Lesson 6 - Relay Changeover Skills
Technical Skills Development
•Year 7
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Check for smooth edges, appropriate weight and grip
Alternative: Cardboard tubes, dowel rods (30cm length), foam tubes
Use contrasting colours for clear zone marking
Alternative: Markers, witches hats, sports markers
Alternative to batons for initial practice and safety
Alternative: Small soft balls, juggling scarves, tennis balls
For timing team challenges and individual improvement
Alternative: Mobile phone timers, digital watches
Mark running lanes and changeover zones clearly
Alternative: Painted lines, chalk, rope
Key Vocabulary
A race where team members take turns running sections of the total distance
The moment when the baton is passed from one runner to the next
The designated area where baton exchanges must take place in official relay races
The cylinder-shaped object passed between team members in relay races
Smooth, coordinated movement without hesitation or interruption
Achieving maximum speed with minimum energy waste and time loss
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
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