Curve Running: Lean In and Hug the Inside Line

Students learn to run the curve of a track by leaning in and staying close to the inside line, and use a stopwatch to find out why starts are staggered. They work on body control while running, speed and an understanding of basic track rules.

How to play

1. Before class, use chalk or cones to mark a half circle about 15 m in radius with 3 lanes 1 m wide. Groups of 4 per lane; explain the form: lean the whole body in, the outside arm swings a bit wider and eyes look to the end of the curve (2 min).
2. Jog a 10 m radius circle counterclockwise, feeling the lean; then jog clockwise to compare (3 min).
3. Run 40 m curves at 70% in lane 1, close to the inside line without stepping on it; the partner watches and calls out if the runner steps on the line or drifts wide (4 min).
4. Lane comparison: each student runs the curve in lane 1 and in lane 3 from the same start line; the partner times both, and the group works out why outside lanes start farther ahead in a race (4 min).
5. Coming off the curve: 30 m of curve plus 20 m of straightaway, gradually straightening up as the curve ends; 3 reps (3 min).
6. Wrap-up: each group explains in one sentence what changed in their running (1 min).

Rules

• Everyone runs the same direction in their own lane; nobody crosses the track while someone is running.
• Wait until the runner ahead is 10 m away before starting.
• Stepping on the inside line counts as a lane violation and the run is repeated.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student in a wheelchair pushes around the curve and also compares lanes while a partner times.
• Hard of hearing: signal starts and lane violations by raising a cone instead of calling out.
• Lower fitness: run half the reps and serve as timer for the rest.

Learning goals

• Lean the body in when running a curve without losing speed.
• Understand why outside lanes have staggered starts.
• Stay in their own lane as a safety and fair play rule.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 30
• chalk: 6
• stopwatch: 6

Teacher tip

Stress that the lean comes from the ankles, not from bending at the waist. If the surface is slippery, slow things down, because falls happen more easily on a curve.

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