KS1 Athletics Activities

Get Young Athletes Moving with Six Fun-Filled Athletics Activities

Transform your KS1 PE lessons with this exciting athletics resource featuring six age-appropriate activities that introduce running, jumping, and throwing skills while building confidence, coordination, and a love of physical activity for Years 1 and 2.

Six Complete Athletics Activities Included:

1. Sprinting Games: Make speed training fun! Engaging games that develop quick reactions, proper running technique, and explosive starts—perfect for young children who love to race
2. Distance Running: Build stamina and pacing skills through age-appropriate running activities that teach children to maintain steady effort and develop endurance in an enjoyable way
3. Jumping Circuit: A varied circuit of jumping challenges that develops power, coordination, and spatial awareness through hopping, leaping, and bounding activities
4. Jumping Over Obstacles: Navigate exciting obstacle courses that build confidence, timing, and technique as children learn to judge distances and clear barriers safely
5. Throwing: Introduce fundamental throwing skills through fun activities that develop hand-eye coordination, upper body strength, and understanding of force and direction
6. Obstacle Course: Combine all athletic skills in one thrilling challenge! Children run, jump, climb, and navigate through varied obstacles, developing overall physical literacy and problem-solving skills

Why Teachers Love This Resource:

• Curriculum-Aligned: Fully supports KS1 PE objectives for athletics in the National Curriculum of England
• Age-Appropriate: Activities specifically designed for Years 1 and 2 with simple instructions and achievable challenges
• Ready to Use: Complete lesson plans with warm-ups, main activities, and cool-downs included
• Minimal Equipment: Uses basic PE equipment available in most schools—cones, beanbags, hoops, and simple obstacles
• Inclusive Activities: Designed so all children can participate and succeed regardless of ability level
• Differentiation Built-In: Easy to adapt for different abilities within your KS1 class

Perfect For:

• KS1 PE athletics lessons (Years 1-2)
• Sports Day preparation and practice
• Building fundamental movement skills
• Active playtime and brain breaks
• After-school sports clubs
• Homeschool physical education curriculum

Learning Outcomes:

Through these activities, children will develop fundamental running, jumping, and throwing skills, improve coordination and balance, build confidence in physical activities, understand the importance of trying their best, and develop good sportsmanship and teamwork skills.

What Makes This Resource Special:

These activities focus on fun and participation rather than competition, ensuring every child feels successful and motivated to keep moving. Each lesson builds physical literacy—the foundation for a lifetime of active, healthy living—while keeping young learners engaged and excited about PE.

Get your KS1 students running, jumping, and throwing with joy! These engaging athletics activities help young children discover the fun of movement while developing the fundamental skills, confidence, and positive attitudes towards physical activity that will serve them throughout their lives.