Relays
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can play an active role in a relay team, using an efficient technique to pass and receive the baton.
Key learning points
- Move: extending the arm back, while looking forward, provides a stable target for the incoming runner to aim for.
- Move: the receiver should accelerate to a sprint by the time the incoming runner is ready to exchange the baton.
- Think: the receiver must begin to run at a precise moment to ensure the changeover is performed at high speed.
- Feel: striving to apply our very best effort shows self-motivation and supports our team to achieve success in relays.
- 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).
Teacher tip
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.
Equipment
batons, cones
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What do we need so that we don’t slow down in the hurdles?
Q2.How does repeated practice help us in the hurdles?
Q3.What muscles are particularly important to stretch before hurdles?
Q4.What type of number of steps will ensure we use the same lead leg for every hurdle?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What speed should the baton exchange happen at?
Q2.What does the receiver rely on from the incoming runner to be successful?
Q3.When should the receiver start running?
Q4.What is a characteristic of a good relay team?
To help you plan your 7 physical education lesson on: Relays, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 physical education lesson on: Relays, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 3 physical education lessons from the Athletics: run, jump, throw and officiate unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.