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Lesson 3 - Relay Running and Baton Changes

Sprint to Endurance

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Year 4

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Athletics

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58 min

Big Question

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

Relay Baton

8-10 batons (2 per team)

Check batons for damage, ensure smooth surfaces for safe handling

Alternative: Foam tubes, toilet roll tubes, or bean bags for passing practice

Cones

20-30 cones

Mark clear 40-80m straight track with 4-6 lanes, 1.5m wide each

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or painted lines on playground

Measuring Tapes

Mark 20m intervals for student positioning along track

Alternative: Pre-measured playground markings or counting paces

Stopwatch

2-3 stopwatches

For timing practice runs and monitoring activity duration

Alternative: Smartphone timer apps or countdown timer

Key Vocabulary

Relay

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

Baton

A lightweight stick passed between relay team members during the race

Changeover

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

Lane discipline

Staying within your marked lane boundaries throughout the race

False start

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

Smooth baton changes without stopping

Consistent lane discipline throughout races

Effective team communication and encouragement

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