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Lesson 5 - Baton Exchange and Relay Technique

Technical Mastery & Leadership

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Year 5

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Athletics

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45 min

Big Question

How can perfect timing and communication make relay teams unbeatable?

Learning Objectives

Perform accurate baton exchanges within restricted areas using correct hand positioning
Anticipate timing to start moving during relay exchanges for maximum efficiency
Demonstrate cardiovascular endurance through sustained relay participation

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully exchange batons in designated zones with proper technique
Students will show improved timing and anticipation in relay changeovers
Students will sustain effort in the relay bleep test demonstrating endurance development

Equipment & Resources Required

Relay Baton

8-10

One baton per pair for skills practice, fewer for relay activities

Alternative: Toilet roll tubes, dowel rods, or foam pool noodles cut to 30cm

Cones

20-30

Mark changeover zones, safe areas, and 20m bleep test course

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk marks

Tunnel Systems

Pre-loaded bleep test audio or manual beeping every 10 seconds initially

Alternative: Smartphone with speaker, whistle for manual timing

Measuring Tapes

For accurate 20m and 10m zone measurements

Alternative: Pre-measured rope, pace counting

Key Vocabulary

Baton Exchange

The technique of passing the baton from one runner to another in a relay race

Changeover Zone

The designated 10-metre area where baton exchanges must take place

Opposite Hand

Passing baton into the receiving runner's non-dominant hand for efficient running

Anticipation

Starting to move before receiving the baton to maintain race momentum

Cardiovascular Endurance

The ability of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen during sustained physical activity

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running technique and spatial awareness
Understanding of taking turns and working in pairs
Experience with simple catching and passing activities

Current Skills

Correct baton holding and carrying technique
Smooth baton exchange within restricted areas
Timing and anticipation for relay changeovers
Sustained running for cardiovascular development

Next Steps

Advanced relay strategies and tactics
Baton exchanges at full competitive speed
Leadership roles in organising team relays

Milestone Indicators

Consistent successful exchanges without dropping batons

Smooth transitions with minimal time loss in changeover zones

Improved endurance levels in sustained relay activities

Key Teaching Points

Baton exchanges must always use opposite hands to prevent collisions and maintain running efficiency
Perfect technique is more important than speed - master the basics before increasing pace
Communication between relay partners is essential for successful timing and exchanges
Cardiovascular endurance develops gradually through sustained effort in team activities
Trust your partner and the technique - hesitation leads to dropped batons and missed exchanges

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking they need to grab at the baton rather than waiting to feel it placed in their palm
Belief that running faster automatically makes better relay teams - technique and teamwork are more important
Assumption that the same hand should be used by both giver and receiver
Thinking that looking back during baton exchange helps - it actually slows down the receiver
Misconception that changeover zones are suggestions rather than mandatory boundaries

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use visual markers for zones and positions

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter batons initially, provide additional practice time for exchanges, break technique into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of lesson activities, allow practice exchanges in quieter area if needed, clear routine for team selection

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured batons and cones, provide verbal descriptions of all zones, assign sighted guide partner for relay activities

hearing impairment

Use visual signals instead of audio beeps, provide written instructions for activities, use hand signals for baton exchange timing

physical disability

Modify distances for wheelchair users, provide seated exchange practice, adapt relay roles to individual capabilities

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring 10m and 20m distances accurately, timing intervals in bleep test, calculating team improvement rates

Science

Understanding cardiovascular system response to exercise, forces in motion during running, physics of momentum in relay exchanges

Geography

Mapping relay courses and zones, understanding directions and spatial relationships in team positioning

PSHE

Building trust and communication with partners, developing resilience under pressure, celebrating team achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing clear view of all practice zones and quick access to any pair needing support

Observation Focus

Watch for correct hand positioning, timing of movement starts, and safe baton handling throughout

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with timing, show dropped baton technique, or appear fatigued during endurance phase

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve confident students as models, repeat demonstrations as needed

Verbal Cues

•'Feel then grip!'
•'Opposite hands for safety!'
•'GO when I reach the zone!'
•'Keep moving through the exchange!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 25m x 40m area, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for running and safe landings

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check batons are smooth with no splinters or sharp edges
•Ensure cones are soft and flexible to prevent injury if contacted
•Audio equipment positioned safely away from activity area

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between runners during exchanges
•Tripping over cones or course markers
•Overexertion during relay bleep test
•Baton strikes or drops causing injury

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all changeover zones
•Adequate spacing between teams during activities
•Progressive intensity build-up in relay bleep test
•Emphasis on controlled technique over speed initially

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all changeover zones
•Monitor signs of fatigue during cardiovascular activities
•Ensure proper technique maintained under pressure

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if incident occurs, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed