Lesson 6 - Relay Speed & Changeovers
Technique Mastery & Biomechanics
•Year 8
•Athletics
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can precise technique and teamwork make relay teams faster than the sum of their individual parts?
Learning Objectives
- Develop fluency and efficiency in running for speed as a team
- Master relay changeover skills with precision timing
- Work collaboratively in teams taking turns at different roles
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate smooth baton exchanges at competitive speeds
- Students will adapt changeover techniques for different relay formats
- Students will communicate effectively to optimise team performance
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed to team captains before activities begin
Alternative: Tennis ball tubes, rolled newspaper, foam tubes
Used as baton alternatives for initial practice
Alternative: Small foam blocks, tennis balls
Different colours for different stations and zones
Alternative: Sports markers, chalk lines, tape marks
For accurate station and zone measurements
Alternative: Pre-measured rope, stride counting
One per group for timing challenges
Alternative: Mobile phone timer apps, large display timer
For clear start signals and safety stops
Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals
Key Vocabulary
The process of passing the baton from one runner to the next in a relay race
The designated area where baton exchanges must take place in competition
The moment when the baton is transferred from giver to receiver
The 10-metre area before the receiving zone where the next runner can begin accelerating
Maximising speed while minimising time lost during baton exchanges
Changeover technique where the receiver looks back to see the incoming runner
Advanced technique where receiver doesn't look back, relying on verbal cues
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running technique and sprint starts
- Understanding of athletic events and rules
- Experience working in teams for sports activities
Current Skills
- Relay baton exchange techniques
- Sprint running with equipment handling
- Team coordination and communication
- Tactical awareness in relay events
Next Steps
- Advanced relay strategies and positioning
- Competition-level changeover timing
- Leadership roles in team athletics
- Analysis of relay performance data
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Baton exchanges are won and lost on technique, not just running speed
- Right hand passes to left hand, left hand passes to right to avoid crossing the body
- Receiver starts moving when approaching runner reaches acceleration zone marker
- Confidence and trust between teammates is essential for successful exchanges
- Communication must be clear and loud enough to hear during running
- Practice both giving and receiving with both hands for versatility
- Team strategy and runner order can significantly impact overall performance
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Fastest runner should always run last leg' - Reality: Best exchanger should run difficult positions, consider team strengths
- Misconception: 'Look back to see approaching runner' - Reality: Blind exchanges are faster, trust and timing more important than visual confirmation
- Misconception: 'Grab baton from teammate' - Reality: Approaching runner places baton in receiver's hand, receiver doesn't grab
- Misconception: 'Start running as fast as possible' - Reality: Timing and acceleration to optimal speed more important than immediate top speed
- Misconception: 'Individual speed is most important' - Reality: Team coordination and exchange efficiency often beats pure individual speed
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments with clear boundaries, provide frequent positive feedback, allow movement breaks between static activities, use clear, simple instruction sequences
dyspraxia
- Use larger, easier-to-grip batons initially, allow additional practice time for coordination development, break complex movements into smaller steps, provide patient, repetitive instruction
autism spectrum
- Provide predictable routine structure, offer quiet area for breaks if overstimulated, use visual schedule of lesson activities, allow preparation time before team changes
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured batons with high contrast, provide verbal descriptions of circuit layout, implement buddy system for guidance, use tactile markers for zone boundaries
hearing impairment
- Develop visual signal system for start commands, use hand signals for exchange timing, provide written technique instructions, ensure visual demonstration of all skills
physical disability
- Adapt to wheelchair racing format where appropriate, modify distances for reduced mobility, allow seated exchange practice, provide alternative gripping aids for baton handling
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Forces and motion in running and acceleration, physics of efficient baton exchange mechanics, biology of muscle groups used in sprinting
Design Technology
Analysing baton design for optimal grip and aerodynamics, designing relay training equipment or course layouts
Geography
Understanding track and field layouts, mapping efficient movement patterns, studying athletics venues around the world
Mathematics
Measuring circuit distances and timing calculations, calculating average speeds and improvement percentages, geometry of efficient running paths
PSHE
Teamwork and collaboration skills, dealing with pressure and competition, building resilience after mistakes or poor performance
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location when possible to observe multiple groups, move actively between circuits during practice, position at finish line during races for safety monitoring
Observation Focus
Technique quality over speed, safety of exchanges, team communication patterns, individual confidence levels, signs of fatigue
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for unsafe exchanges, provide technique coaching when students struggle, mediate any team conflicts, adjust activities for struggling individuals
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate at slow speed first for understanding, then at normal speed for realism. Use clear, exaggerated movements for visibility. Involve confident students in demonstrations when appropriate.
Verbal Cues
- •'Hand!' to prompt exchange timing
- •'Smooth and steady!' for technique focus
- •'Trust your teammate!' for confidence building
- •'Technique first, speed second!' for priority clarity
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m clear space for multiple relay circuits, indoor sports hall or outdoor athletics area
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface essential for safe running and sudden direction changes, check for any obstacles or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all batons for damage, cracks, or sharp edges before use
- •Ensure cones are stable and visible, no sharp edges or broken parts
- •Verify measuring tapes retract safely without springs or sharp ends
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between runners during exchanges
- •Trips over dropped batons or displaced cones
- •Muscle strains from sudden acceleration or direction changes
- •Fatigue-related coordination loss affecting exchange safety
Risk Mitigation
- •Adequate spacing between relay circuits to prevent team interference
- •Clear traffic flow patterns with designated running directions
- •Progressive skill building from stationary to full-speed exchanges
- •Regular equipment checks and immediate removal of damaged items
- •Fatigue monitoring with appropriate rest periods between intense activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position centrally to observe multiple circuits simultaneously
- •Move actively between groups during practice phases
- •Monitor high-activity areas during competitive phases
- •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting coordination and safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal (whistle blast) for immediate halt of all activities, assess any incidents calmly, apply appropriate first aid, ensure other students continue safely away from incident area