How Do You Use a Sprint Timer in a PE Lesson?

Use a sprint timer as a single 20 m station in a PE lesson. Measure a straight lane, agree where the timer starts and assign roles for calling pupils, watching the finish and recording results. Leave space to slow down after the finish.

How do you organise the station?

• Prepare the course. Use a tape to measure between the timing points. Keep waiting pupils out of the detection area and provide a return route outside the lane.

• Demonstrate a valid attempt. Show the starting position and how to run through the finish. Check the timer with a practice pass before taking results.

• Record each run. Use the pupil identifier required by your school. Note the attempt number, time and whether the run was valid. Agree in advance which result to report.

What could the recording sheet look like?

Example row. Pupil 07 | 20 m | Attempt 2 | 3.78 s | Valid. In the session header, record the floor surface, timing method, start rule and date. If the school follows a named standard, follow its measurement and scoring instructions. The Hessian school testing programme includes a 20 m sprint task with its own procedure. Hessian school test procedures

Questions PE teachers ask

Can we use a shorter distance in a small gym?

Choose a distance that leaves a clear run-out. Label it in the results and use the same distance and start rule when you repeat the lesson.

Should pupils see each other’s times?

Use your school’s approach to sharing results. Individual feedback lets each pupil compare with their own previous attempt.

Download or copy the fields in the team sprint report and see the equipment guide for schools and clubs if staff need a shared setup.

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