How to Pass a Relay Baton

Speed, coordination and working as a team determines whether you will win a relay race. Knowing how to effectively pass that baton is fundamental to achieving victory. There are two basic passes, and your team should be proficient at both.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Up Sweep and Palm Down Pass

1. Time it so that when the approaching runner hits the mark, the outgoing runner starts to sprint.

2. Reach back with the outgoing runner's receiving hand, arranging an inverted "V" with the hand.

3. Move the approaching runner's arm in an upward motion and place the baton in the his hand. He takes the baton from the outgoing runner.

4. Always run through the pass, never slowing down in the timing of the exchange.

Down Sweep and Palm Up Pass

5. Coordinate the team members so when the approaching runner hits her mark, the outgoing runner starts to sprint.

6. Plan for the outgoing runner to reach back with his baton in hand parallel to the track.

7. Turn the outgoing runners thumb in the direction of the torso with his palm facing up shaping a "V".

8. Move the approaching runner's arm in a downward sweeping motion as the outgoing runner places the baton in the receiver's hand. The pproaching runner takes the baton and sprints.

Tips & Warnings

• The ultimate goal of passing a relay baton is to do it in the fastest way possible.
• Clearly understand the importance that approaching runner must stay in lane at all times, even after the pass of the baton to avoid interfering with the other runners.

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