Optimum Time for Learning the Technique for Baton Passing in Relay Race by Elementary School Children

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to clarify the optimum time for learning the technique for baton passing in relay race. Improvements in the skill in baton passing and understanding of the relay race were examined, using 244 elementary school children in the third to sixth grade in 11 lessons. The time of relay race for the third grade was improved remarkably as compared to the other grade, and the improvement decreased with grade level. However, in the third grade, who had not become skillful enough in baton passing, the time of relay race was longer than total time of 50-meter sprint for members. The result of learning was judged by the remainder taken the time of relay race from the total time of 50-meter sprint for members, and it was bigger in higher grade. Higher grade children advanced the time of relay race by the improvement in the technique for baton passing not in the ability of sprint. Improvement in image of the relay race was noted in all grade. Middle grade students enjoyed the relay race as a game. Higher grade students felt a special property of technique for baton passing in relay race. In the sixth grade student, the greater the understanding of the technique in baton passing, the greater was the baton passing speed. The present results suggested that the learning the technique for baton passing thus appears possible on the part of fourth grade students, and the best time for learning the technique for baton passing is when students are in the sixth grade.