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Lesson 5 - Team Running and Relay Skills

Foundation Running Skills and Body Awareness

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Year 1

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Fundamental Movement Skills

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45 min

Big Question

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

Cones

12-16

Mark start and finish lines, team areas

Alternative: Markers, hoops, or playground chalk

Balls

4-6 (for batons)

One per team for relay activities

Alternative: Soft balls, foam batons, scarves

Mats

4-6

Team starting positions for 'Aboard the Bus'

Alternative: Hoops, marked squares with chalk

Bibs

Different colours for teams

Help identify team members clearly

Alternative: Coloured bands, stickers

Key Vocabulary

Relay

A race where team members take turns running and pass a baton

Baton

An object passed between runners in a relay race

Lane

The marked path each runner should stay in during a race

Tag

Gently touching your teammate to signal your turn is finished

Technique

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

Consistent arm pumping whilst running

Successful baton exchanges without dropping

Leading teammates positively

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