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Lesson 1 - Relay Running and Baton Passing

Technical Mastery & Leadership

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Year 5

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Athletics

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1h 3min

Big Question

How can we work as a team to achieve our best running performance?

Learning Objectives

Run as part of a relay team for speed and distance
Run for as long as possible as an individual
Identify and use appropriate encouragement for teammates

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective baton passing techniques
Students will show sustained running over distance
Students will provide positive encouragement to team members

Equipment & Resources Required

Relay Baton

9 batons

Check for smooth edges and appropriate weight

Alternative: Short cardboard tubes, foam tubes, or plastic bottles

Cones

20-30 cones

Half placed right way up (cups), half upside down (saucers)

Alternative: Plastic cups, bean bags, or markers

Stopwatch

4-6 stopwatches

Ensure students know how to start and stop timers

Alternative: Mobile phone timers, large display timer

Measuring Tapes

1 x 50m tape

Mark 10m intervals clearly for distance tracking

Alternative: Pre-measured area markings, stride counting

Score Sheets

1 per group

Include spaces for times and distances

Alternative: Whiteboard and markers for group recording

Key Vocabulary

Baton

The stick passed between runners in a relay race

Changeover

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

Relay

A team race where runners take turns covering parts of the total distance

Pacing

Running at a steady speed that can be maintained over distance

Encouragement

Positive words and actions to support teammates

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running technique with arm action
Understanding of speed vs. endurance
Experience working in teams during PE

Current Skills

Baton holding and carrying techniques
Relay changeover positioning and timing
Pacing strategies for distance running
Effective team communication and encouragement

Next Steps

Advanced relay techniques including blind handoffs
Sprint start techniques for relay runners
Training principles for endurance running
Competitive athletics events and rules

Milestone Indicators

Smooth baton exchanges without dropping

Consistent pace maintained over distance runs

Clear, constructive feedback given to teammates

Improved individual and team times

Key Teaching Points

Always grip the relay baton at the end, never in the middle, to allow space for teammate's hand
Receiving hand should be extended behind the body with palm facing up, ready to receive
Call 'GO' clearly when approaching teammate to signal optimal handover timing
Maintain natural running rhythm when carrying baton - don't alter arm swing
Pace yourself wisely in distance running - start conservatively and maintain steady rhythm
Provide specific, helpful encouragement to teammates rather than generic shouting
Bend knees when changing cone positions to maintain balance and prevent injury

Common Misconceptions

Students often think they should grip the baton in the middle for better control - demonstrate why end grip is essential
Many believe running faster always means better relay times - emphasise smooth handovers over pure speed
Students may think distance running is just about running as fast as possible - teach pacing strategy importance
Some students believe encouragement means loud shouting - model specific, helpful verbal support
Children often think they need to change their running style when carrying a baton - reinforce natural movement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments with clear focus points Provide immediate feedback and positive reinforcement Use movement and activity variety to maintain engagement Assign specific roles and responsibilities to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for baton handling skills Use larger, easier-to-grip equipment where appropriate Break complex skills into smaller, manageable steps Provide additional verbal and physical prompts for technique

autism spectrum

Provide clear, structured routines for each activity Use visual schedules showing lesson progression Offer quiet space breaks if needed during high-intensity activities Give advance warning of activity changes and transitions

visual impairment

Use bright coloured batons and equipment for better visibility Provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations and activities Assign sighted guide runner for safety during running activities Use tactile markers for course boundaries and changeover zones

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations for all instructions Provide written instruction cards for complex activities Ensure student can see teacher's face during verbal instructions Use hand signals for GO commands and timing

physical disability

Adapt to wheelchair racing with appropriate equipment Modify distances and intensities according to individual capabilities Use alternative passing objects if standard batons unsuitable Create inclusive team roles including timekeeper and encourager positions

Cross-Curricular Links

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during instruction, mobile during activities to observe all groups

Observation Focus

Baton technique, pace management, team communication, and safety awareness

Intervention Points

["Step in immediately for unsafe changeover attempts", "Provide technique correction for inefficient running form", "Support students showing signs of overexertion", "Mediate any team conflicts or negative interactions"]

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration. Always demonstrate with a student or teaching assistant when possible to show real-world application

Verbal Cues

•'Baton at the end!' for grip correction
•'Hand ready!' to prompt receiving position
•'Steady pace!' for distance running guidance
•'Encourage your teammate!' to prompt support

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m area, preferably 60m for full relay distances

Surface Check

Flat, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check relay batons have no sharp edges or cracks
•Ensure cones are stable and visible
•Verify stopwatches are functioning correctly

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during relay changeovers
•Tripping over course markers
•Overexertion during distance running
•Dropped batons causing falls

Risk Mitigation

•Clear changeover zones established and maintained
•Adequate spacing between teams and individuals
•Progressive intensity building from warm-up
•Regular hydration breaks during extended activities
•Clear boundaries and running lanes marked

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all changeover zones
•Monitor individuals during distance running for signs of distress
•Circulate during practice to ensure safe technique

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required