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Lesson 6 - Relay Changeover Skills

Technical Skills Development

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Year 7

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Athletics

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Big Question

How can we work as a seamless team to achieve maximum speed and efficiency in relay events?

Learning Objectives

Develop fluency and efficiency in running for speed as a team
Master relay changeover skills using both hands confidently
Demonstrate effective teamwork taking turns at different roles

Key Outcomes

Students will execute smooth relay changeovers with appropriate timing
Students will select suitable starting and changeover techniques for different relay events
Students will work collaboratively in teams, rotating roles effectively

Equipment & Resources Required

Relay Baton

8-10

Check for smooth edges, appropriate weight and grip

Alternative: Cardboard tubes, dowel rods (30cm length), foam tubes

Cones

Use contrasting colours for clear zone marking

Alternative: Markers, witches hats, sports markers

Balls

15-20

Alternative to batons for initial practice and safety

Alternative: Small soft balls, juggling scarves, tennis balls

Stopwatch

4-6

For timing team challenges and individual improvement

Alternative: Mobile phone timers, digital watches

Sun Markers

Mark running lanes and changeover zones clearly

Alternative: Painted lines, chalk, rope

Key Vocabulary

Relay

A race where team members take turns running sections of the total distance

Changeover

The moment when the baton is passed from one runner to the next

Changeover Zone

The designated area where baton exchanges must take place in official relay races

Baton

The cylinder-shaped object passed between team members in relay races

Fluency

Smooth, coordinated movement without hesitation or interruption

Efficiency

Achieving maximum speed with minimum energy waste and time loss

Pursuit Relay

A relay format where teams start simultaneously and chase each other around a circuit

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running technique and pacing
Understanding of teamwork principles
Simple object passing and catching skills
Awareness of personal space and safety

Current Skills

Relay changeover technique development
Hand-to-hand coordination under pressure
Team communication during movement
Strategic thinking in competitive situations

Next Steps

Advanced relay strategies and tactics
Sprint start techniques from blocks
Longer distance relay events
Athletics competition preparation

Milestone Indicators

Smooth baton exchanges without dropping

Appropriate timing of changeover starts

Effective use of both hands for passing

Clear communication during team activities

Key Teaching Points

Right hand always passes to left hand, left hand always passes to right hand
Receiving arm must be fully extended backwards with palm flat and open
Communication is essential - clear 'Hand' calls and 'Go' confirmations
Timing the start is crucial - watch for cone 2 signal before beginning run
Teamwork extends beyond running - encouragement and strategy are equally important
Practice both hand combinations equally for complete relay competence
Competitive pressure can affect technique - maintain focus on fundamentals

Common Misconceptions

Same hand to same hand passing is easier - actually creates awkward body positioning
Only the fastest runners should compete in relays - teamwork and technique matter more than individual speed
Changeovers should be rushed for speed - smooth, controlled exchanges are faster overall
Looking back helps coordination - causes loss of speed and running efficiency
Competitive relays don't need practice - technique breaks down under pressure without sufficient practice
Individual performance determines relay success - team coordination and support are equally crucial

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with regular breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, immediate feedback and praise, active roles to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter batons for easier handling, extended practice time, simplified hand position cues, reduced complexity initially

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zones available for breaks, consistent routines and signals, advance notice of competitive elements

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured batons with contrasting tape, verbal cues for all instructions, buddy system for navigation, tactile markers for changeover zones

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration of all techniques, hand signals for starting and stopping, written instruction cards, peer support for communication

physical disability

Adapted distances for wheelchair users, seated relay variations, modified batons or passing objects, alternative roles like timekeeper or coach

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, communication skills during team strategy discussions, descriptive writing about relay experiences

Science

Forces in running and acceleration, momentum transfer during baton exchanges, energy systems during different relay distances

Geography

Understanding track layouts and navigation, spatial awareness for team positioning, map reading skills for orienteering relays

Mathematics

Measuring changeover zone distances, timing improvements, calculating team speeds and comparing performance data

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration skills, leadership development, resilience and perseverance, fair play and sportsmanship values

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sightlines to all relay stations and competitive activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct changeover timing, safe baton handling, appropriate communication, and inclusive team behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe technique observed, poor team dynamics, or students struggling with coordination

Demonstration Notes

Exaggerate hand positions for visibility, demonstrate at walking pace first, show both correct and incorrect techniques for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Right to left, left to right!'
•'Arm back, palm up!'
•'Call for the baton!'
•'Smooth and steady!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m clear space, outdoor track or large sports hall

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles, puddles, or trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check batons for splinters, cracks, or sharp edges
•Ensure cones are stable and visible
•Bean bags checked for secure stitching

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between runners during relay exchanges
•Trips and falls due to uneven surfaces or obstacles
•Baton strikes to head or body during exchanges
•Overexertion during competitive relay activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing between relay stations (minimum 10m apart)
•Designated running lanes marked with cones
•Progressive skill building before full-speed activities
•Clear stop signals established for emergency situations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all relay stations simultaneously
•Monitor changeover areas for safe technique
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion during competitive activities

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal, assess injury severity, appropriate first aid response, alternative activity for remaining students