Athletics – Basic 2 Physical & Health Education Lesson Note (First Term)

Learning Objectives

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

1. Perform 50m dash
2. Perform 75m dash, showing the start and the finish

Introduction

Athletics includes running, jumping, and throwing sports. Today we will learn about dash races – short, fast running competitions that test our speed and technique.

Content

What is Athletics? Athletics is a collection of sports that include running, jumping, and throwing. It is one of the oldest forms of competition and helps make our bodies strong and fast.

What is a Dash Race? 

A dash race is a short running race where athletes run as fast as they can from the start line to the finish line. The word “dash” means to run very quickly for a short distance.

Understanding Distances:

• 50 meters (50m): About half the length of a football field or 50 big steps
• 75 meters (75m): A bit longer than a basketball court or 75 big steps
• Both distances are short, so we run at top speed the whole way

1. The 50m Dash

Getting Ready (Starting Position):

• Stand behind the starting line with both feet
• Put your stronger foot slightly forward
• Bend your knees a little bit
• Lean your body forward slightly (but don’t fall over)
• Keep your arms ready to swing
• Look straight ahead toward the finish line
• Listen carefully for the starting signal

The Start:

• Starting commands: “On your mark… Get set… GO!”
• When you hear “GO!” push off hard with your back foot
• Pump your arms back and forth quickly
• Take quick, short steps for the first few meters
• Don’t look back at other runners

During the Race:

• Run as fast as you can the entire distance
• Keep your head up and eyes looking forward
• Swing your arms strongly to help you run faster
• Take steady, powerful steps
• Breathe naturally – don’t hold your breath
• Stay in your lane if lanes are marked

Finishing:

• Keep running hard until you completely cross the finish line
• Don’t slow down before the line
• Lean forward slightly as you cross
• Keep running a few steps past the line to slow down safely

2. The 75m Dash

The 75m dash uses the same technique as the 50m dash, but with some important differences:

Key Differences:

• The distance is longer, so you need slightly more endurance
• You may need to pace yourself just a tiny bit (but still run very fast)
• Focus on maintaining good form throughout the longer distance
• Your breathing becomes more important over the extra distance
• The race takes longer, so concentration is more important

Understanding Start and Finish Lines:

Start Line:

• A clear line marked on the ground where all races begin
• All runners must start with both feet behind this line
• No part of your body can cross this line before “GO!”
• If you start too early, it’s called a “false start”

Finish Line:

• A clear line marked on the ground where all races end
• You must run completely across this line to finish
• The race is timed from start line to finish line
• Keep running hard until you’re completely across

Basic Rules for Dash Races:

• Listen for the starting commands and start only when told
• Stay in your assigned lane throughout the race
• Never push, grab, or interfere with other runners
• Run straight toward the finish line
• Don’t stop running until you’re past the finish line
• Be a good sport whether you win or lose

Activities

• Practice proper starting positions repeatedly
• Learn to recognize and respect start and finish lines
• Practice 50m dash runs with proper technique
• Practice 75m dash runs showing understanding of distance
• Time-keeping activities to understand race measurement
• Group races with proper starting procedures and rules

Multiple Choice Exercise

1. In a dash race, we: a) Walk slowly b) Run fast c) Crawl 
2. The place where a race ends is called: a) Start line b) Finish line c) Middle line 
3. 50m means: a) 50 meters b) 50 minutes c) 50 people 
4. Athletes are people who: a) Only sleep b) Do sports c) Only eat 
5. A dash race is: a) A long slow walk b) A short fast run c) A dance 

Answers: 1(b), 2(b), 3(a), 4(b), 5(b)