Handout given to Students for Reading (On Baton Exchange)

4 x 100 relay: This is one of two main types of relays and the objective in the 100 yard relay is for the passer to pass the baton when the next runner has already achieved top speed. There is a 20 meter changeover zone in which to do this so the timing must be perfect. Keep in mind that in a 4 x 100 relay, the receiver of the baton does not look at the incoming runner once they have begun to run. He or she just reaches top speed and reaches back with the left hand. To get a good baton exchange takes a lot of practice.

4 x 400 relay: In this relay, each member of the team must run a 400 meter leg of the race. The receiver of the baton looks at the incoming runner who is moving at a slower speed than the incoming runner in a 4x100 race. There are no change over zones in this event because after the first lap, runners do not have to stay in their lane. The baton receiver must concentrate on taking the baton out of the incoming runner's hand rather than being "given" the baton. After the baton pass, the receiving runner accelerates to top speed and runs a 400m lap at full speed.

Exchange techniques: The upsweep technique
In this technique, the baton passer brings the baton up towards the hand of the awaiting runner. The waiting runner holds the hand back with thumb and fore finger making a V position and facing down. The passer must thrust the baton as far as possible into this V. Again, the motion of the baton passer is upwards towards the awaiting runner's hand. This method may be used during outside, inside and alternate inside exchanges. The decision of which method to use is up to the coach or team but it is a good idea to remain consistent on all baton exchanges. The upsweep motion is also in conjunction with the runner's natural arm sprint motion of down to up so it is a good way for beginners to learn to hand off.

The downsweep technique

In this method, the baton passer brings the baton down toward the awaiting runner's hand. The waiting runner holds their hand back with palms facing up and must grab the baton by the upper third of the shaft. Make sure to form a platform with the awaiting hand so it is easy for the passer to get the baton into the target area in your hand. The downsweep along with the upsweep are the most commonly used methods. The passer needs to make sure of a downward, forward pushing motion into the receiver's hand. In a 100 m race, it is the responsibility of the passer to get the baton successfully into the receivers hand who is not looking back during the exchange.

Elementary outside and inside baton exchanges

Outside exchange: This requires the baton receiver to shift the baton from the receiving (right in this case) hand to the opposite hand (left). On an outside exchange, the incoming runner runs on the outside half of the lane when making the exchange and the receiver waits on the inside half of the lane and looks back over the right shoulder. Keep the left foot forward. Receiver should receive the baton with the right hand and immediately shift it to the left hand and run from the inside part of the lane to the outside part of the lane. (This puts the runner in an outside position to make the next hand off. Note: the 4th runner does not need to run to the outside of the lane because he or she is not making an exchange.)

Inside exchange: The inside exchange requires the incoming runner to run on the inside half of the lane while the awaiting runner waits on the outside half looking over the left shoulder. Right foot is forward. This exchange is made by the awaiting runner holding out his or her left hand out to receive the baton. It is important to immediately shift the baton to the right hand and run to the inside part of the lane to be in proper position for the next exchange.

Characteristics and Goals of relay runners:
1st runner:
Needs to get a good start, be good out of the blocks and can hand off well. Usually runs about 105 yards.
2nd runner:
Needs to be good at receiving and handing off. Usually runs about 120 yards and has no curves to worry about.
3rd runner:
Needs to be good at receiving and handing off. Must be a good curve runner. Runs about 125 meters from start of acceleration zone to end of hand off.
4th runner:
Must be good at receiving the baton and run well under pressure. It is important to have a strong finisher run in this position who can have a kick at the end. The distance run by the 4th member is about 120 meters.





                          Students will be ask questions from handout given above

1.      Name the types of batton exchange?

 

2.      In which of the relay a non-visual exchange is use?

 

 

3.      What is the name of the where exchange is done in the 4x100

 

4.      What is the inside exchange?

 

5.      List one characteristic and goal of a relay runner?