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Lesson 3 - Obstacle Relay Challenges

Movement Patterns Adventure

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Year 2

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we combine different movements to complete challenging obstacle courses whilst improving our fitness?

Learning Objectives

To participate in obstacle relay challenges with speed and control
To perform burpees, floor thrusters and crab kicks with correct technique
To modify movements to adapt to different challenges and improve performance

Key Outcomes

Students will complete obstacle relay courses demonstrating movement skills
Students will perform fitness movements with increasing accuracy and control
Students will show improvement in their times through technique refinement

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

20-30 mixed colours

Yellow cones for Sun, blue cones for Ice, others for course markers

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Gymnastics Mats

10-15

Place at fitness movement stations throughout courses

Alternative: Yoga mats, carpet squares

Hoops

15-20

Various stations within obstacle courses

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Low Hurdles

10-12

Set at appropriate height for Year 2 students

Alternative: Pool noodles on cones, agility ladders

Balls

For throwing and catching elements

Alternative: Soft balls, juggling bags

Stopwatch

2-3

For timing relay attempts and fitness intervals

Alternative: Phone timer, class timer

Key Vocabulary

Burpee

A full-body exercise starting in standing, dropping to plank, then jumping back up

Floor thruster

A movement combining a squat with an overhead press motion

Crab kick

In crab position, kicking one leg up whilst maintaining balance

Obstacle relay

A race involving teams moving through a course with various challenges

Technique

The correct way to perform a movement or skill

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic running and jumping movements
Following simple instructions in PE
Understanding of taking turns and fair play

Current Skills

Combining movements in obstacle courses
Performing fitness movements with correct technique
Timing and coordination in relay activities

Next Steps

More complex obstacle course designs
Increased fitness movement repetitions
Team-based relay competitions

Milestone Indicators

Smooth transitions between different movements

Correct technique maintained under time pressure

Able to suggest improvements to their own performance

Key Teaching Points

Quality of movement is more important than speed or quantity
Progressive skill building prevents injury and builds confidence
Team cooperation and communication improve performance
Personal improvement and effort should be celebrated over comparison
Breathing and pacing are essential for sustained performance
Clear safety procedures in relay activities prevent accidents
Reflection and goal-setting enhance learning and motivation

Common Misconceptions

Faster is always better - correct by emphasising technique and control
Fitness movements should be painful - teach appropriate effort vs discomfort
Some students 'can't do' certain movements - show modifications and progress steps
Relays are just about winning - refocus on teamwork and personal improvement
Complex movements can't be broken down - demonstrate component parts clearly

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear physical boundaries, use positive reinforcement frequently

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time, break movements into smaller components, provide physical guidance and support

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of lesson activities, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use consistent routines and clear boundaries

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of course layouts, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for timing, demonstrate all movements clearly, provide written instruction cards

physical disability

Modify movements to seated or supported versions, adapt obstacle heights, focus on participation over completion

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting fitness movements, timing relay attempts, calculating improvements, measuring distances in obstacle courses

Science

Understanding how exercise affects heart rate and breathing, identifying muscle groups used in different movements, exploring forces in jumping and landing

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' achievements, growth mindset development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around space during skill development, position centrally during relays for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique in fitness movements, safe relay changeovers, and appropriate effort levels

Intervention Points

Step in if technique becomes unsafe, students show signs of overexertion, or team dynamics become negative

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when demonstrating, break complex skills into stages, provide positive examples from students

Verbal Cues

•'Control first, then speed!'
•'Strong arms, strong legs!'
•'Wait for the cone before you go!'
•'Breathe throughout the movement!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor space minimum 20m x 15m, with additional space for multiple obstacle courses

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, non-slip flooring preferred for dynamic movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All cones securely positioned and free from cracks
•Mats checked for tears and laid flat
•Hurdles set at appropriate height for Year 2 (15-20cm maximum)
•Stopwatch functioning properly

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during Sun and Ice game
•Falls during fitness movements
•Unsafe relay changeovers
•Overexertion during timed activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and gentle tagging rules established
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Controlled relay changeover procedures
•Regular technique reminders to prevent injury

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all courses during relays
•Monitor individuals for signs of fatigue
•Watch changeover areas for safe transitions
•Check technique maintenance under time pressure

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are supervised and safe