This is a great spot for your fastest runner if they are much faster than the other three. [3] X Research source This is especially true if your fastest runner is also great at baton handoffs.
Although unorthodox, it could be smart to put your fastest runner here if they are also good on bends. A 200m specialist could do well on this leg. [5] X Research source
If your two fastest runners are much faster than the other two, place them second and fourth. This allows you to maximize the distance they run. [7] X Research source At high levels of competition, choose a runner with advanced finishing techniques. [8] X Research source This includes “lifting,” a running form with light ground contact and rapid knee lifts, and lunging, a carefully timed forward fall so the chest crosses the finish line sooner. [9] X Research source
Size differences: If one runner is much taller than another, they may have trouble exchanging batons smoothly. Space them out so they don’t have to do a baton exchange. [11] X Research source If a pair of athletes do not practice well together for temperamental reasons, and the coach cannot solve this problem, consider rearranging so they don’t have a handoff together. If one athlete is particularly poor at passing, consider placing them fourth. If an athlete is poor at receiving, consider putting them first.
Upsweep: the outgoing runner runs with their hand behind them at hip level, palm down and thumb outstretched to form a V shape. The incoming runner inserts the baton upward between the thumb and fingers. Downsweep: similar to the upsweep, but the outgoing runner’s hand is palm up and receives the baton in a downward motion. Push pass: the outgoing runner holds their arm high up behind them, with the palm sideways and the thumb pointing down. The incoming runner holds the baton vertically and pushes it into the palm.
First runner holds baton in right hand and runs on the inside edge of the lane. Second runner holds baton in left hand and stays on the outside. Third runner holds baton in right hand and stays on the inside. Fourth runner holds baton in left hand and receives on the outside.
Ideally, you can exchange the baton about 5 meters from the end of the zone. [14] X Research source This gives the outgoing runner more time to accelerate before receiving. [15] X Research source If the athletes have trouble with a quick handoff, or if they get nervous and slow down while waiting, exchange the baton just past the middle of the zone. [16] X Research source If one athlete is significantly faster than the others, they can receive earlier in the zone, carrying the baton for more than 100 meters.
The second runner should be positioned at the acceleration zone 10 meters before the first exchange zone. Each exchange zone is marked on most tracks by large, usually red, triangles. There should be a smaller triangle that marks the acceleration zone, which is where the second runner should be positioned. The third runner should be at the second acceleration zone before the exchange zone, and the fourth runner should be at the last acceleration zone.
Make sure that the runner runs on the inside of their lane, on the left-hand side, so that they can pass the baton to the next runner’s left hand.
Make sure that the baton exchange happens within the exchange zone because your team will be disqualified if it happens before or after the zone.
Again, be sure that the baton exchange happens within the exchange zone.
