Athletics – Basic 4 Physical & Health Education Lesson Note (First Term)

LEARNING AREA

1. Introductory Activities
2. Understanding Relay Race
3. Baton Exchange Techniques
4. Types of Baton Exchange
5. Non-Visual Exchange Method
6. Exchange Zone/Box Rules and Practice

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, most of the pupils should have attained the following objectives –

1. explain the meaning of relay race and 4 x 100m event.
2. demonstrate correct baton exchange techniques.
3. identify types of baton exchange methods.
4. perform non-visual baton exchange correctly.
5. understand the rules of exchange zone/box.
6. work effectively as a team in relay race.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The teacher will teach the lesson with the aid of:

1. Athletic track/field or playground
2. Relay batons (4-6 pieces)
3. Cones or markers for exchange zones
4. Measuring tape
5. Whistle
6. Stopwatch
7. Charts showing baton exchange techniques
8. Video clips of relay races (if available)

METHOD OF TEACHING

Choose a suitable and appropriate methods for the lessons.

Note – Irrespective of choosing methods of teaching, always introduce an activities that will arouse pupil’s interest or lead them to the lessons.

REFERENCE MATERIALS

• Scheme of Work
• 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Physical Education Curriculum
• Athletics Handbook
• All Relevant Material
• Online Information

CONTENT OF THE LESSON

LESSON 1 – INTRODUCTION TO RELAY RACE

MEANING OF RELAY RACE

A relay race is a track and field event where team members take turns running and passing a baton from one runner to the next.

4 x 100m RELAY RACE

The 4 x 100m relay is a sprint relay race where four runners each run 100 meters, making a total distance of 400 meters for the team.

Each runner carries a baton and must pass it to the next runner within a designated exchange zone.

COMPONENTS OF 4 x 100m RELAY:

• Four team members (runners)
• One baton per team
• Four exchange zones
• Total distance: 400 meters (4 x 100m)

LESSON 2 – BATON EXCHANGE

MEANING OF BATON EXCHANGE

Baton exchange is the process of passing the relay baton from one runner (outgoing runner) to the next runner (incoming runner) during a relay race.

The baton exchange is the most critical part of relay racing as it can make or break a team’s performance.

IMPORTANCE OF BATON EXCHANGE:

1. Determines the success of the relay team
2. Requires perfect timing and coordination
3. Must be done within the exchange zone
4. Affects the overall race time

LESSON 3 – TYPES OF BATON EXCHANGE

There are two main types of baton exchange methods:

1. VISUAL EXCHANGE

• The incoming runner looks back to see the baton
• Used mainly in longer relay races (4 x 400m)
• Slower but more reliable for beginners

2. NON-VISUAL EXCHANGE (BLIND PASS)

• The incoming runner does not look back
• Used in sprint relays like 4 x 100m
• Faster and more efficient
• Requires more practice and trust between teammates

LESSON 4 – NON-VISUAL EXCHANGE TECHNIQUE

NON-VISUAL EXCHANGE STEPS:

For the Outgoing Runner (giving the baton):

1. Approach the exchange zone at full speed
2. Call “Hand!” or “Go!” to signal the incoming runner
3. Place the baton firmly in the incoming runner’s hand
4. Continue running until completely past the incoming runner

For the Incoming Runner (receiving the baton):

1. Start running when the outgoing runner reaches a predetermined mark
2. Extend the receiving hand backward (usually left hand)
3. Keep looking forward (do not look back)
4. Feel for the baton placement in the hand
5. Continue running at full speed once baton is received

KEY POINTS FOR NON-VISUAL EXCHANGE:

• Trust between teammates is essential
• Timing must be perfect
• Both runners should be at near maximum speed
• Clear communication signals are important
• The receiving hand should be steady and open

LESSON 5 – EXCHANGE ZONE/BOX

MEANING OF EXCHANGE ZONE

The exchange zone (also called exchange box) is a designated 20-meter area on the track where the baton must be passed from one runner to the next.

EXCHANGE ZONE SPECIFICATIONS:

• Length: 20 meters
• Marked clearly on the track
• Baton exchange MUST occur within this zone
• Runners can start running 10 meters before the exchange zone (acceleration zone)

EXCHANGE ZONE RULES:

1. The baton must be passed within the 20-meter exchange zone
2. It is the position of the baton, not the runners, that matters
3. If the baton is dropped, only the runner who dropped it can pick it up
4. Runners cannot interfere with other teams during exchange
5. The incoming runner can start running in the acceleration zone but cannot receive the baton there

EXCHANGE ZONE POSITIONS:

• 1st Exchange: Between 1st and 2nd runners (at 100m mark)
• 2nd Exchange: Between 2nd and 3rd runners (at 200m mark)
• 3rd Exchange: Between 3rd and 4th runners (at 300m mark)

PRESENTATION

To deliver the lesson, the teacher adopts the following steps:

1. To introduce the lesson, the teacher revises the previous lesson on individual track events. Based on this, he/she asks the pupils some questions about running;
2. Explains the concept of relay race and demonstrates with a simple walking example;

Pupil’s Activities – Practice simple baton passing while walking in groups of four.

1. Demonstrates the non-visual exchange technique step by step;

Pupil’s Activities – Practice non-visual baton exchange in pairs, first walking then jogging.

1. Sets up exchange zones and explains the rules and measurements;

Pupil’s Activities – Practice baton exchange within marked exchange zones.

1. Organizes team practice sessions with complete relay runs;

Pupil’s Activities – Form teams of four and practice complete 4 x 100m relay with proper baton exchanges.

1. Supervises and provides feedback on technique and timing;

Pupil’s Activities – Observe other teams and provide positive feedback to improve performance.

CONCLUSION

To conclude the lesson for the week, the teacher revises the entire lesson and links it to the following week’s lesson on relay race competition and rules.

NEXT LESSON

Track Events: Relay Race Competition Rules and Team Strategy – Physical Education Primary

LESSON EVALUATION

Asks pupils to:

1. Demonstrate correct non-visual baton exchange technique
2. Explain the rules of the exchange zone
3. Work effectively in a team of four for relay practice
4. Show understanding of timing and coordination

WORKBOOK

WEEKLY ASSESSMENT (TEST)

1. A relay race where four runners each run 100 meters is called _______. A. 4 x 400m relay B. 4 x 100m relay
2. The stick passed between runners in a relay race is called _______. A. Baton B. Rod
3. In non-visual exchange, the incoming runner _______. A. Looks back for the baton B. Does not look back
4. The exchange zone is _______ meters long. A. 10 meters B. 20 meters
5. The total distance covered by a team in 4 x 100m relay is _______. A. 100 meters B. 400 meters
6. Non-visual exchange is also called _______. A. Blind pass B. Slow pass
7. If a baton is dropped, who can pick it up? A. Any team member B. Only the runner who dropped it
8. The incoming runner can start running in the _______. A. Exchange zone only B. Acceleration zone
9. How many exchange zones are there in a 4 x 100m relay? A. Three B. Four
10. List the steps for non-visual baton exchange: a. _________________ b. _________________ c. ________________