Lesson 4 - Sprint Relay Technique and Teamwork
From Sprint Technique to Strategic Distance Running
•Year 3
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
One baton per team of 4 students
Alternative: Tennis ball tubes, foam batons, or cardboard tubes
Mark lanes, start/finish lines, and changeover zones
Alternative: Spots, chalk marks, or rope markers
Create clear lanes for each team to prevent crossing
Alternative: Rope, tape, or chalk lines
Time races and monitor activity durations
Alternative: Smartphone timer or wall clock
Key Vocabulary
A team race where runners take turns, passing a baton to the next teammate
A short stick passed between runners in relay races
The moment when one runner passes the baton to the next runner
The designated area where baton exchanges must take place
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
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