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Lesson 4 - Relay Running and Team Tactics

Sprint to Endurance

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Year 4

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work as a team to run faster than we could individually?

Learning Objectives

Apply running for speed techniques in team relay situations
Develop tactical awareness for smooth baton changeovers
Build communication and teamwork skills through collaborative running

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate efficient relay changeover techniques
Students will understand the tactical importance of communication in relays
Students will apply individual sprint techniques within team contexts

Equipment & Resources Required

Relay Baton

1 per team (8 total)

Check batons are smooth with no sharp edges

Alternative: Bean bags, foam tubes, or wooden dowels

Markers Cones

32 (4 per lane x 8 lanes)

Mark clear 1.5m wide lanes for 80m distance

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or existing track markings

Measuring Tapes

For accurate 20m intervals between changeover points

Alternative: Pre-measured track markings

Stopwatch

For timing races and monitoring improvement

Alternative: Mobile phone timer apps

Key Vocabulary

Relay

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

Baton

A short stick passed between relay runners

Changeover

The moment when the baton is passed from one runner to the next

Sprint technique

Running style focused on maximum speed with specific body positions

Lane discipline

Staying within your designated running area throughout the race

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic sprint technique with head up and arms pumping
Understanding of running in lanes
Experience with individual speed running

Current Skills

Relay baton handling and changeover technique
Team communication during running activities
Tactical awareness in relay racing

Next Steps

Advanced relay tactics with changeover zones
Curved track relay strategies
Leadership roles in organising team relays

Milestone Indicators

Smooth baton changes without stopping

Clear communication between team members

Application of individual sprint technique in team context

Key Teaching Points

Relay success depends on teamwork, not just individual speed
Smooth baton changeovers are more important than raw pace
Communication between teammates is essential for timing
Sprint technique must be maintained while carrying and passing baton
Lane discipline prevents disqualification and ensures safety
Every team member's contribution matters equally
Tactical thinking improves team performance more than individual effort alone

Common Misconceptions

Only the fastest runner in the team matters - actually all four contributions are equally important
You should look back when receiving the baton - this slows the changeover and breaks sprint technique
Throwing the baton is acceptable if you can't reach - batons must be passed hand-to-hand only
Stopping to make sure the changeover works - smooth moving changeovers are much faster
Relay racing is just individual sprinting - it requires different tactical and communication skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear role definitions, movement breaks, positive reinforcement for focus

dyspraxia

Simplified baton passing, extra practice time, buddy support, modified changeover technique, success criteria adjusted

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet reflection spaces available, predictable team groupings

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured batons, audio cues for changeovers, guide rope for lane boundaries, peer buddies for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual start signals, clear hand signals for changeovers, written tactical instructions, demonstration emphasis

physical disability

Adapted batons for different grip needs, modified distances, wheelchair relay variations, seated participation roles

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring 20m intervals, timing races, calculating team improvements, understanding circular track geometry

Science

Forces in sprinting, friction between feet and track, aerodynamics in running, teamwork in nature

Geography

Olympic venues around the world, mapping running tracks, understanding curves and angles

PSHE

Teamwork skills, communication, supporting others, dealing with competition, resilience and perseverance

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between changeover zones during races, position at curves for maximum visibility of all lanes

Observation Focus

Watch for smooth baton transfers, lane discipline, and application of sprint technique under pressure

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggle with team communication, provide tactical guidance during team discussions

Demonstration Notes

Use confident students to demonstrate techniques, emphasise the excitement of teamwork, create Olympic atmosphere for motivation

Verbal Cues

•'Hand ready, palm up!'
•'Keep moving, don't stop!'
•'Trust your teammate!'
•'Sprint technique - head up, arms pumping!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 80m x 40m area with 8 clear lanes marked, additional space for circular track

Surface Check

Level, non-slip surface free from holes, debris or wet patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check batons for smooth surfaces and secure construction
•Ensure lane markers are stable and low profile to prevent trips
•Verify all equipment is appropriate size for Year 4 students

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between runners in adjacent lanes
•Falls during high-speed running on curves
•Drops or throws of relay batons causing trips
•Overexertion during competitive races

Risk Mitigation

•Clear 1.5m lane widths with visible boundaries
•Adequate warm-up and cool-down procedures
•Controlled progression from walking to running speeds
•Supervision of all changeover areas during races
•Regular hydration breaks in warm weather

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position at changeover zones during races for maximum visibility
•Monitor curved track areas for lane discipline
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion during competitive activities

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear access route for emergency services