Athletics: 4 × 100 Relay Race, Meaning and Types of Baton, and How to Handle a Baton Without Dropping It Primary 4 (Basic 4) First Term Week 4 Physical and Health Education

ATHLETIC: RELAY RACE 4 X 100, MEANING AND TYPES OF BATON, HOW TO HANDLE BATON WITHOUT FALLING 

PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION (PHE)

PRIMARY 4 – FIRST TERM – WEEK 4

THEME – GAMES AND SPORTS 

PREVIOUS LESSON – Moving Our Body Parts: Meaning and Examples of Basic Non-Locomotive Movements Primary 4 (Basic 4) First Term Week 2 Physical and Health Education

TOPIC – 4 X 100 RELAY RACE (BATON) 

LEARNING AREA

1. Introduction

2. Relay Race, Meaning and Types of Baton

3. How to Handle a Baton Without Dropping It

4. Weekly Assessment: Test Questions and Answers

5. Summary

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Explain the meaning of a 4 × 100 relay race.

2. Define a baton.

3. Identify the types of baton.

4. Demonstrate the correct way to handle a baton without dropping it.

5. Appreciate the importance of teamwork during a relay race.

ENTRY BEHAVIOUR

Pupils have previously learned about basic locomotive movements, especially running, which helps them move quickly from one place to another. They have also participated in simple games and races.

This lesson builds on that knowledge by introducing the 4 × 100 relay race, where pupils use their running skills, work together as a team, and learn how to pass and receive a baton correctly without dropping it.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The teacher will teach the lesson with the aid of:

1. Relay batons (plastic, wooden, or aluminium)

2. Whistle

3. Cones or markers

4. Stopwatch

5. Playground or running track

6. Charts showing relay race and baton exchange

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

1. Scheme of Work

2. 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum

3. Course Book

4. All Relevant Material

5. Online Information

CONTENT OF THE LESSON

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever watched four runners take turns carrying a small stick while running around a track? That event is called a relay race. In a relay race, each runner runs a part of the distance before passing a baton to the next teammate.

Success in a relay race depends on speed, teamwork, and proper baton handling. If the baton falls, the team may lose the race.

In this lesson, pupils will learn the meaning of the 4 × 100 relay race, the meaning and types of baton, and how to handle a baton correctly without dropping it.

MEANING OF 4 × 100 RELAY RACE

The 4 × 100 relay race is a track event in which four runners form one team. Each runner runs 100 metres before passing a baton to the next runner. The last runner carries the baton across the finish line.

The winning team is the one that completes the race first without breaking the rules.

FEATURES OF THE 4 × 100 RELAY RACE

1. Each team has four runners.

2. Each runner covers 100 metres.

3. A baton is passed from one runner to another.

4. The baton must be passed within the exchange zone.

5. Teamwork, speed, and correct baton passing are very important.

RULES OF THE 4 × 100 RELAY RACE

1. The race begins when the starter blows the whistle or fires the starting pistol.

2. Each runner must stay in his or her assigned lane.

3. The baton must be passed within the exchange zone.

4. A runner must not throw the baton.

5. If the baton falls, the runner who dropped it should pick it up quickly and continue the race.

6. The last runner must cross the finish line with the baton.

IMPORTANCE OF THE 4 × 100 RELAY RACE

1. It promotes teamwork and cooperation.

2. It improves running speed and fitness.

3. It develops coordination and balance.

4. It teaches discipline and obedience to rules.

5. It builds confidence and sportsmanship.

6. It encourages healthy competition.

MEANING OF BATON

A baton is a small, smooth, hollow tube or stick used in a relay race. It is passed from one runner to another until the last runner crosses the finish line.

The baton is usually made of aluminium, plastic, or other light materials.

TYPES OF BATON EXCHANGE

There are two main types of baton exchange used in relay races:

1. Visual Baton Exchange

A visual baton exchange is a method in which the receiving runner looks back to see the incoming runner before taking the baton.

Characteristics:

• The receiver looks at the baton.

• It is easy to learn.

• It is mostly used by beginners and in school competitions.

• It reduces the chance of dropping the baton.

2. Non-Visual Baton Exchange (Blind Baton Exchange)

A non-visual baton exchange is a method in which the receiving runner does not look back while receiving the baton. The runner stretches one hand backward, and the incoming runner places the baton into the hand.

Characteristics:

• The receiver does not look back.

• It is faster than the visual exchange.

• It requires teamwork and regular practice.

• It is commonly used in professional relay races.

