New
New
Lesson 12 of 12
  • Year 7

Relays

I can play an active role in a relay team, using an efficient technique to pass and receive the baton.

Lesson 12 of 12
New
New
  • Year 7

Relays

I can play an active role in a relay team, using an efficient technique to pass and receive the baton.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: extending the arm back, while looking forward, provides a stable target for the incoming runner to aim for.
  2. Move: the receiver should accelerate to a sprint by the time the incoming runner is ready to exchange the baton.
  3. Think: the receiver must begin to run at a precise moment to ensure the changeover is performed at high speed.
  4. Feel: striving to apply our very best effort shows self-motivation and supports our team to achieve success in relays.
  5. Connect: communication from the incoming runner to the receiver is vital to ensure the changeover is a success.

Keywords

  • Receiver - the runner in a relay team about to receive the baton

  • Baton exchange - the moment the baton is passed between runners

  • Incoming runner - the runner in a relay team running with the baton

Common misconception

Pupils often perform relay changeovers with the receiver standing still until they receive the baton, then accelerating into their sprint.

Changeovers should be performed at high speed. The receiver begins to accelerate at just the right moment to high speed but not too far ahead of the incoming runner. This will be different for each pupil (~3.5m is a good point to work from).


To help you plan your year 7 physical education lesson on: Relays, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Pupils generally enjoy relay races over any distance. If you don't have a track, straight line races can be just as good and still rely on good changeover technique. Stagger start times or distances for differentiation.
Teacher tip

Equipment

batons, cones

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.
What do we need so that we don’t slow down in the hurdles?

Correct answer: a good rhythm
high jumps
random steps

Q2.
How does repeated practice help us in the hurdles?

we get tired
Correct answer: grow in confidence
forget technique

Q3.
What muscles are particularly important to stretch before hurdles?

biceps
abdominals
Correct answer: hamstrings

Q4.
What type of number of steps will ensure we use the same lead leg for every hurdle?

Correct answer: odd number
even number
mixed number

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What speed should the baton exchange happen at?

Correct answer: high speed
slow speed
standing still

Q2.
What does the receiver rely on from the incoming runner to be successful?

silence
Correct answer: clear communication
confusing messages

Q3.
When should the receiver start running?

when they want
once holding baton
Correct answer: runner hits mark

Q4.
What is a characteristic of a good relay team?

poor coordination
some fast runners
Correct answer: strong communication