Grade 5 Physical And Health Education Athletic Truck Events – Improvising The Relay Button Notes
Improvising the Relay Baton
Topic: Athletic Track Events — Physical and Health Education (for age 10, Kenya)
Note: “relay baton” is the correct name (sometimes children say “button”). Here are safe, simple ways to make and use a relay baton for school practice when you do not have an official baton.
Learning goals
- Make a safe improvised baton from local materials.
- Learn a simple passing technique for relays.
- Practice passing inside a marked exchange zone.
- Know safety rules for relay practice.
Materials you can use
- Empty plastic bottle (large, cleaned) — light and smooth.
- Rolled newspaper or magazine tightly taped (use clear tape).
- Short piece of PVC pipe (about 25–30 cm) — smooth ends taped for safety.
- Wooden spoon handle or light broom stick cut to size and sanded (adults only).
- Cloth-wrapped stick: wrap a thin stick with cloth and tape so it is not sharp.
How to make a safe improvised baton (easy ways)
- Plastic bottle baton: Clean and dry bottle. Fill with a little sand or cloth for weight if needed. Wrap tape around middle to give a smooth grip.
- Rolled-paper baton: Roll pages tightly into a tube ~25–30 cm long. Tape well along the length. Cover ends with tape so they are not sharp.
- PVC baton: Cut to about the length of your forearm (25–30 cm). Sand or tape the ends. Wrap tape in the middle for grip.
Quick safety rules
- Only use smooth, light materials — no metal or sharp edges.
- Teacher or adult must check every improvised baton before use.
- Do not swing the baton near other runners or spectators.
- Practice on grass or a clear track area to avoid trips.
- Always warm up and drink water (Kenyan sun can be hot!).
Simple passing technique for beginners (push pass)
The push pass is easy for younger runners:
- Runner A (incoming) holds the baton in their right hand if passing to a right-hand receiver (or left to left).
- Runner B (outgoing) holds their hand behind them, palm facing backward and fingers together (ready to receive).
- When close, Runner A gently pushes the baton into Runner B’s hand — do not throw.
- Keep running; the exchange must happen inside the marked exchange zone.
Marking the exchange zone (simple method)
- Use chalk, cones or stones on grass to mark a rectangular zone about two or three large steps long.
- One child acts as starter to watch the exchange and remind runners to hand the baton inside the zone.
Practice drills (5 fun steps)
- Stationary pass: partners stand still and practice push passing until comfortable.
- Walking pass: walk while passing to learn distance and timing.
- Jogging pass: jog slowly into the zone and pass.
- Running pass: full-speed practice with marked zone and coach watching.
- Relay race: form teams and race 4 x short laps, focusing on smooth passes, not speed first.
Teacher tips (for Kenyan schools)
- Check improvised batons before each session — remove anything with rough edges.
- Use local, low-cost items so many teams can practise at once (bottles, rolled paper).
- Rotate roles so every child practices both incoming and outgoing positions.
- Encourage clear calls (e.g., “Hand!” or “Take!”) so teammates know when to receive.
- Explain the importance of fair play and teamwork — relay races teach cooperation.
Simple checklist to assess a good exchange
- Was the baton handed inside the exchange zone?
- Was the pass smooth (no dropping)?
- Did the outgoing runner keep looking forward and not stop completely?
- Were both runners safe and careful with the baton?
Quick reminder: In actual competitions the baton must be passed within the marked zone. For school practice focus on safety and smooth passing before speed.
Small visual: baton handover
Incoming runner pushes baton into teammate's hand inside the zone.
If you want, I can make a printable checklist or a simple activity card (A4) you can use in class with pictures. Do you want that?