Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 10
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical Education
Curriculum Theme: Physical Education
Previous Lesson: .
Topic: Athletics And Sports (Relay Races)
Subject Matter: Definition of relay races, types of relay races, baton exchange, visual baton exchange, non visual baton exchange, exchange zone and 20m zone rules
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define relay races.
- List and explain the types of relay races.
- Describe the methods of baton exchange.
- State the rules governing the exchange zone and 20m zone.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of teamwork and cooperation in relay races.
- Show sportsmanship during practice and competition.
- Value adherence to rules and regulations in sports.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Demonstrate the correct technique for visual baton exchange.
- Demonstrate the correct technique for non-visual baton exchange.
- Practice running and exchanging the baton within the designated exchange zone.
Social Domain:
- Collaborate effectively with teammates to achieve a common goal.
- Participate actively in group practice sessions.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Physical and Health Education (Junior Secondary).
- State Unified Scheme of Work for Physical and Health Education SSS 1.
- Physical and Health Education for Senior Secondary Schools Book 1.
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Relay baton
- Whistle or starting gun
- Track markers
- Starting block
- Spike shoes
- Rules books
- Diagrams illustrating baton exchange techniques and zones
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand relay races, which are an important part of athletics. Knowing the rules and techniques for baton exchange enables pupils to participate effectively and safely in track events, promoting teamwork and physical fitness.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have basic knowledge of athletics and track events from previous lessons.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Athletics and Sports: Relay Races
Definition of Relay Races
A relay race is a track and field event where members of a team complete different parts of a race in succession. Each team member runs a specified distance, carrying a baton, which is then passed to the next runner.
Types of Relay Races
The common types of relay races include:
- 4 x 100 meters relay
- 4 x 200 meters relay
- 4 x 400 meters relay
- 4 x 800 meters relay
- 4 x 1500 meters relay
Baton Exchange
Baton exchange is the process of passing the baton from one runner to the next within the designated exchange zone. Proper baton exchange is essential for a successful relay race.
Visual Baton Exchange
Visual baton exchange is a technique where the receiver looks back at the incoming runner and the baton during the exchange. This method is typically used in longer relay races (e.g., 4x400m) where runners have more time to coordinate.
Non-Visual Baton Exchange
Non-visual baton exchange is a technique where the receiver does not look back at the incoming runner. The receiver starts running at full speed and extends their hand backward without looking, relying on the incoming runner to place the baton correctly. This method is common in shorter relay races (e.g., 4x100m) for maintaining speed.
Exchange Zone and 20m Zone Rules
The following rules apply to the exchange zone and the 20m acceleration zone:
- Exchange Zone: This is a 20-meter long area within which the baton must be exchanged from one runner to the next. If the baton is exchanged outside this zone, the team will be disqualified.
- Acceleration Zone (20m Zone): In 4x100m relays, the receiving runner may start running up to 10 meters before the actual exchange zone. This 10-meter area is called the acceleration zone, allowing the receiver to build up speed before receiving the baton within the exchange zone. The total area for acceleration and exchange is 30 meters (10m acceleration + 20m exchange zone).
- The baton must be held in the hand throughout the race.
- Dropping the baton is not an automatic disqualification, but the runner who dropped it must retrieve it.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils, checks attendance, and reviews the previous lesson briefly. The teacher then introduces the topic of “Athletics and Sports (Relay Races)” by asking pupils if they have ever watched or participated in a relay race.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, answer attendance, recall aspects of the previous lesson, and share their experiences or knowledge about relay races.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the new lesson and their prior knowledge is activated.
Step 2: Definition of Relay Races
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a relay race, explaining that it is a team event where a baton is passed between runners. The teacher may use a diagram or a physical baton to illustrate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions for clarity, and write down the definition in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic concept of a relay race.
Step 3: Types of Relay Races
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Classification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and briefly explains the common types of relay races (e.g., 4x100m, 4x400m), highlighting the different distances involved.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and identify the various relay race types.
Learning Point: Pupils can differentiate between various relay race types based on distance.
Step 4: Baton Exchange Methods
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates the two main methods of baton exchange: visual and non-visual. The teacher will show the correct hand positions and timing for each method.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration carefully, ask questions, and try to mimic the hand positions.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and can identify the two primary methods of baton exchange.
Step 5: Exchange Zone and 20m Zone Rules
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Rule Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the concept of the exchange zone and the 20m acceleration zone, emphasizing the rules regarding where the baton must be exchanged to avoid disqualification. The teacher may draw a simple track layout on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes on the rules, and ask questions about the zones.
Learning Point: Pupils know the rules governing the exchange zones in relay races.
Step 6: Practical Application/Practice
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher organizes pupils into small groups and supervises them as they practice visual and non-visual baton exchanges within a marked “exchange zone” on the field or in the classroom. The teacher provides immediate feedback and correction.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate in practicing baton exchange techniques with their teammates, aiming for smooth and correct execution within the zone.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate practical skills in baton exchange and teamwork.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Define a relay race.
- List three types of relay races.
- Explain the difference between visual and non-visual baton exchange.
- What is the length of the exchange zone, and what happens if the baton is exchanged outside it?
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of proper technique and rules in relay races. The teacher assigns homework, which could involve drawing a diagram of an exchange zone or listing the rules.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary, ask any final questions, and copy down the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further study.
Lesson Keywords
- Relay Race – A track event where team members run parts of a race in succession, passing a baton.
- Baton Exchange – The act of passing the baton from one runner to another.
- Visual Exchange – Baton exchange where the receiver looks back at the incoming runner.
- Non-Visual Exchange – Baton exchange where the receiver does not look back.
- Exchange Zone – A 20-meter area where the baton must be passed.
- Acceleration Zone – A 10-meter area before the exchange zone where the receiver can start running to build speed.
Differentiation
The teacher will provide additional support for struggling learners through one-on-one guidance during practical sessions and simplified explanations. Advanced learners will be encouraged to demonstrate techniques and assist peers.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure adequate space for practical demonstrations and practice. Emphasize safety during all activities. Encourage active participation from all pupils, fostering a spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship. Adjust the pace of the lesson based on pupils’ understanding and engagement.

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