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Lesson 3 - Relay Running and Baton Change Technique

Sprint to Strategy: Building Running Excellence Through Technique and Tactics

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Year 5

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Athletics

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Big Question

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

Relay Baton

1 per team of 4 (8 batons for 32 students)

Check all batons are in good condition with no sharp edges

Alternative: Tennis ball tubes, cardboard tubes, or wooden dowels

Markers Cones

20-30 cones

Mark out 4-6 lanes, each 2 metres wide, 40-80m long

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or tape on ground

Sun Markers

8-10 cones

Clearly mark start line and changeover zones every 20m

Alternative: Painted lines or chalk marks

Stopwatch

2-3 stopwatches

Designate student timekeepers for each team group

Alternative: Phone timer apps or classroom clock with second hand

Key Vocabulary

Relay

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

Baton

A short stick passed between relay team members during the race

Changeover

The moment when one runner passes the baton to the next teammate

Lane discipline

Staying within your designated lane boundaries throughout the race

False start

Beginning the race before the start signal, resulting in disqualification

Sprint technique

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

Smooth baton changeovers without dropping

Maintaining speed throughout relay legs

Effective team communication and coordination

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