Track Event, Middle Distance Races, Types of Middle-Distance Races

SECOND TERM E NOTES

SUBJECT: PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION

CLASS: BASIC FOUR

WEEK 2

TOPIC:  Track Event, Middle Distance Races, Types of Middle-Distance Races (800m, 1500m) Skills in Middle Distance Races, Standing, taking off, running, Arm action, Finish 

Learning Objectives: 

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

• list the types of middle-distance races
• mention skills in middle distance races
• perform take off action
• perform proper arm action, running and finish

Learning Activities:

• Pupils in pairs list the types of middle-distance races
• Pupils as a class mention the skills in middle distance races
• Pupils in small groups demonstrate middle distance races and compare

Embedded Core Skills:

• Collaboration and Communication
• Citizenship
• Leadership and Problem Solving

Learning Resources:

• Flashcards
• Poster
• Charts
• Whistle
• Online Resources www.classbasic.com 

Content:

What are track events? 

Track events are athletic competitions that take place on a running track. They are usually held in a stadium or sports arena with a oval-shaped track made of rubber or other materials.

There are many different types of track events, but they can be broadly divided into two categories: running events and field events.

Running events are races where athletes run around the track as fast as they can. Some common examples of running events are:

• Sprint races: These are short races, usually 100m or 200m, where athletes run as fast as they can from a starting position.
• Middle-distance races: These races are a bit longer, usually 800m or 1500m, and require a combination of speed and endurance.
• Long-distance races: These races are the longest, ranging from 3000m to 10,000m, and require a lot of endurance and stamina.

Field events, on the other hand, are competitions that take place on the track but do not involve running. Instead, athletes compete in events like:

• Long jump: Athletes run down the track and jump as far as they can into a sand pit.
• High jump: Athletes run down the track and jump over a horizontal bar that is raised higher and higher with each round.
• Shot put: Athletes stand in a circle and throw a heavy ball as far as they can.

Track events are a fun and exciting way to test your athletic abilities and compete against others. Whether you’re a sprinter, a long-distance runner, or a field event athlete, there’s a track event for everyone!

Skills in middle distance races

1. Endurance: Middle distance races, such as the 800m and 1500m, require a lot of endurance. This means that you need to be able to sustain your effort over a longer period of time and not get too tired too quickly.
2. Speed: While endurance is important, middle distance races also require speed. You need to be able to run at a fast pace for the entire race, especially in the final stretch when you’re trying to pass other runners.
3. Tactical Awareness: In middle distance races, tactics can play a big role in your success. Knowing when to make a move, when to save energy, and when to kick at the end of the race can all make a big difference.
4. Mental Toughness: Middle distance races can be physically and mentally challenging. It’s important to be able to push through the pain and fatigue and stay focused on your goals.
5. Race Strategy: Having a race strategy can be critical for success in middle distance races. This includes things like pacing, when to surge or make a move, and how to handle the competition.

By developing these skills, you can improve your performance in middle distance races and become a better runner overall

Specific skills related to sprinting

1. Standing Start: A good start is crucial for sprinters. This means getting into a proper stance with your feet in the blocks and having explosive power to push off the blocks and accelerate quickly.
2. Takeoff: Once you’re out of the blocks, you need to focus on your takeoff technique. This means driving your knees up and pumping your arms to generate as much speed as possible.
3. Arm Action: Your arm action is important for maintaining your speed and balance throughout the race. This means keeping your elbows at a 90-degree angle and pumping your arms in a smooth, controlled motion.
4. Finish: The finish is the most important part of the race, and can often mean the difference between winning and losing. A good finish involves maintaining proper form and continuing to pump your arms all the way through the finish line.

