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Lesson 4 - Sprint Relay Technique and Teamwork

From Sprint Technique to Strategic Distance Running

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Year 3

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we combine individual speed with perfect teamwork to create the fastest relay team?

Learning Objectives

Apply sprinting technique in relay races with accurate baton changeovers
Develop teamwork and communication skills for successful relay performance
Understand tactical elements of relay racing including changeover zones

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved baton changeover technique in relay races
Students will communicate effectively with teammates during relay competitions
Students will apply sprinting skills in a team context with tactical awareness

Equipment & Resources Required

Relay Baton

9 batons

One baton per team of 4 students

Alternative: Tennis ball tubes, foam batons, or cardboard tubes

Dish Cones

20-30 cones

Mark lanes, start/finish lines, and changeover zones

Alternative: Spots, chalk marks, or rope markers

Markers

7 sets

Create clear lanes for each team to prevent crossing

Alternative: Rope, tape, or chalk lines

Stopwatch

2-3 stopwatches

Time races and monitor activity durations

Alternative: Smartphone timer or wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Relay

A team race where runners take turns, passing a baton to the next teammate

Baton

A short stick passed between runners in relay races

Changeover

The moment when one runner passes the baton to the next runner

Changeover Zone

The designated area where baton exchanges must take place

Palm Up

Hand position for receiving baton with palm facing upward

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic sprinting technique with correct body position
Understanding of staying in lanes during running activities
Ability to run at different speeds with control

Current Skills

Baton holding and passing technique
Relay changeover coordination and timing
Team communication during relay races

Next Steps

Advanced relay tactics including positioning and timing
Competitive relay events with multiple teams
Introduction to different types of relays (curved tracks, different distances)

Milestone Indicators

Smooth baton exchanges without dropping

Maintained sprinting form during relay races

Effective team communication and collaboration

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise palm up position for baton receiving throughout lesson
Maintain focus on sprinting technique even during exciting relay races
Build team communication and problem-solving through relay challenges
Connect relay skills to real athletics competitions for inspiration
Celebrate effort and improvement over winning in competitive situations
Use clear lane discipline to ensure safety during all relay activities
Provide multiple opportunities to practice changeover technique before adding speed

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking batons should be thrown rather than placed - emphasise firm hand-to-hand transfer
Believing fastest runner should always go last - discuss team strategy and different leg strengths
Assuming relay is just individual running - highlight teamwork and communication importance
Thinking changeovers don't matter if you run fast - demonstrate how poor changeovers lose races
Believing you can't recover from mistakes - show how teams can adapt and improve during races

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Larger batons, simplified changeover technique, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured batons, clear verbal cues for all actions, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for race starts, written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapted batons (lighter/larger), modified distances, seated relay variations if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring track distances, timing races, calculating team positions and improvements

Science

Forces in sprinting, momentum in baton passing, teamwork dynamics and communication

Geography

Olympic venues, countries competing in relay races, mapping race tracks

PSHE

Teamwork, communication, resilience when mistakes happen, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around track perimeter for optimal view of all teams and changeover points

Observation Focus

Watch for baton technique, lane discipline, team communication, and sprinting form maintenance

Intervention Points

Step in if changeovers consistently failing, lanes being crossed, or team frustration affecting learning

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all changeover techniques slowly first, then at speed. Use students as examples when possible for peer learning.

Verbal Cues

•'Palm up and ready!'
•'Firm placement, no throwing!'
•'Stay in your lane champions!'
•'Keep that sprint technique!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m for straight track, additional space for curved track setup

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check batons for smooth edges and secure construction
•Ensure lane markers are flat and won't cause tripping
•Verify cones are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between runners crossing lanes
•Trips and falls during sprinting
•Baton injuries from poor handling

Risk Mitigation

•Clear lane boundaries with adequate spacing
•Emphasise staying in lanes throughout lesson
•Practice baton technique before adding speed
•Adequate space for safe stopping after finish

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all lanes and changeover areas
•Monitor curved sections for lane discipline
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique or safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if collision or injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, modify activity if needed