Lesson 4 - Relay Running and Team Tactics
Sprint to Endurance
•Year 4
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
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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
Check batons are smooth with no sharp edges
Alternative: Bean bags, foam tubes, or wooden dowels
Mark clear 1.5m wide lanes for 80m distance
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or existing track markings
For accurate 20m intervals between changeover points
Alternative: Pre-measured track markings
For timing races and monitoring improvement
Alternative: Mobile phone timer apps
Key Vocabulary
A team race where runners take turns, passing a baton to the next teammate
A short stick passed between relay runners
The moment when the baton is passed from one runner to the next
Running style focused on maximum speed with specific body positions
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
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