New
New
Year 3

Running for speed in a team

I can run as fast as possible as part of a team and apply changeover tactics on a curved track.

New
New
Year 3

Running for speed in a team

I can run as fast as possible as part of a team and apply changeover tactics on a curved track.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: when receiving the baton, our hand should be up behind us ready with palm upwards.
  2. Move: when running a curve, we lean slightly into the curve and pump our arms for balance.
  3. Think: applying relay tactics and deciding the order our team will run helps us to be more successful in a race.
  4. Feel: when taking part in a relay, taking responsibility for our team and explaining tactics helps improve performance.
  5. Connect: relay racing requires cooperation to successfully exchange the baton and complete the race.

Keywords

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

  • Team - a group of people working together to achieve the same goal

  • Tactics - a carefully planned set of actions that are used by a team or an individual to achieve a certain goal

Common misconception

When pupils hold the relay baton, they hold it in the middle, believing that this will help them grip it best. This makes it hard for their teammate to grab the baton.

Encourage pupils to hold the baton at the bottom when running, leaving more space for their teammate to hold when they changeover.


To help you plan your year 3 physical education lesson on: Running for speed in a team, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

If group numbers make it hard to split pupils into equal teams of 4, have stronger runners in smaller sized teams. If tags are unavaliable, use bibs tucked into pupil's waistband.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 baton between 4 pupils, 30+ cones, 1 tag belt per pupil.

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Running on which parts of your feet helps you to be light and springy?
heels
Correct answer: balls
toes
Q2.
What is the name for a race where you take it in turns with teammates to run parts of it?
Correct answer: relay
sprint
pass race
Q3.
What is the name for the stick that is passed in a relay race?
stick
bat
Correct answer: baton
Q4.
What helps to ensure you don’t drop the relay baton on a changeover?
Correct answer: good communication
resilience
smiling

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What word describes a group of people who work together with the objective of achieving the same goal?
friends
Correct answer: team
group
Q2.
When receiving the baton, where should your hand be?
out in front
Correct answer: up behind you
to the side
Q3.
Where should you hold the baton to make it easier for your partner during the changeover?
Correct answer: at the bottom
in the middle
on the end
Q4.
Which tactic can help your team improve when running a relay?
Correct answer: running order
throwing the baton
slowing during changeover