Running Games & Relays

Overview

Unit: Run to Success! – Lesson 3 of 4
Duration: 60 minutes
Group Size: 30 students
Age Group: Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11)
Subject: Physical Education
Focus: Speed, teamwork, coordination, baton handoffs

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Curriculum Links

• PE Programme of Study (Key Stage 2, 7-11 years, England)
  • Pupils should develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities.
  • Pupils should be taught to use running, jumping, throwing and catching in isolation and in combination.
  • Pupils should be encouraged to play competitive games, modified where appropriate, and apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending.
• National Curriculum aims
  • Developing agility, balance and coordination.
  • Engaging in competitive sports and collaborating within a team.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:

• Demonstrate improved speed and running technique in a variety of fun running games.
• Practise efficient baton handoffs in relay races, enhancing coordination.
• Collaborate effectively in teams, showing good communication and support.
• Reflect on their own and others’ performance to suggest ways to improve.

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Equipment Needed

• Batons (one per relay team)
• Cones or markers for relay lanes and game areas
• Stopwatch or timing device
• Whistle
• Scoreboard or chalk board to track team points
• Bibs/coloured bands for team identification

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Warm-Up (10 minutes)

Objective: Prepare the body for running, reduce injury risk, and mentally focus pupils.

• Dynamic Stretching & Mobility (5 minutes):
  • High knees
  • Butt kicks
  • Arm circles and shoulder rolls
  • Leg swings (forward/backward and sideways)
• Fun Activation Game - “Tag Relay” (5 minutes):
  • Divide class into small teams of 5, line up in their team lanes.
  • Each ‘tag’ must be a sprint then a hand touch to the next runner.
  • Encourages quick running and teamwork activation.

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2. Main Activity Part 1: Running Games (20 minutes)

Objective: Develop speed, agility, and competitive spirit.

• Game 1: “Sprint Circuit Challenge” (10 minutes)

  • Set up 4 sprint stations with different challenges: straight sprint, zigzag run between cones, shuttle run (5m forward/back), and a ‘crawl and sprint’ station.
  • Pupils rotate every 2 minutes completing each challenge as fast as possible.
  • Teachers time each student and provide quick feedback to boost performance.

• Game 2: “Relay Obstacle Challenge” (10 minutes)

  • Teams run relay laps weaving through cones, then sprinting to the next runner.
  • Add a baton handoff zone with clear markings to practise smooth passing.

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3. Main Activity Part 2: Relay Races (20 minutes)

Objective: Practise teamwork, communication and baton handoffs in competitive context.

• Divide class into 6 teams of 5 pupils (ensures manageable team sizes and that everyone runs multiple legs).
• Race 1: Classic 4x50m Relay
  • Focus on handoff zones, speed, and coordination.
• Race 2: Mixed Ability Relay
  • Teams strategically order runners to balance ability and maximise competition.
• Encourage discussions on strategy between races.

Differentiation:

• For less confident runners, allow longer handoff zones and encourage cheering roles in team support.
• For more advanced pupils, challenge them with a “blind handoff” round where the receiver starts running before baton is passed (practise timing and trust).

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4. Cool Down & Reflection (10 minutes)

• Slow jogging and walking laps (3 minutes)
• Static stretching focussing on major leg muscles and arms (5 minutes)
• Group reflection discussion:
  • What made a good baton handoff today?
  • How did teams communicate and work together?
  • What have you learned about your running technique?
• Use a prompt chart for some pupils to share ideas aloud; encourage positive peer feedback.

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Assessment & Feedback

• Continuous observation during activities focusing on running technique and team cooperation.
• Peer and self-assessment using thumbs up/down during relay handoff practice.
• End of lesson informal quiz: pupils name three keys for good baton passing and teamwork.

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Health & Safety Considerations

• Ensure space is free from hazards.
• Check shoes and clothing are suitable for running.
• Hydration breaks as needed.
• Clear explanations of rules to prevent collisions or confusion.

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Extension Ideas

• Encourage pupils to design their own relay games focusing on different skills like speed, endurance or accuracy for the final lesson in the unit.
• Use video recording to analyse handoffs and running form visually in the next lesson.

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This detailed and interactive lesson plan integrates the key physical education aims of the UK curriculum with engaging activities to refine running capabilities and teamwork for KS2 pupils in an inclusive, supportive environment.