Fundamentals of Track and Field

~RELAYS~

       There are two types of sprint relays in track which are 4 x 100-m relay and the 4 x 400-m relay. The objective of the 4 x 100-m relay is each person is located on the track so they run 100 meters. When the gun goes off to start, each person runs their 100 meters and hands what is known as a baton to their teammate. This process is the same with the 4 x 400-m relay but the only difference is how much each person runs. In the 400 meter relay each person will run a full lap around the track before they hand off the baton to their teammate. When handling the baton you have to make sure that your hands are positioned in the correct format. It is important that you have your hand on the bottom of the baton. When running relay, a non visual (or blind) pass is used to pass the baton to the next teammate. This means that the baton receiver does not look back or turn and reach back for the baton

~THE DOWNSWEEP TECHNIQUE~ 

       In the downsweep technique, the baton carrier passes the baton with a downward, forward-pushing motion onto the hand of the baton receiver. In this action, the forward push of the baton is emphasized by the incoming runner. The downsweep technique is most commonly used in the alternate downsweep exchange. Elite relay decide which method of passing works the best for their team. 

~The picture above shows how you should hold the baton when passing to the baton       receiver using the downsweep technique. 

~The picture above shows how not to hold the baton when passing to the baton receiver, using the downsweep technique 

         ~Critical Features to Observe when Practicing~ 

* The positioning of the baton receiver

* The positioning of the baton in both the baton carrier and baton receiver 

* The call by the baton carrier and a pushing downseep action with the baton. 

* Line of vision and acceleration of the baton receiver once the baton carrier passes the check mark 

Which type of techniques do you prefer? Do you think this would work for most teams? 

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