Lesson 3 - Relay Running and Baton Change Technique
Sprint to Strategy: Building Running Excellence Through Technique and Tactics
•Year 5
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use teamwork and technique to achieve maximum speed in relay racing?
Learning Objectives
- Apply sprinting technique effectively within a team relay context
- Master safe and efficient baton changeover techniques
- Understand tactical positioning and lane discipline in relay races
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate smooth baton changeovers with correct hand positioning
- Students will apply sprinting technique while maintaining lane discipline
- Teams will work collaboratively to maximise relay speed through tactical positioning
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all batons are in good condition with no sharp edges
Alternative: Tennis ball tubes, cardboard tubes, or wooden dowels
Mark out 4-6 lanes, each 2 metres wide, 40-80m long
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or tape on ground
Clearly mark start line and changeover zones every 20m
Alternative: Painted lines or chalk marks
Designate student timekeepers for each team group
Alternative: Phone timer apps or classroom clock with second hand
Key Vocabulary
A team race where runners take turns, passing a baton from one to the next
A short stick passed between relay team members during the race
The moment when one runner passes the baton to the next teammate
Staying within your designated lane boundaries throughout the race
Beginning the race before the start signal, resulting in disqualification
Running style focused on maximum speed with pumping arms and driving legs
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic sprinting technique including arm pumping and driving legs
- Running for speed over short distances
- Understanding of pace and rhythm in running
Current Skills
- Applying sprinting technique within team context
- Baton handling and changeover technique
- Tactical positioning for relay efficiency
Next Steps
- Advanced relay strategies and zone running
- Competitive relay racing with timing
- Introducing curved track relay techniques
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Right hand receives baton with palm facing upward - creates consistent, safe system
- Left side positioning in lanes prevents dangerous collisions during changeovers
- Smooth changeovers win races more than pure individual speed
- Trust between teammates essential - receiving runner must not look back
- Lane discipline throughout entire race - crossing boundaries leads to disqualification
- Team encouragement and communication as important as individual technique
- Resilience when mistakes happen - pick up baton quickly and continue racing
Common Misconceptions
- Faster individual runners automatically make better relay teams - actually, teamwork and changeover technique are more important
- Looking back during changeover helps accuracy - this actually disrupts timing and can cause collisions
- Any hand can be used for receiving - consistent right-hand receiving creates safer, more predictable system
- Standing anywhere in lane is acceptable - proper positioning prevents accidents and improves team efficiency
- Dropped baton means automatic failure - official rules allow pickup and continuation, teaching resilience
- Relay is just individual running in sequence - it's actually a unique team skill requiring coordination and tactics
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments with clear boundaries, provide movement breaks between instruction phases, use high-energy positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Allow extra practice time for changeover coordination, use larger, easier-to-grip batons, provide additional demonstration and physical guidance
autism spectrum
- Provide clear, predictable routines for relay procedures, offer quiet zones for breaks if overwhelmed, use visual schedules for activity sequence
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured batons with high contrast, provide verbal cues for positioning, assign sighted running partners for guidance during changeovers
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals for race starts, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication when giving demonstrations
physical disability
- Adapt to walking relays or wheelchair racing, modify baton passing to suit individual capabilities, adjust distances to match mobility levels
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring track distances, timing races to nearest second, calculating team improvement percentages, understanding angles of running lanes
Science
Forces in running - friction and momentum, how baton weight affects throwing distance, physics of acceleration and deceleration in relay legs
Geography
Olympic Games locations where relay races take place, mapping track layouts and understanding scale, directional language for positioning
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with disappointment when teams don't win, celebrating others' success, resilience when making mistakes
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at changeover zones where most technique errors occur, move to different vantage points during races for comprehensive observation
Observation Focus
Watch for smooth baton transfers, lane discipline, safe positioning, and positive team communication throughout activities
Intervention Points
Step in immediately if unsafe changeovers occur, when students show frustration with teammates, or if technique deteriorates significantly
Demonstration Notes
Use students as demonstration partners whenever possible to maintain engagement, always demonstrate safety techniques before speed, exaggerate correct positions for clarity
Verbal Cues
- •'Palm up like a plate!'
- •'Left side positioning for safety!'
- •'Smooth like butter changeovers!'
- •'Trust your teammate - don't look back!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 100m x 40m outdoor area or large sports hall with 80m straight track capability
Surface Check
Even, dry surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas that could cause falls during sprinting
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all relay batons for cracks, splinters, or sharp edges before use
- •Ensure lane markers are securely placed and visible
- •Have spare batons available in case of breakage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between runners during changeovers
- •Trips and falls during sprint phases
- •Baton strikes if thrown or dropped carelessly
- •Overexertion during competitive racing
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear lane boundaries with adequate spacing (minimum 2m width)
- •Teach proper left-side positioning to prevent collisions
- •Progressive speed building from walk to jog to sprint
- •Emphasis on controlled changeovers over maximum speed
- •Regular breaks and monitoring for signs of fatigue
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all lanes during races
- •Circulate during practice to correct unsafe techniques
- •Monitor changeover zones for collision risks
- •Watch for students attempting dangerous overtaking
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, ensure safe evacuation route if needed