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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can run as fast as possible as part of a team.

Key learning points

  1. Move: to run fast we must focus ahead, pump our arms, have a driving leg action and be light and springy on our feet.
  2. Move: when waiting for the baton, our hand should be ready with our palm pointing up and we should look forwards.
  3. Think: we can reflect on our relay changeover and work together to explore how to make our baton exchange faster.
  4. Feel: continuing to try even when the relay changeover doesn't go well demonstrates resilience.
  5. Connect: trusting our teammates when taking part in a relay race and communicating ensures we don't drop the baton.

Keywords

  • Relay - a type of race where a team of runners takes turns running different sections of the race

  • Baton - stick that is passed from one runner to another in a relay

  • Changeover - the moment when one runner hands the baton to the next runner

Common misconception

Pupils think they need to stand still and wait for the baton to be passed to them before they start running.

Encourage pupils start jogging as their teammate approaches them.

Teacher tip

Allow opportunities for teams with strong changeovers to model this to other teams. Tell pupils to run towards the receiving side of their partner to help with their changeovers.

Equipment

Worksheet: practise relay changeover, 30+ cones, 1 baton between 4 pupils, 1 stopwatch between 4 pupils.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

4 Questions

Q1.
Which word describes the competition where runners run against each other?

Correct answer: race
run
game

Q2.
What will help you gain a head start at the start of a race?

be upright
long strides
Correct answer: accelerate fast

Q3.
When you focus on yourself and continue to try hard, what do you show?

focus
Correct answer: self-motivation
speed

Q4.
What will help you to accelerate better at the start of a race?

big strides
Correct answer: shorter strides
leaning back

4 Questions

Q1.
When waiting for the baton with your arm out behind, what do you need to make sure is pointing up?

your knuckles
Correct answer: your palm
your thumb

Q2.
What should you do as your teammate approaches you with the baton?

stand still
Correct answer: begin running forwards
run towards them

Q3.
What word describes the moment one runner exchanges the baton with another runner?

Correct Answer: changeover, change over, the changeover, a changeover

Q4.
What do you demonstrate if you continue to try to improve your changeover, even when it doesn’t go well?

Correct answer: resilience
speed
integrity

To help you plan your 3 physical education lesson on: Relay, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...