Relay Races: 4x 100 m and 4×400 m sprint relays are the two most usual races. These relay races are run by four athletes by passing
a batom among them.
Technique: The baton can be exchanged in two ways:
Non-visual method
Visual method.
(i)Non-visual Method: This method is used in 4× 100 m relay race. In this method the athlete
change the baton without seeing back. The baton in changed in change over zone, which is
20 m. long. The first athlete keeps baton in right hand because he is to run on inner side of
Upward Pass the curve.
The 2nd runner stands in acceleration zone and starts running as the first runner
approaches towards him. This method is further divided into two parts:
(a) Upward Pass: In this method the outgoing athlete should make up shape figures at
the time of exchange and incoming athlete moves baton in an upward, direction. As
the baton touches the outgoing athlete’s hand the incoming athlete leaves the baton.
(b) Downward Pass: In this method the outgoing athlete opens hand facing palm upward, si
outta the incoming athlete passes baton from downward pass.
(i) Visual Method: This method is used in longer relay races. The outgoing athlete looks back
Downward Pass and starts running. He takes the baton from incoming athlete with watching the movements of incoming athlete.
