Understanding Relay Races: Key Skills and Techniques Physical and Health Education Primary 4 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6
Physical and Health Education Primary 4 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6
Subject: Physical and Health Education
Class: Primary 4
Term: First Term
Week: 6
Age: 9 years
Topic: Track Events – Relay Race
Sub-topic: Relay Race
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioural Objectives
By the end of this lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Discuss what a relay race is.
- Identify the skills needed for relay races.
Keywords
- Relay Race
- Baton
- Sprinters
- Track Event
- Baton Exchange
Set Induction
Start with a brief discussion on team sports and relay races. Ask if pupils have seen or participated in a relay race before and what they know about it.
Entry Behaviour
Pupils are familiar with middle-distance running.
Learning Resources and Materials
- NERDC Basic Education Curriculum
- Universal Basic Education Curriculum (UBE)
- Unified Schemes of Work for Lagos State Primary Schools (Middle Basic)
- Lagos State Scheme of Work for Physical and Health Education
- Online Materials
- Physical and Health Education textbooks
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge
Link the relay race to the pupils’ previous knowledge of middle-distance running. Explain that relay races are a type of track event where teams work together.
Embedded Core Skills
- Teamwork
- Coordination
- Speed
- Communication
Instructional Materials
- Pictures or videos of relay races
- Baton for practice
- Markers for track layout
Content
- Definition of Relay Race:
- A relay race is a track event where teams run and pass a baton. Each runner covers part of the distance.
- Types of Relay Races:
- 4 × 100 meters Relay: Each runner covers 100 meters, and the team covers a total of 400 meters.
- 4 × 400 meters Relay: Each runner covers 400 meters, and the team covers a total of 1600 meters.
- Medley Relay: Different distances for each runner.
- Shuttle Relay: Runners cover short distances back and forth.
- Phases of Relay Race:
- Takeoff: Start running at the signal.
- Running: Maintain a steady pace, not too fast at the start.
- Run-up: Approach the receiver while running.
- Baton Exchange: Pass the baton smoothly between runners.
- Baton Grip:
- Hold one-third of the baton so the receiver can get a good grip.
- Baton Exchange Methods:
- Visual Method: Receiver looks back and extends hand to take the baton.
- Non-Visual Method: Receiver relies on the feel of the baton without looking.
Presentation
- Step 1: Review the previous lesson on middle-distance running.
- Step 2: Introduce the new topic of relay races, explaining the types and phases.
- Step 3: Allow pupils to practice and discuss their experiences with relay races.
Teacher’s Activities
- Review the previous topic.
- Introduce and explain the relay race and its types.
- Demonstrate the baton exchange methods.
- Supervise pupils during practice.
Learners’ Activities
- Participate in class discussion.
- Practice baton exchange and running in relay races.
Assessment
- Observe pupils during relay race practice.
- Ask pupils to identify the types of relay races and the skills involved.
Evaluation
- What is a relay race?
- a) A race with one runner
- b) A track event with baton passing
- c) A swimming event
- d) A jumping event
- How many runners are in a 4 × 100 meters relay?
- a) 2
- b) 3
- c) 4
- d) 5
- What is the distance covered by each runner in a 4 × 400 meters relay?
- a) 100 meters
- b) 200 meters
- c) 400 meters
- d) 800 meters
- What is the visual method in baton exchange?
- a) Receiver looks back and extends hand
- b) Receiver feels the baton without looking
- c) Baton is thrown
- d) Baton is passed without a signal
- How should the baton be gripped?
- a) In the middle
- b) One-third of the baton
- c) At the end
- d) With both hands
- What should the runner do at the start of the race?
- a) Lean forward
- b) Stand upright
- c) Sit down
- d) Jump
- What is the purpose of the run-up?
- a) To slow down
- b) To approach the receiver
- c) To stop
- d) To watch others
- What is the primary goal of the baton exchange?
- a) To drop the baton
- b) To pass the baton smoothly
- c) To run faster
- d) To run alone
- How should runners breathe during the race?
- a) Through the mouth
- b) Through the nose
- c) Through the eyes
- d) Through the ears
- What happens if the baton is dropped?
- a) The race continues
- b) The runner must pick it up
- c) The race is disqualified
- d) The runner stops and waits
- What is a medley relay?
- a) A relay with equal distances
- b) A relay with different distances
- c) A race with no baton
- d) A long-distance race
- How many meters is the total distance in a 4 × 100 meters relay?
- a) 100 meters
- b) 200 meters
- c) 300 meters
- d) 400 meters
- What should the runner’s posture be at the start?
- a) Bent forward
- b) Standing straight
- c) Sitting
- d) Lying down
- What is the shuttle relay?
- a) A long-distance relay
- b) A relay with short distances
- c) A sprint event
- d) A field event
- What does the term “sprinter” refer to?
- a) A person who walks
- b) A person who jumps
- c) A person who runs fast
- d) A person who throws
Class Activity Discussion
- What is a relay race?
- A relay race is a team event where runners pass a baton to each other.
- Name the types of relay races.
- 4 × 100 meters relay, 4 × 400 meters relay, medley relay, shuttle relay.
- What is the role of the baton in a relay race?
- It is passed from one runner to the next.
- How should the baton be held during a race?
- Grip one-third of the baton to allow the next runner to get a good hold.
- Describe the visual method of baton exchange.
- The receiver looks back to see and take the baton from the giver.
- What is the importance of the run-up in a relay race?
- It helps the runner approach the receiver smoothly.
- What should runners do at the start of the race?
- Lean forward and prepare to run.
- Why should the runner not start at full speed?
- To avoid early fatigue and maintain speed throughout the race.
- What happens during the baton exchange?
- The baton is passed from one runner to another.
- What is a medley relay?
- A relay with different distances for each runner.
- How should runners breathe during the race?
- They should breathe steadily through the mouth or nose.
- Why is the position of the runner’s body important?
- It helps maintain balance and speed.
- What are the skills needed for a successful relay race?
- Baton grip, take-off, run-up, and baton exchange.
- Explain the non-visual method of baton exchange.
- The receiver feels for the baton without looking.
- What is the role of the outgoing runner?
- To receive and run with the baton from the incoming runner.
Evaluation Questions
- What is a relay race?
- How many runners are in a 4 × 100 meters relay?
- What distance does each runner cover in a 4 × 400 meters relay?
- What is the visual method in baton exchange?
- How should you grip the baton?
- What should the runner do at the start of the race?
- What is the purpose of the run-up?
- What happens if the baton is dropped?
- What is a medley relay?
- How many meters is the total distance in a 4 × 100 meters relay?
Conclusion
The teacher will review the lesson on relay races, mark pupils’ practice, and address any remaining questions or misconceptions.