Lesson 5 - Team Running and Relay Skills
Foundation Running Skills and Body Awareness
•Year 1
•Fundamental Movement Skills
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we work together as a team to run safely and successfully?
Learning Objectives
- Apply running technique over longer distances
- Develop teamwork skills through running activities
- Understand the importance of staying in lanes and following rules
Key Outcomes
- Students will run with improved technique and confidence
- Students will work collaboratively in team running activities
- Students will understand basic relay race concepts and rules
Equipment & Resources Required
Mark start and finish lines, team areas
Alternative: Markers, hoops, or playground chalk
One per team for relay activities
Alternative: Soft balls, foam batons, scarves
Team starting positions for 'Aboard the Bus'
Alternative: Hoops, marked squares with chalk
Help identify team members clearly
Alternative: Coloured bands, stickers
Key Vocabulary
A race where team members take turns running and pass a baton
An object passed between runners in a relay race
The marked path each runner should stay in during a race
Gently touching your teammate to signal your turn is finished
The correct way to run with good form
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running technique with arm movement
- Understanding of personal space
- Simple following instructions
Current Skills
- Team running and cooperation
- Relay race basic concepts
- Running over longer distances
Next Steps
- Advanced relay techniques
- Competitive running events
- Leadership in team activities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Running technique with arm pumping and light foot contact
- Staying in lanes and respecting boundaries for safety
- Gentle tagging and positive team communication
- Taking turns and sharing leadership opportunities
- Cooperation and encouragement over competition
- Understanding relay concepts and rules
- Sustained effort and physical challenge awareness
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking relay races are only about running fast - emphasise teamwork and technique
- Believing rough tagging shows enthusiasm - reinforce gentle, respectful contact
- Assuming only fast runners can be team leaders - highlight different leadership qualities
- Thinking winning is most important - focus on cooperation and improvement
- Misunderstanding that arms should swing wildly - teach controlled pumping motion
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, offer leadership roles to channel energy positively
dyspraxia
- Use larger target areas for tagging, allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step instructions with demonstrations
autism spectrum
- Provide clear, consistent routines, offer quiet zones if overwhelmed, use visual schedule for activity sequence
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment and markers, provide verbal descriptions of layout, assign sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for starts, demonstrate all instructions clearly, ensure student can see teacher during explanations
physical disability
- Adapt running to appropriate mobility level, use wheelchairs in relay if appropriate, modify tagging to high-five or gentle touch
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, using vocabulary like 'relay', 'technique', 'cooperation', speaking and listening in team discussions
Maths
Counting team members, measuring distances for lanes, timing activities and understanding sequence
Science
Understanding how exercise affects heart rate and breathing, learning about muscles and movement
PSHE
Teamwork, cooperation, leadership skills, resilience when facing challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with clear view of all teams, move actively to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Running technique, safe tagging, teamwork cooperation, and sustained effort management
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe behaviour, provide technique reminders, support struggling teams with organisation
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for running technique, show gentle tagging explicitly, model positive team encouragement
Verbal Cues
- •'Pump those arms!'
- •'Gentle tags only!'
- •'Help your teammate!'
- •'Stay in your lane!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m clear area, suitable for multiple team activities
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles, appropriate for running activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Cones positioned securely without sharp edges
- •Bean bags checked for secure seams
- •Mats placed flat without wrinkles or tears
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between runners in adjacent lanes
- •Falls due to over-excitement or fatigue
- •Rough tagging or pushing between teammates
Risk Mitigation
- •Adequate spacing between team lanes established
- •Clear rules about gentle tagging reinforced throughout
- •Regular monitoring for fatigue and appropriate rest breaks
- •Emphasis on cooperation rather than intense competition
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all teams simultaneously
- •Move actively between teams during activities
- •Watch for signs of over-exertion or distress
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if incident occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, resume only when safe