Lesson 1 - Relay Running and Baton Passing
Technical Mastery & Leadership
•Year 5
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Check for smooth edges and appropriate weight
Alternative: Short cardboard tubes, foam tubes, or plastic bottles
Half placed right way up (cups), half upside down (saucers)
Alternative: Plastic cups, bean bags, or markers
Ensure students know how to start and stop timers
Alternative: Mobile phone timers, large display timer
Mark 10m intervals clearly for distance tracking
Alternative: Pre-measured area markings, stride counting
Include spaces for times and distances
Alternative: Whiteboard and markers for group recording
Key Vocabulary
The stick passed between runners in a relay race
The moment when the baton is passed from one runner to the next
A team race where runners take turns covering parts of the total distance
Running at a steady speed that can be maintained over distance
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
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