Lesson 5 - Baton Exchange and Relay Technique
Technical Mastery & Leadership
•Year 5
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
One baton per pair for skills practice, fewer for relay activities
Alternative: Toilet roll tubes, dowel rods, or foam pool noodles cut to 30cm
Mark changeover zones, safe areas, and 20m bleep test course
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk marks
Pre-loaded bleep test audio or manual beeping every 10 seconds initially
Alternative: Smartphone with speaker, whistle for manual timing
For accurate 20m and 10m zone measurements
Alternative: Pre-measured rope, pace counting
Key Vocabulary
The technique of passing the baton from one runner to another in a relay race
The designated 10-metre area where baton exchanges must take place
Passing baton into the receiving runner's non-dominant hand for efficient running
Starting to move before receiving the baton to maintain race momentum
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
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