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Lesson 4 - Relay Racing and Baton Changes

From Sprint Technique to Distance Strategy: A Complete Running Journey

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Year 6

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Athletics

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Big Question

How can we work as a team to run faster than we could individually?

Learning Objectives

Apply sprinting technique within a team relay format
Develop effective baton changeover skills and communication
Understand tactical approaches to relay racing for team success

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate smooth baton changes using proper technique
Students will apply sprinting form while maintaining lane discipline
Students will communicate effectively as a team to optimise relay performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Relay Baton

1 per team (8-10 batons)

Check batons are safe with no sharp edges or cracks

Alternative: Foam tubes, toilet roll tubes, or bean bags for adapted versions

Cones

20-30 cones

Mark clear lane boundaries and changeover zones

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or painted lines on playground

Stopwatch

2-3 stopwatches

For timing races and individual legs if needed

Alternative: Mobile phone timer apps

First Aid Kit

1 accessible kit

Position near the activity area for quick access

Alternative: Basic supplies for cuts and bruises

Key Vocabulary

Relay

A race where team members take turns running, passing a baton from one runner to the next

Baton

A short stick or tube passed between relay team members during the race

Changeover

The moment when one runner passes the baton to the next team member

Changeover Zone

The designated area where baton exchanges must take place in competitive relays

Lane Discipline

Staying within your designated lane throughout your section of the race

Anchor

The fourth and final runner in a relay team, often the strongest runner

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic sprinting technique with correct body position
Understanding of lane discipline in individual running
Basic coordination and catching skills

Current Skills

Relay baton handling and changeover technique
Team communication during high-speed activity
Tactical awareness for relay racing

Next Steps

Advanced relay strategies and positioning
Competitive relay racing in athletics events
Leadership roles in team athletics activities

Milestone Indicators

Smooth baton changes without dropping

Maintained sprinting form throughout relay legs

Effective team communication and coordination

Key Teaching Points

Baton changeovers are the key to relay success - technique matters more than individual speed
Communication ('Hand!' and 'Go!') must be loud, clear, and perfectly timed
Receiver should accelerate as passer approaches to maintain team speed
Lane discipline is crucial - stay in your lane throughout your leg of the race
Team strategy matters - consider each runner's strengths when deciding running order
Practice makes perfect - smooth changeovers come from repetition and teamwork
Competitive pressure tests technique - maintain skills even when racing gets exciting

Common Misconceptions

Thinking relay racing is just about individual speed - correct by emphasising changeover technique and teamwork
Believing the receiver should stand still waiting for baton - teach acceleration timing for smooth exchanges
Assuming any team member can pick up a dropped baton - clarify only the dropper can retrieve it
Thinking communication isn't important when running fast - demonstrate how vital clear calls are for timing
Believing the anchor (fourth) runner must be fastest - explain they need to handle pressure well
Assuming changeover zones don't matter - show how they prevent unfair advantages and require skill
Thinking grip strength should be very tight on baton - teach relaxed grip for easy passing

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter race distances, provide frequent positive feedback, allow movement breaks between activities

dyspraxia

Use larger, easier-grip batons, practice changeovers extensively at walking pace, provide extra time for coordination development

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of lesson activities, establish consistent team groupings, offer quiet zone if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured batons and cones, provide clear verbal descriptions of course layout, assign sighted guide runner

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for race starts, demonstrate all techniques clearly, use written instruction cards for complex rules

physical disability

Adapt to wheelchair relay racing, use seated changeovers, modify distances for different mobility levels

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following and giving clear instructions, using precise vocabulary for technique description, team communication skills

Science

Forces and motion in running, understanding acceleration and momentum in changeovers, heart rate monitoring

Geography

Understanding compass directions around curved tracks, mapping race courses, distance and scale concepts

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration skills, handling competitive pressure, celebrating others' achievements, resilience building

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between changeover zones during practices, position at finish line during races for safety oversight

Observation Focus

Watch for smooth baton technique, lane discipline, communication quality, and signs of fatigue

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe running, poor changeover technique, or team conflict resolution

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique clarity, emphasise key points through exaggerated movements

Verbal Cues

•'Palm up ready!'
•'Stay in your lane!'
•'Smooth and steady!'
•'Great communication!'
•'Control before speed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 60m x 30m outdoor area, clear of obstacles and with adequate run-off space

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, stones, or slippery areas that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check relay batons for cracks, sharp edges, or splinters before use
•Ensure cones are weighted and stable in wind
•Verify stopwatches are working and straps are secure

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between runners during changeovers
•Falls due to fatigue or loss of coordination
•Dropped batons causing trips or falls
•Overexertion in competitive racing situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear lane markings with adequate width between lanes
•Proper warm-up emphasising dynamic preparation
•Progressive skill building from walking to race pace
•Clear rules about staying in lanes throughout race
•Adequate rest between races to prevent fatigue
•Teacher positioned to observe all changeover points

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position with clear view of all changeover zones
•Monitor closest races for technique and safety
•Watch for signs of overexertion or fatigue
•Ensure immediate access to first aid if needed

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safely supervised