Lesson 5 - Relay Baton Transfer and Teamwork
Power, Precision & Performance
•Year 5
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we work as a team to transfer a relay baton efficiently and compete with determination?
Learning Objectives
- To transfer a relay baton efficiently as part of a team using proper technique
- To understand positioning and timing required for effective baton exchanges
- To compete with enjoyment while challenging themselves to improve performance
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate efficient baton transfer techniques in relay situations
- Students will explain the key factors for successful relay changeovers
- Students will show determination and teamwork while competing in relay races
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute at relay stations, ensure they're lightweight and safe
Alternative: Bean bags, foam tubes, or cardboard tubes
Use different colours for different stations and finish lines
Alternative: Disc markers, spots, or cardboard markers
For setting up accurate relay distances
Alternative: Marked measuring string or pace counting
For timing relay races and adding competitive element
Alternative: Phone timer apps or countdown apps
Key Vocabulary
A cylindrical object passed between team members in a relay race
The point where one runner passes the baton to the next runner
Passing technique where right hand passes to left hand and vice versa
The designated area where baton transfers must take place
A type of relay where teams start simultaneously and chase each other
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running technique and spatial awareness
- Understanding of teamwork and following instructions
- Experience with simple passing activities
Current Skills
- Relay baton transfer using alternate hands
- Positioning and timing for efficient changeovers
- Competitive relay racing with strategic thinking
Next Steps
- Advanced relay techniques including visual vs non-visual passes
- Competition preparation and race strategy
- Introduction to other athletics events requiring teamwork
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Alternate hands technique prevents awkward reaching across the body
- Receivers must be ready and moving, not stationary
- Clear communication is essential for smooth exchanges
- Eyes should look forward during running, not down at the baton
- Strategic thinking about team running order can improve performance
- Competitive spirit and determination matter as much as technique
- Supporting teammates enhances whole team performance
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking same-hand exchanges are easier - they're actually less efficient
- Believing receivers should stand still - movement makes exchanges smoother
- Assuming only the fastest runners should be in relay teams
- Thinking relay running is just about individual speed rather than team technique
- Believing competition means not supporting opponents - good sportsmanship is essential
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break into shorter activity segments, provide clear boundaries, use movement constructively throughout lesson
dyspraxia
- Use larger, lighter batons, reduce distances initially, provide additional practice time and verbal cues
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available for breaks if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured batons and cones, provide verbal descriptions of track layout, assign sighted partner for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for starts and stops, demonstrate all instructions clearly, provide written copies of key points
physical disability
- Modify to walking pace relay, use seated passing if needed, adapt baton size for easier gripping
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, discussion skills, explaining tactics and techniques to others
Maths
Measuring relay distances, timing races, calculating team positions and race improvements
Science
Understanding momentum and energy transfer in relay exchanges, forces in running and stopping
Geography
Discussing athletics venues around the world, mapping locations of major athletics events
PSHE
Teamwork, supporting others, dealing with competition pressure, self-assessment and honest reflection
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position where you can see all groups during station work, central position for pursuit relays to monitor safety
Observation Focus
Watch for smooth baton transfers, correct alternate hands technique, team cooperation, and competitive attitude
Intervention Points
Step in if technique is consistently poor, if safety risks develop, or if team dynamics become negative
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, slow demonstrations initially, then show at race pace. Emphasise the contrast between awkward same-hand passing and smooth alternate-hand technique
Verbal Cues
- •'Alternate hands - right to left, left to right!'
- •'Be ready and moving when you receive!'
- •'Eyes forward, not on the baton!'
- •'Support your teammates!'
- •'Think strategy - what's your best running order?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 30m x 40m, or sports hall with adequate length for relay tracks
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from holes, debris or wet patches that could cause falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check relay batons have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Ensure cones are stable and clearly visible
- •Verify adequate grip on batons to prevent dropping
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between runners from different teams
- •Falls during high-speed running
- •Baton strikes if dropped or thrown
- •Fatigue from intensive running activity
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear lane separation between relay groups
- •Adequate warm-up to prepare muscles
- •Graduated speed increase from walk to run
- •Clear rules about staying in designated areas
- •Teacher positioning for maximum visibility
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all relay lanes simultaneously
- •Monitor exchange zones for safe technique
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or distress
- •Ensure pursuit relay track remains clear of obstacles
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, arrange further support if needed