Lesson 3 - Relay Running and Baton Changes
From Sprint Technique to Distance Strategy: A Complete Running Journey
•Year 6
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we combine individual speed with teamwork to create the fastest possible relay team?
Learning Objectives
- Apply sprinting technique effectively as part of a relay team
- Master safe and efficient baton changeover techniques
- Develop tactical awareness for relay lane positioning and communication
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct relay baton changeover technique
- Students will apply sprinting skills in a team context
- Students will understand and apply tactical relay positioning
Equipment & Resources Required
Check batons are undamaged and safe to grip
Alternative: Pool noodles cut to 30cm length, cardboard tubes
Create clear lane boundaries every 20 metres
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, sports tape
Clearly mark start line and 80m finish point
Alternative: Cones, chalk marks, existing track markings
Ensure 20m intervals are accurately marked
Alternative: Pre-measured track markings
For timing races and intervals
Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock with second hand
Key Vocabulary
A lightweight stick passed between team members in relay races
The marked area where baton must be passed between runners
Receiving the baton with palm facing upward for secure transfer
Starting before the official start command is given
Staying within your designated lane throughout the race
The area where the next runner can begin accelerating before receiving baton
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic sprinting technique with correct arm and leg action
- Running in lanes maintaining straight line
- Understanding of starting commands and false starts
Current Skills
- Relay baton holding and passing technique
- Team communication during changeovers
- Tactical positioning in relay lanes
Next Steps
- Advanced relay starts and acceleration
- Competitive relay racing strategies
- Leadership in team athletics events
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety first - maintain lane discipline and controlled baton transfers throughout
- Communication is key - emphasise verbal calls and clear signals between teammates
- Technique over speed - perfect handovers are more important than pure running speed
- Team success - celebrate collective achievements rather than individual performances
- Progressive challenge - build confidence before adding competitive pressure
- Positive reinforcement - acknowledge effort and improvement over results
- Tactical thinking - help students understand positioning and timing concepts
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking only the fastest runner matters - relay success depends on all four team members
- Believing handovers should happen at full sprint speed - controlled transfers are more reliable
- Assuming teammates can help with dropped batons - only the dropper can retrieve it
- Focusing only on winning rather than technique development and teamwork
- Not understanding that lane violations disqualify entire team regardless of speed
- Thinking relay is just individual sprinting - it requires specific team skills and communication
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear role definitions, regular position changes, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger, softer batons, simplified hand positions, extra practice time, reduced pressure situations
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule showing lesson progression, quiet zones for breaks if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured batons, clear verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for starts, clear written instructions displayed, vibrant hand signals for communication
physical disability
- Modified distances, seated relay options, adapted baton passing techniques for different mobility levels
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Clear communication techniques, listening skills, giving and receiving instructions effectively
Maths
Calculating team times, measuring distances accurately, understanding averages across team members
Science
Forces during acceleration and deceleration, teamwork in nature, communication systems
Geography
Mapping relay routes, understanding coordinates for positioning, spatial awareness concepts
PSHE
Trust and cooperation, handling competitive pressure, supporting others through challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between teams during practice, position centrally during races for overview of all lanes
Observation Focus
Priority on safe baton transfers, lane discipline, and positive team interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe techniques developing, teams struggling with cooperation, or competitive tension rising
Demonstration Notes
Use slow motion for technique teaching, normal speed for tactical understanding, emphasise safety throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Smooth and steady wins the relay!'
- •'Palm up like a landing pad!'
- •'Stay left, run right!'
- •'Trust your teammate!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 80m x 20m clear area with defined lanes
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, debris or obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check relay batons for cracks or sharp edges before use
- •Ensure lane markers are secure and won't cause trips
- •Verify adequate space beyond finish line for safe deceleration
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between teams if lanes not respected
- •Trips from dropped batons or improper equipment
- •Overexertion from competitive racing
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear lane boundaries established and maintained
- •Adequate spacing between teams during all activities
- •Progressive skill building before competitive element
- •Immediate baton collection after dropping
- •Regular hydration and rest breaks
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all lanes during races
- •Monitor changeover zones for safe transfers
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any collision or injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, clear area if needed