Curve Running Technique for the 200 m

A progression for sprinting fast on a curve: lean in from the ankles, shorten the inside arm swing and hug the inside line. Students practice the specific technique of the 200 m and curve relay legs, comparing straightaway and curve times.

How to play

1. Mark a half circle with a 15 m (about 50 ft) radius using chalk or cones, with 3 lanes 1 m wide and a marked start and finish (4 min).
2. Walking and jogging, practice leaning from the ankles, swinging the outside arm across more and keeping the left foot near the inside line (3 min).
3. Build-up runs around the curve at 75%, groups of 6 per lane, returning on the outside (4 min).
4. In pairs, time 40 m on a straight and 40 m on the curve at 90% and record the difference (6 min).
5. Curve start: body aimed along the tangent, starting from the outside edge of the lane, two reps (3 min).
6. Discussion: who cut the gap between straight and curve the most, and what changed (2 min).

Rules

• Each runner stays in their own lane for the whole curve.
• Run counterclockwise, just like on a track.
• Safety: the curve must be dry and free of sand, and always return on the outside.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: wheel the curve working on trunk lean and pushing harder on the outside wheel.
• Autism: mark the direction and path with floor arrows and always use the same lane.
• Lower fitness level: 30 m sections with 2 minutes of rest.

Learning goals

• Lean into the curve while keeping top speed.
• Tell the difference between arm action on a curve and on a straight.
• Compare times and draw technical conclusions.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 15
• chalk: 5
• stopwatches: 6

Teacher tip

The most common mistake is leaning with just the head or shoulders; ask for a lean that starts at the ankles. If you have a track, use the real curve lanes.

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