HOW TO HANDLE A BATON WITHOUT DROPPING IT

1. Hold the baton firmly, but not too tightly.

2. Carry the baton in one hand while running.

3. Keep your attention on your teammate during the baton exchange.

4. Pass the baton gently into your teammate’s open hand.

5. Receive the baton with a firm grip before increasing your speed.

7. Do not throw the baton.

8. Practise baton passing regularly.

9. Stay calm and follow your teacher’s or coach’s instructions.

Importance7 OF PROPER BATON HANDLING

1. It prevents the baton from falling.

2. It helps the team complete the race successfully.

3. It improves teamwork and coordination.

4. It saves time during baton exchange.

5. It increases the team’s chances of winning.

WEEKLY ASSESSMENT: TEST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS/ASSIGNMENT

A. Multiple Choice Questions

1. A relay race is a race in which runners ______.

A. pass a baton to one another

B. swim together

C. ride bicycles

D. jump over hurdles only

2. A baton is used in a ______.

A. football match

B. relay race

C. basketball game

D. volleyball match

3. In a visual baton exchange, the receiving runner ______.

A. closes the eyes

B. throws the baton

C. looks back before receiving the baton

D. stops running

4. In a non-visual baton exchange, the receiving runner ______.

A. looks back at the incoming runner

B. sits down to receive the baton

C. throws the baton away

D. does not look back while receiving the baton

5. Which of the following helps prevent the baton from dropping?

A. Throwing the baton quickly

B. Running without holding the baton properly

C. Looking away during the exchange

D. Holding the baton firmly and passing it carefully

B. Fill in the Blanks

6. A ______ is a small tube or stick used in a relay race.

7. The ______ baton exchange requires the receiving runner to look back.

8. The ______ baton exchange is also called the blind baton exchange.

9. In a 4 × 100 relay race, each team has ______ runners.

10. Proper baton handling helps prevent the baton from ______.

C. True or False

11. A baton is passed from one runner to another in a relay race. ______

12. The visual baton exchange is commonly used by beginners. ______

13. The non-visual baton exchange requires the receiving runner to look back. ______

14. Teamwork is important in a relay race. ______

15. Throwing the baton is the correct way to pass it. ______

D. Match Column A with Column B

Column A – Column B

16. Baton – A. Four runners

17. Visual baton exchange – B. Used in a relay race

18. Non-visual baton exchange – C. Receiver does not look back

19. 4 × 100 relay race – D. Receiver looks back

20. Teamwork – E. Helps the team succeed

ANSWER KEYS

1. A – Pass a baton to one another

2. B – Relay race

3. C – Looks back before receiving the baton

4. D – Does not look back while receiving the baton

5. D – Holding the baton firmly and passing it carefully

6. Baton

7. Visual

8. Non-visual

9. Four (4)

10. Dropping (falling)

11. True

12. True

13. False

14. True

15. False

16. B – Baton → Used in a relay race

17. D – Visual baton exchange → Receiver looks back

18. C – Non-visual baton exchange → Receiver does not look back

19. A – 4 × 100 relay race → Four runners

20. E – Teamwork → Helps the team succeed

SUMMARY

In this lesson, pupils learned that the 4 × 100 relay race is an athletics event in which four runners form a team, and each runner covers 100 metres before passing a baton to the next teammate.

Pupils learned that a baton is a small hollow tube or stick used in relay races. They also identified the two types of baton exchange:

• Visual baton exchange, where the receiving runner looks back before taking the baton.

• Non-visual (blind) baton exchange, where the receiving runner does not look back while receiving the baton.

They also learned the correct ways to handle a baton without dropping it, such as holding it firmly, passing it gently, receiving it with a firm grip, and practising baton exchange regularly.

Finally, pupils understood that teamwork, speed, concentration, and proper baton handling are important for success in a relay race.

PRESENTATION

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

1. The teacher displays a relay baton and pictures or charts showing a 4 × 100 relay race.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils observe the baton and identify it as the equipment used in a relay race.

2. The teacher explains the meaning of the 4 × 100 relay race and the meaning of a baton.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils explain the meaning of a relay race and a baton in their own words.

3. The teacher explains and demonstrates the two types of baton exchange: visual and non-visual (blind).

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils identify the two types of baton exchange and explain the difference between them.

4. The teacher demonstrates the correct way to hold, pass, and receive a baton without dropping it.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils practise holding, passing, and receiving the baton correctly in pairs.

5. The teacher divides the pupils into groups of four and organizes a simple relay race for practical baton exchange.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils participate in the relay race, practise teamwork, and perform proper baton exchange.

6. The teacher asks oral questions based on the lesson.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils answer the questions and participate actively in the discussion.

7. The teacher summarizes the lesson.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils participate in the summary and write the key points in their notebooks.

8. The teacher gives classwork, marks pupils’ responses, and provides corrections where necessary.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils complete the exercise and correct their mistakes.

CONCLUSION

To conclude the lesson for the week, the teacher revises the entire lesson and links it to the following week’s lesson.

NEXT LESSON

Athletics (Track Events): Meaning and Types of Sprint Races, and Phases of a Race Primary 4 (Basic 4) First Term Week 5 Physical and Health Education

LESSON EVALUATION 

Teacher asks pupils,

1. What is a 4 × 100 relay race?

2. What is a baton?

3. Mention the two types of baton exchange.

4. Explain the difference between visual and non-visual baton exchange.

5. State five rules for handling a baton without dropping it.

6. Why is teamwork important in a relay race?

7. Demonstrate the correct way to pass and receive a baton.

8. State four importance of proper baton handling during a relay race.