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Lesson 5 - Curved Running & Baton Swap

Biomechanics in Athletics

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Year 4

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Athletics

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Big Question

How can we run efficiently around curves and exchange batons like real relay runners?

Learning Objectives

To develop the technique for running efficiently on curves
To learn how to perform a safe and effective baton exchange
To analyse and improve team relay performance through collaboration

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate curved running technique with proper body positioning
Students will successfully exchange batons using correct grip and timing
Students will work as a team to improve relay performance through communication and practice

Equipment & Resources Required

PE Equipment

8-10

One baton per pair of students for practice

Alternative: Cardboard tubes, foam tubes, or relay sticks

Dish Cones

20-25

Various colours to mark different zones and positions

Alternative: Sports markers, bean bags, or chalk marks

Balls

One per student for circle activities

Alternative: Small balls, foam blocks, or markers

Stopwatch

4-6

For timing relay practice and competitions

Alternative: Mobile phone timers or digital watches

Key Vocabulary

Baton

A short stick passed between runners in a relay race

Curve running

Running around a bend or corner while maintaining speed and balance

Exchange zone

The designated area where baton handover must take place

Up-sweep pass

Passing the baton from underneath into the receiver's palm

Blind pass

Receiving the baton without looking back at the passer

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can run in straight lines with good technique
Students understand basic team work and communication
Students have experience with simple passing activities

Current Skills

Running efficiently on curves with proper body lean
Holding and exchanging batons safely and effectively
Working collaboratively to improve team relay performance

Next Steps

Competitive relay racing with advanced techniques
Understanding relay race tactics and strategy
Developing sprint start techniques for relay legs

Milestone Indicators

Maintains balance and speed when running on curves

Successfully completes baton exchanges without dropping

Demonstrates clear improvement in team relay times

Key Teaching Points

Proper baton grip at the end is essential for safe and effective exchanges
Slight inward lean is crucial for efficient curve running without losing balance
Blind baton passes require trust, communication and consistent technique
Timing in relay exchanges is more important than pure speed
Team communication and encouragement improve overall performance
Progressive skill building prevents injuries and builds confidence
Connect athletics skills to real-world sports and Olympic events

Common Misconceptions

Students think they must run at maximum speed on curves - emphasise control and technique first
Many believe they should look back during baton exchange - reinforce the importance of eyes forward
Some think holding the baton in the middle gives better control - demonstrate why end grip is better
Students may think the fastest runner should always go first - explain how relay strategy works
Some believe you must stop or slow down significantly for baton exchange - show how to maintain speed
Many think athletics is just about individual performance - emphasise teamwork in relay events

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Keep activity segments short and varied, provide frequent positive feedback, use movement breaks between instruction periods

dyspraxia

Break down baton exchange into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, use larger/lighter batons if available

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual sequence cards for activities, maintain consistent routines, offer quiet space if overwhelmed by competitive element

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured batons and cones, provide verbal cues for all movements, assign sighted guide partner for curve running

hearing impairment

Use visual signals instead of whistle commands, demonstrate all instructions clearly, ensure face-to-face communication during explanations

physical disability

Adapt running to appropriate mobility level, allow wheelchair users to participate in baton passing, modify distances as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, clear communication during team activities, descriptive language for performance analysis

Science

Forces and motion during curve running, friction between feet and ground, understanding of momentum and acceleration in relay exchanges

Geography

Understanding directions (clockwise/anti-clockwise), spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around circuits

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, dealing with competition positively, supporting others, building confidence and resilience

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where you can see all groups during activities, move around during partner work to provide individual guidance

Observation Focus

Watch for correct curve running lean, proper baton grip, successful exchanges, and positive team dynamics

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with technique, safety concerns arise, or competitive element becomes too intense

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Always show correct technique first, then common mistakes for contrast. Use student demonstrations where appropriate.

Verbal Cues

•'Lean into the curve!'
•'Baton at the end!'
•'Eyes forward, feel for it!'
•'Pump those arms!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor space or large sports hall, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface essential for running activities, check for holes or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Athletics batons checked for damage, splinters or sharp edges
•Cones stable and appropriate height (not too high to cause trips)
•Bean bags in good condition without tears

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running activities
•Falls during curve running or direction changes
•Baton strikes or drops during exchanges
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with adequate space between groups
•Progressive skill building from walking to running pace
•Emphasis on controlled running rather than maximum speed
•Regular breaks and observation for fatigue

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all running areas
•Move around groups during partner and team work
•Pay particular attention during competitive chase activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on whistle signal, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, have emergency contact details available