Lesson 3 - Relay Running and Baton Changes
Sprint to Endurance
•Year 4
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we work as a team to run fast and change the baton smoothly?
Learning Objectives
- To apply sprinting technique in a team relay situation
- To develop safe and efficient baton changeover skills
- To understand tactical positioning in relay lanes
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct baton handling and changeover technique
- Students will apply sprinting skills within team relay races
- Students will show tactical awareness of lane positioning and safety
Equipment & Resources Required
Check batons for damage, ensure smooth surfaces for safe handling
Alternative: Foam tubes, toilet roll tubes, or bean bags for passing practice
Mark clear 40-80m straight track with 4-6 lanes, 1.5m wide each
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or painted lines on playground
Mark 20m intervals for student positioning along track
Alternative: Pre-measured playground markings or counting paces
For timing practice runs and monitoring activity duration
Alternative: Smartphone timer apps or countdown timer
Key Vocabulary
A team race where runners take turns, passing a baton to continue the race
A lightweight stick passed between relay team members during the race
The moment when one runner passes the baton to the next team member
Staying within your marked lane boundaries throughout the race
Starting to run before the official start signal is given
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic sprinting technique with correct arm and leg action
- Understanding of running in lanes and staying in boundaries
- Experience of individual running for speed
Current Skills
- Baton handling and passing techniques
- Team coordination and communication
- Tactical positioning in relay lanes
Next Steps
- Advanced baton changeover zones and timing
- Circular track relay running
- Sprint starts for relay racing
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Baton held firmly but relaxed - like holding a pencil, not gripping tight
- Receiving hand palm up and ready - makes the pass much smoother and safer
- Left-side lane positioning prevents collisions during changeovers
- Team communication is essential - call 'Ready!' before receiving baton
- Technique over speed - smooth changeovers win races more than pure running speed
- Lane discipline keeps everyone safe - stay in your lane throughout the race
- Relay is about teamwork - celebrate team achievements, not just individual performance
Common Misconceptions
- Faster individual runners always make better relay teams - actually, smooth teamwork and baton changes are more important
- You must pass with your dominant hand - teach the tactical right-to-left pattern for safety
- Relay is just sprinting with friends - emphasise it's a different skill requiring specific techniques
- Dropping the baton means your team loses - teach that technique practice prevents drops, and mistakes are part of learning
- The fastest team always wins - highlight that tactics, smooth changes, and teamwork often beat pure speed
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short, focused activities with clear boundaries, regular movement breaks built into structure
dyspraxia
- Larger, easier-grip batons, extended practice time, reduced complexity of changeovers initially
autism spectrum
- Clear, consistent routines, visual schedule of lesson structure, quiet zones if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured batons, verbal descriptions of track layout, guide ropes for lane boundaries
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for starts, clear demonstration of techniques, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Wheelchair relay adaptations, seated passing practice, modified distances as appropriate
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring track distances, timing races, calculating team positions and improvements
Science
Forces in running, momentum in baton changes, teamwork like relay circuits in electricity
Geography
Directions and positioning, spatial awareness of lanes and track layout
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, supporting others, dealing with competitive pressure and disappointment
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand where all lanes and changeover points are visible, move between teams during practice
Observation Focus
Watch for baton handling technique, team communication, lane discipline, and safety
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe running, poor baton technique, or team conflicts arise
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for baton passing, emphasise safety positioning, model positive team communication
Verbal Cues
- •'Ready hand! Palm up!'
- •'Stay in your lane!'
- •'Smooth pass, keep running!'
- •'Great teamwork!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 20m, straight track with 4-6 lanes clearly marked
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from potholes, debris, or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check relay batons for cracks, splinters, or sharp edges before use
- •Ensure cones are stable and not cracked
- •Verify stopwatches and timing equipment function correctly
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during baton changes
- •Students running outside lanes into other teams
- •Dropping batons causing trips or falls
- •Overexertion during competitive races
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear lane boundaries established and maintained throughout
- •Adequate spacing between teams (minimum 2m between lanes)
- •Progressive skill building from stationary to competitive speed
- •Emphasis on technique over speed in early stages
- •Clear start and finish areas marked
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all changeover points
- •Monitor high-activity areas during competitive races
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Ensure lane discipline maintained throughout
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, appropriate first aid response, contact school emergency procedures if needed