Relay Events and Tactics Wendy Truvillion
Relay Events and Tactics Wendy Truvillion
Relay Events and Tactics Wendy Truvillion
Wendy Truvillion
Relay Specifics to Know!
Uniform Rules – Know them!
Relay entry process – Know it!
Relay Substitution process – Know it!
Exchange Zones – Know them!
Rules differ at some meets –
Know the rules before you get there!
Sprint relays are 4x100, 4x200, SMR
Long relays are 4x400, 4x800, 4x1600, DMR
Trick Question?
– Does the runner have to be inside the zone when he/she
receives/passes the baton?
Relay Safety
Clear the practice area Clean surface – no
– no hurdles, blocks, debris
unnecessary people
Focus – no
Use visible marks –
cones (collapsible), distractions, full
tape, ½ tennis balls concentration
(dangerous)
Smooth Batons – no
sharp edges, no broom
sticks, paint stirrer
Relay Talent Selection
Good Sprinters, Quick turn runners (short,
high frequency)
hurdlers, Jumpers Even stride length – no over
make good relay striders, tall posture
personnel 1st leg– (pop-off) reliable
starter and solid curve
Competent – smart, runner
critical thinkers, 2nd – (damage control)
aggressive, capable of running long leg
and finish strong
confident 3rd – (utility) excellent curve
Coordinated – good runner
controlled limbs 4th – (anchor) confident,
controlled, sprint well under
pressure
4 x 100 meter Relay
1. Rules (Know them!)
a. Entire race run in lanes.
b. The exchange must occur within the 20 meter
zones.
c. A 10-meter acceleration zone may be used by the
outgoing runner.
d. The method of exchange is a “blind” hand-off.
e. Baton must be passed inside of the zone.
– **Athlete doesn’t have to be inside the zone, only the baton!
Description of Positions
** Runners #1 and #3
– on the inside of the lane
– carry the baton around the curve in their RIGHT hand
– Keep the baton in the middle of the lane
** Runners #2 and #4
– on the outside of the lane.
– carry the baton down the straight in their LEFT hand
– Keep the baton in the middle of the lane
** Positions within the lane must be maintained before, during, and after
the exchange in order to avoid possible entanglement between the
incoming, outgoing runners, and opponents (disqualification).
Skills of the Relay Events
Block Starts Rollover Start
– Conventional – Displace body (‘get to
– Baton can extend over getting’)
the start line – Crouch or 3pt stance
– Grip with middle and ring – Outside leg usually in
finger front
– Body weight on bridge of – Inside leg usually in
thumb, forefinger, & ”pinky” back; corresponds with
finger the receiving hand
– Look under or over the
inside shoulder
– Push out like block start
More skills of the Relay Events
Outgoing Runner Incoming Runner
– Blind Exchange – Responsible for making the
– Full speed take-off exchange
– Be patient, trust the ‘go’ mark – Be patient, diligent, and efficient
– Stay on your side of the lane – Stay on your side of the lane
– At signal (verbal/nonverbal) – Run strongly through the zone
extend hand, instantaneously (‘chase’)
– High, stable target – Don’t extend the baton until you
– Don’t feel for the baton, it will get close enough to complete
be there, when it’s there. the pass (‘keep pumping’)
– Watch the take-off mark as the – Actively place the baton in the
athlete is approaching hand (firm, but don’t slap it),
aim for the ‘meaty’ palm
– Place the ‘end’ of the baton in
the hand
– See the baton INTO the hand
Even more
skills of the relay event
Exchange
– Blind exchange
10m 20m
4 x 100 Tactics
Serious relay exchange practices at all times. Incorporate speed work with
exchanges.
Work multiple combinations. You never know when you’ll need to make
changes
Full speed exchange practices. **60-80 m run in at practices; simulate race.
Salvage every exchange attempt in practice. **You never know what will
happen in competition.
In the starting position of the outgoing runner, the foot placed to the rear
normally corresponds to the hand receiving the baton. This allows for a
better view of the incoming runner.
Attempt to keep the baton moving at a constant speed through the zone.
The incoming runner must assume the bulk of the responsibility in executing the
baton exchange.
Stay on your side of the lane
Keep pumping your arms through to the exchange (no “statue of liberty”)
“Chase” through the zone, chase out of the zone to fight centrifugal forces
Protect the baton!
4 x 400 meter Relay