Lesson 3 - Obstacle Relay Challenges
Movement Patterns Adventure
•Year 2
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Yellow cones for Sun, blue cones for Ice, others for course markers
Alternative: Markers, bean bags
Place at fitness movement stations throughout courses
Alternative: Yoga mats, carpet squares
Various stations within obstacle courses
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Set at appropriate height for Year 2 students
Alternative: Pool noodles on cones, agility ladders
For throwing and catching elements
Alternative: Soft balls, juggling bags
For timing relay attempts and fitness intervals
Alternative: Phone timer, class timer
Key Vocabulary
A full-body exercise starting in standing, dropping to plank, then jumping back up
A movement combining a squat with an overhead press motion
In crab position, kicking one leg up whilst maintaining balance
A race involving teams moving through a course with various challenges
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
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