What Is a Dash?

A dash, or sprint, is a very short running race where you run as fast as you possibly can from start to finish — the 50m, 100m, and 200m races are all examples. There’s no saving energy; you give your maximum effort right from the beginning.

The Starting Position

Big races use a crouching start with blocks, but for Primary 1 we use a simple standing start.

“On your marks”: stand behind the starting line, place one foot slightly in front of the other with your stronger foot at the back, bend your knees a little, lean your upper body slightly forward, and look straight down your lane.

“Go!”: push off hard with your back foot and start running fast immediately.

Running the 50m Distance

The start: react quickly to the “Go” signal.

The sprint: run as fast as you can, pumping your arms powerfully, taking quick steps, and breathing steadily.

The finish: don’t slow down before the line — imagine the finish line is a few steps further ahead, and keep running fast until you’re past it.

Rules of the 50m Dash

• Stay in your lane: run in a straight line, never drifting into another runner’s path.
• No false start: wait for the signal — never start before “Go.”
• Run to the finish: you must complete the entire distance.

Evaluation

1. What is a dash?
2. Show me the “On your marks” position.
3. What do you do when you hear “Go”?
4. Should you stop exactly on the line or run past it?
5. Run as fast as you can to the finish line.

Assignment

1. Practice the “On your marks” position at home.
2. Ask a sibling or friend to say “Go” while you practice starting to run.
3. Draw a finish line on a piece of paper.