Grade 6 Physical And Health Education Athletics:track Events – Drop Finish Technique Notes
Drop Finish Technique
Subject: Physical and Health Education — Topic: Athletics (Track Events). Age group: 11 years (Kenyan school context — school sports days and county meets).
What is the Drop Finish?
The drop finish is a way a runner finishes a race by quickly moving their chest forward while staying on their feet. It helps the chest cross the finish line a little earlier than just running upright. It is used in short sprints and middle-distance races when a close finish is expected.
Why use it?
- Gives a small advantage in a close race.
- Makes the runner’s chest cross the line faster than their feet.
- Is quicker and safer than diving at the line when done correctly.
When to use it
Use the drop finish in the last 1–5 metres of a sprint or middle-distance race when you see the runner beside you. Do not use it if you are tired and cannot control your body — safety is most important.
How to do the Drop Finish — step by step
- Keep running fast: Keep your speed and stay in control as you approach the line.
- Pick the moment: When you are 1–2 metres from the line and you want to win the close race, get ready.
- Quick forward lean: Lower your shoulders and push your chest forward. Bend slightly at the hips — do NOT dive head-first.
- Arms: Keep your arms driving back and forth; do not reach out with your hands over the line. Let the chest lead.
- Finish on feet: You should land the finish still on your feet (a small forward step is fine). Avoid falling forward onto the ground.
- Recover: Once you crossed the line, slow down quickly and safely. Check if you are ok before celebrating.
Visual: small diagram of the finish
Simple practice drills (safe for school)
- Walking lean: Walk and practice leaning forward from the hips. Keep head up and chest forward. Repeat 10 times.
- Mark-and-run: Place a cone 5 m before the finish line. Run at normal speed and do the drop finish at the cone. Do 6 repeats with rests.
- Partner touch: Partner stands at the finish line and says “Now!” so you practice timing the lean. Swap roles.
- Short sprints: Sprint 30 m and practise the drop in the last 1–2 m. Focus on control, not speed only.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Diving head-first — dangerous and can be disqualified.
- Losing balance or falling — practice so you stay on your feet.
- Reaching with arms or hands over the line — the chest should lead.
- Doing the lean too early — only lean in the last metres.
Safety and rules (Kenyan school meets)
- Always practise on grass or a proper track with a teacher or coach present.
- Do warm-up and stretching to avoid injuries.
- Kenya Primary/Secondary athletics rules accept a chest-first finish. Diving may be unsafe and not needed.
- If unsure, ask your teacher or county athletics official before using the drop finish in a race.
Quick checklist before a race
- Feet steady, speed up in final metres.
- Pick the moment 1–2 m before the line.
- Chest leads, head stays up, arms move normally.
- Stay on your feet and slow down after the line.
Teacher note: Use short, supervised sessions. Encourage children to practise the drop finish slowly at first until they can control the lean safely.