Most young athletes will have probably performed a stationary take-over in the form of linear shuttle
relays, which have little in common with what needs to be achieved within a proper relay take-over.
Initial practice in coaching sessions should therefore involve going back to basics and highlighting the
benefits of using a moving take-over.
The baton should not stop at any take-over point, as it is essential that it keeps moving forward at
speed to minimise the time taken to exchange. To achieve this forward movement at speed, when
the exchange takes place the outgoing runner needs to be running as quickly as the incoming
runner. Therefore, the outgoing runner must start running before the incoming runner.
Ideally, if the outgoing runner manages to keep just ahead of the incoming runner at the time of the
take-over then some distance can be gained by the arms in passing the baton forward. Timing the
take-over is very important. An outgoing runner who sets off too soon will either have to stop to
receive the baton or the incoming runner will not reach him or her. If the outgoing runner sets off
too late, he or she may be overtaken by the incoming runner and the baton.
For young athletes aged 8–13 years, a good introduction to relays is by the ‘upsweep’ method,
which is an upward swing into the downward facing ‘V’ of the outgoing runner's hand. This is the
safest method of exchanging the baton. The ‘downsweep’ technique is not preferred for use with
young athletes as this requires many hours of practice and a lot of competition experience to master
technique and timing. The essential skill to be developed at take-over is that of ensuring the baton
remains moving forward at speed.
The 10 metres acceleration zone before the take-over box should not be used with young athletes
as far too often they are disqualified for exchanging before the box. This was introduced for senior
international sprinters and the 20 metres of the take-over box is ample distance for young athletes.
6.6 Introduction to Relays
Speed Activities
6
118
WEB COPY
©EVEQUE
WEB COPY
©EVEQUE
Upsweep Pass
Downsweep Pass
Left Hand
Right Hand
Left Hand
Right Hand
