🏃

Lesson 3 - Relay Running and Baton Changes

From Sprint Technique to Distance Strategy: A Complete Running Journey

•

Year 6

•

Athletics

•

45 min

Big Question

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

Relay Baton

8 (2 per team of 4)

Check batons are undamaged and safe to grip

Alternative: Pool noodles cut to 30cm length, cardboard tubes

Markers Cones

16 (4 lanes x 4 positions)

Create clear lane boundaries every 20 metres

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, sports tape

Sun Markers

8 markers

Clearly mark start line and 80m finish point

Alternative: Cones, chalk marks, existing track markings

Measuring Tapes

Ensure 20m intervals are accurately marked

Alternative: Pre-measured track markings

Stopwatch

For timing races and intervals

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock with second hand

Key Vocabulary

Relay baton

A lightweight stick passed between team members in relay races

Changeover zone

The marked area where baton must be passed between runners

Palm up technique

Receiving the baton with palm facing upward for secure transfer

False start

Starting before the official start command is given

Lane discipline

Staying within your designated lane throughout the race

Acceleration zone

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

Smooth baton transfers without dropping

Consistent lane discipline throughout relay

Effective team communication and encouragement

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