Grade 5 Physical And Health Education Athletic Truck Events – Elongate Start In Races Notes
Physical and Health Education — Athletic Track Events
Subtopic: Elongate Start in Races (for age 10)
Learning goals
- Know what an "elongate start" is in simple words.
- Learn easy steps to practise a safe, powerful first step in races.
- Do 3 fun drills you can try in Kenya school sports.
What is an "Elongate Start"?
An elongate start means making a strong, long first step when the race begins. It helps you get speed quickly from the start line.
(Good for short races or when you want to move ahead early.)
When to use it
- Use it for school sprints (50 m, 100 m) and when starting from a standing position.
- Younger runners (age 10) usually start standing — not in blocks.
- In school sports day or county meets in Kenya, this helps get a quick lead.
- Younger runners (age 10) usually start standing — not in blocks.
- In school sports day or county meets in Kenya, this helps get a quick lead.
Easy step-by-step: How to do an elongate start
- Ready position: Stand with one foot slightly in front (lead foot) and feet hip-width apart. Knees soft.
- Lean slightly forward: Bend at the hips a little — keep back straight, eyes on the finish line. (Like a gentle forward tilt.)
- Arms ready: One arm back, one arm forward (opposite to the lead leg).
- On "GO": Push hard with the back foot and take a long, strong first step with the lead foot — land on the ball of the foot.
- Drive forward: After the long first step, take quick running steps and pump your arms to build speed.
Coach cues (short phrases you can remember)
- "Lean, push, step!"
- "Long first step — quick next!"
- "Eyes forward, arms drive!"
Simple drills you can practise (at school field or playground)
- Big Step Starts — Mark a start line. Practice 5 starts, focusing on one long first step and then running 10–20 m. Rest between tries.
- Lean-and-Push — From a standing ready position, practise just the lean and push (no full run). Helps your body learn the forward tilt.
- Partner Mirror — Stand opposite a friend. When they start, copy their long first step. This is fun and helps timing.
Safety and warm-up
- Always warm up for 8–10 minutes (jogging, leg swings, light stretches).
- Start on grass or a track to avoid slipping. Wear proper shoes.
- Keep knees soft at the start to avoid strains.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Too tall at start: Fix — bend a little at the hips, lean forward.
- Short tiny first step: Fix — focus on a longer push with the back foot.
- Looking down: Fix — keep eyes on the finish or straight ahead.
Remember (short tip)
Practice the long first step slowly at first. When it feels right, do it faster. Good starts come from practice, not hurry.
Quick quiz (for you!)
- True or False: An elongate start means taking a long first step. (Answer: True)
- What should you do with your eyes at the start? (Answer: Look forward at the finish or ahead)
- Name one safe place to practise starts in Kenya. (Answer: School field or athletics track)
Useful for: P.E. lessons, school sports day, and club practice. Have fun and be safe — kuthamini mazoezi! 🏃♀️🇰🇪