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Lesson 4 - Relay Running and Baton Changeovers

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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50 min

Big Question

How can teams work together strategically to achieve maximum speed in relay races?

Learning Objectives

To develop relay running technique with effective baton changeovers
To apply sprinting technique in a team context
To understand and use tactical communication for smooth changeovers

Key Outcomes

Students will execute successful baton changeovers using correct technique
Students will apply individual sprinting skills within team relay races
Students will demonstrate effective communication and teamwork strategies

Equipment & Resources Required

Relay Baton

9 batons

Check batons are lightweight and safe to handle

Alternative: Short cones, foam tubes, or paper tubes

Markers Cones

20-30 cones

Create clear lane boundaries and changeover zones

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries, or flat markers

Measuring Tapes

2 tapes

For accurate lane and zone measurements

Alternative: Pre-marked distances or paced measurements

Stopwatch

2-3 stopwatches

Time relay races and individual legs

Alternative: Smartphone timer or team timekeepers

Key Vocabulary

Relay

A team race where members take turns to complete sections of the course

Baton

The object passed between relay team members to continue the race

Changeover

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

Changeover zone

The designated area where baton exchanges must take place

Anchor leg

The final runner in a relay team who crosses the finish line

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic sprinting technique with arm and leg drive
Understanding of running in lanes
Basic concept of relay races

Current Skills

Baton changeover technique
Strategic positioning in changeover zones
Team communication during relays

Next Steps

Advanced relay strategies and tactics
Competitive relay racing
Leadership roles in team athletics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent successful baton changeovers

Maintained sprinting form throughout relay leg

Effective team coordination and timing

Key Teaching Points

Baton changeovers are about timing and trust, not just speed
Palm up and steady hand position is crucial for successful exchanges
Communication between teammates is essential for smooth changeovers
Team strategy and running order can significantly impact relay success
Lane discipline and safety must be maintained throughout all races
Practice builds confidence - start slow and gradually increase pace
Every team member's contribution is vital for overall success

Common Misconceptions

Thinking faster individual runners always make the best relay teams - correct by emphasising changeover skills and teamwork
Believing you should look back when receiving the baton - teach trust and forward focus
Assuming the fastest runner should always run the anchor leg - discuss strategic positioning
Thinking relay races are just individual races with passing - emphasise the team dynamic and coordination required
Believing dropped batons can be picked up without penalty - teach the disqualification rule clearly

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with regular breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, fidget tools available, movement breaks between instructions

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter batons for easier handling, extra practice time for coordination, simplified changeover technique, visual cues for positioning

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson activities, consistent routine and structure, quiet zones available, predictable team arrangements

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured batons, clear verbal cues for positioning, buddy system with sighted partner, tactile markers for changeover zones

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and hand gestures, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication, use bright coloured flags for race starts

physical disability

Seated relay variations, modified baton design for easier gripping, shorter distances, adapted changeover techniques

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, clear communication skills, following and giving instructions effectively

Maths

Measuring distances for changeover zones, timing relay legs, calculating team averages and improvements

Science

Forces in acceleration, momentum transfer during changeovers, physics of efficient running biomechanics

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, trust and communication, resilience in competitive situations, leadership development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around track perimeter to observe all changeover zones and provide support where needed

Observation Focus

Watch for smooth baton changeovers, lane discipline, team communication, and application of sprint technique

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe practices observed, provide encouragement for struggling teams, facilitate team discussions

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for baton technique, demonstrate both correct and incorrect methods for comparison, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Palm up and steady!'
•'Start moving when your partner is 5 metres away!'
•'Trust your teammate!'
•'Smooth changeovers win races!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 80m straight track or equivalent circular track with clear run-off areas

Surface Check

Dry, even running surface free from holes, debris, or hazardous materials

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check batons for damage, cracks, or sharp edges
•Ensure cones are stable and visible
•Remove any damaged equipment immediately

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between runners
•Baton-related injuries
•Trips and falls
•Overexertion in competitive situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clearly marked lanes with adequate spacing (minimum 1.5m apart)
•Proper baton handling instruction and practice
•Progressive skill building from walking to running pace
•Clear communication protocols and safety calls
•Adequate warm-up and cool-down procedures

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all changeover zones
•Monitor for lane discipline and safe spacing
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if accident occurs, assess injuries, provide appropriate first aid, clear area if necessary