questions and recall what they know about sprint races.

Step 2: Meaning of Middle-Distance Races – The teacher explains the meaning of middle-distance races and gives examples.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils define middle-distance races and mention examples.

Step 3: Types of Middle-Distance Races – The teacher discusses the types of middle-distance races (800 metres and 1,500 metres).

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils identify and mention the types of middle-distance races.

Step 4: Phases of Middle-Distance Races – The teacher explains the four phases of a middle-distance race: starting, running (pacing), acceleration, and finishing.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils identify the phases and explain each stage.

Step 5: Middle-Distance Running Skills – The teacher demonstrates the basic running skills, including proper starting, good posture, breathing, pacing, endurance, and strong finishing.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils observe and practise each running skill.

Step 6: Practical Demonstration – The teacher organizes pupils into groups to practise the phases and skills of middle-distance running.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils participate in group practice and demonstrate the correct running techniques.

Step 7: Summary – The teacher reviews the meaning, types, phases, and skills of middle-distance races.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils answer review questions and summarize the lesson.

Step 8: Evaluation – The teacher gives classwork, assesses pupils’ practical and written responses, and provides corrections where necessary.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils complete the exercises and improve their performance based on the teacher’s feedback.

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: Meaning and Types of Long-Distance Races, Phases of Long-Distance Races and Long-Distance Running Skills Primary 4 (Basic 4) Second Term Week 3 Physical and Health Education

LESSON EVALUATION 

Teacher asks pupils,

1. What are middle-distance races?

2. Mention two types of middle-distance races.

3. State the four phases of a middle-distance race.

4. Mention four middle-distance running skills.

5. Explain the importance of pacing in a middle-distance race.

6. Why is proper breathing important during a middle-distance race?

7. State two benefits of middle-distance running.

8. Demonstrate the correct starting position, running posture, and finishing technique used in a middle-distance race.