By working on these skills, sprinters can improve their speed, acceleration, and overall performance on the track. It’s important to remember that practice and dedication are key to improving in any sport

Evaluation 

1. Which of the following is not a type of track event? A. Running events B. Field events C. Swimming events D. Both A and B
2. Which type of race requires a combination of speed and endurance? A. Sprint race B. Middle-distance race C. Long-distance race D. All of the above
3. Which of the following is not a field event? A. Long jump B. High jump C. Shot put D. 400m race
4. Which skill is not important for middle distance races? A. Endurance B. Speed C. Tactical awareness D. Quick reaction time
5. What is the most important part of the race for sprinters? A. Starting stance B. Takeoff technique C. Arm action D. Finish
6. What is a good arm action for sprinters? A. Keeping your arms still B. Pumping your arms in a smooth, controlled motion C. Flapping your arms D. Both A and C
7. Which race is the shortest in distance? A. 100m race B. 200m race C. 400m race D. 800m race
8. Which type of race requires a lot of endurance and stamina? A. Sprint race B. Middle-distance race C. Long-distance race D. None of the above
9. What is a key skill for middle distance runners? A. Explosive power from the blocks B. Maintaining proper arm action C. Quick reaction time D. All of the above
10. What is the proper starting stance for sprinters? A. Standing with feet shoulder-width apart B. Crouching with feet behind the starting line C. Standing with feet together D. Lying down with feet in the air

Answers:

1. C
2. B
3. D
4. D
5. D
6. B
7. A
8. C
9. B
10. B

Lesson Presentation

Revision (5 min)

• Revise the last lesson with the young learners Measurement : Measuring Solids and Time

Introduction (5 minutes):

• Begin by asking the students if they have ever watched a track event or participated in one.
• Show pictures or videos of different types of track events, such as running events and field events, and ask students to identify them.
• Explain that in today’s lesson, they will be learning more about track events, middle distance races, and specific skills in sprinting.

Body (20 minutes):

• Discuss middle distance races, such as the 800m and 1500m, and explain that they require a combination of speed and endurance.
• Ask the students to name some key skills needed for middle distance races, such as endurance, speed, and race strategy.
• Show examples of specific skills in sprinting, such as the starting stance, takeoff technique, arm action, and finish.
• Have the students practice the starting stance and arm action, and provide feedback on their form.
• Ask the students to identify which type of race is the shortest in distance and which type requires the most endurance.

Conclusion (10 minutes):

• Hand out a worksheet with information and questions related to the lesson.
• Review the key points of the lesson, including different types of track events, middle distance races, and specific skills in sprinting.
• Ask students if they have any questions or if there is anything they would like to learn more about.
• Encourage students to practice their skills and participate in track events if they are interested.

Assessment:

• The worksheet can serve as an assessment of the students’ understanding of the lesson.
• You can also observe students as they practice their skills and provide feedback on their form and technique.

Weekly Assessment /Test

1. What is the name for athletic competitions that take place on a running track? A. Track and field events B. Water sports events C. Gymnastics events D. Winter sports events
2. Which of the following is not a middle distance race? A. 100m race B. 800m race C. 1500m race D. 3000m race
3. What is the name for races where athletes run as fast as they can from a starting position? A. Sprint races B. Middle-distance races C. Long-distance races D. Relay races
4. Which of the following is not a field event in track and field? A. Shot put B. Long jump C. Pole vault D. 100m race
5. What is a good arm action for sprinters? A. Keeping your arms still B. Pumping your arms in a smooth, controlled motion C. Flapping your arms D. Crossing your arms
6. What is the proper starting position for sprinters? A. Standing upright with feet apart B. Crouching with feet in starting blocks C. Sitting with legs crossed D. Lying on the ground with legs straight
7. What type of race requires a lot of endurance and stamina? A. Sprint race B. Middle-distance race C. Long-distance race D. Hurdles race
8. Which of the following is not a specific skill in sprinting? A. Endurance B. Arm action C. Starting stance D. Takeoff technique
9. Which of the following is a middle-distance race? A. 100m race B. 200m race C. 400m race D. 1500m race
10. What is the name for the technique where athletes jump over a horizontal bar that is raised higher and higher? A. High jump B. Long jump C. Triple jump D. Pole vault

Answers:

1. A
2. A
3. A
4. D
5. B
6. B
7. C
8. A
9. D
10. A