Lesson 5 - Curved Running & Baton Swap
Biomechanics in Athletics
•Year 4
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
One baton per pair of students for practice
Alternative: Cardboard tubes, foam tubes, or relay sticks
Various colours to mark different zones and positions
Alternative: Sports markers, bean bags, or chalk marks
One per student for circle activities
Alternative: Small balls, foam blocks, or markers
For timing relay practice and competitions
Alternative: Mobile phone timers or digital watches
Key Vocabulary
A short stick passed between runners in a relay race
Running around a bend or corner while maintaining speed and balance
The designated area where baton handover must take place
Passing the baton from underneath into the receiver's palm
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
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