Biomechanics & Excellence
•Year 7
•Athletics
•Check for cracks or sharp edges before use
Alternative: Lightweight plastic tubes, foam batons for safety
Mark changeover zones (20m sections), relay lanes, warm-up boundaries
Alternative: Marker discs, chalk lines on track
Clearly mark start and end of each 20-30m changeover zone
Alternative: Tape, chalk, existing track markings
One per relay team for timing and assessment
Alternative: Smartphone timer apps
Fully charged, app installed and tested, designated filming spots
Alternative: Any device with slow-motion video capability
Pre-printed with relay times and technique checklist
Alternative: Digital recording on tablets
Distribute to differentiate teams during races
Alternative: None needed if working in PE kit groups
A smooth hollow tube passed between relay runners
The moment when the baton is passed from one runner to another
Advanced technique where receiving runner looks forward whilst taking baton
The marked area (usually 20-30 metres) where baton exchange must occur
Starting position where runner is stationary, not using starting blocks
The ability to accelerate quickly from a standing or slow position
When both runners run at the same speed during baton exchange
Different running speeds from 1 (slow jog) to 5 (maximum sprint)
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Analysing video and articulating technical observations. Using specific technical vocabulary accurately. Giving constructive feedback to peers. Writing reflective self-assessments. Listening to and building on others' ideas during discussions.
Timing races and calculating improvement percentages between attempts. Measuring distances for changeover zones. Analysing data from multiple races to identify patterns. Calculating team total times from individual leg times. Understanding fractions (1/4 of team responsibility).
Understanding forces during acceleration and deceleration. Friction between feet and running surface. Biomechanics of efficient running technique. Energy systems during sprint activity. Heart rate changes during exercise and recovery. Effect of warm-up on muscle performance.
Spatial awareness and positioning within defined zones. Understanding boundaries and designated areas. Mapping relay team positions. Directions and movement patterns during exchanges.
Teamwork and collective responsibility. Resilience when facing setbacks (dropped batons). Managing competitive pressure and emotions. Communication skills for effective partnership. Leadership and decision-making in team contexts. Celebrating effort and improvement over winning.
Position yourself centrally where you can observe multiple relay lanes and changeover zones. During races, stand at a central changeover zone (zone 2 if three zones) for maximum visibility. During skill development, circulate actively between pairs/groups providing individual coaching.
Watch for: 1) Correct hand pattern throughout (right-left-right-left), 2) Baton exchanges occurring within marked changeover zones, 3) Speed matching between partners (similar stride length and frequency), 4) Safe spacing between lanes with no collisions, 5) Team communication and supportive behaviours, 6) Progressive improvement across multiple attempts, 7) Students showing signs of fatigue or distress requiring intervention.
Step in immediately if: 1) Safety concerns (unsafe running, collisions, equipment hazards), 2) Students struggling repeatedly with technique despite practice (provide direct coaching), 3) Team dynamics becoming negative (blame, exclusion, poor sportsmanship), 4) Students showing signs of overexertion or potential injury, 5) Misunderstanding of rules or zone boundaries, 6) Equipment failures (broken baton, unclear zone markers).
Demonstrate all new skills multiple times from different angles. Use student volunteers to assist with demonstrations when possible (builds confidence and shows peer achievement). Exaggerate key technique points for visibility (e.g., very obvious V hand position). Show both correct technique and common mistakes for comparison. Use slow-motion demonstration for complex skills (baton exchange), then normal speed. Demonstrate teacher enthusiasm and positivity to model desired attitude.
Minimum 100m straight running area with additional 20m run-off space at each end. Width: minimum 25-30m to accommodate 6-8 relay lanes with 3-4m spacing between lanes. Ideally outdoor athletics track or large playing field.
Dry, even surface free from holes, bumps, or debris that could cause trips or falls. Grass should be cut short. Track surface checked for cracks or uneven areas. Wet conditions: assess slip risk and consider postponing.
STOP signal (whistle blast): all activity ceases immediately. Assess situation. For injuries: follow school first aid protocol - minor injuries treated on-site, serious injuries require first aider/medical attention. For medical emergencies (heat exhaustion, breathing difficulties): move student to shade, provide water, monitor, call for medical support if needed. Ensure other students are supervised and safe while dealing with incident.
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