The Perfect Baton Pass

In the picture

1. 1The baton: pushed forward at arm’s length by the incoming runner
2. 2The receiver’s open hand: held still behind the body as a clear target
3. 3Start of the changeover zone: the baton must change hands between the two lines
4. 4The checkmark: when the incoming runner reaches it, the receiver starts sprinting

Examples

• Olympic 4×100 m relay finals, where teams with smooth passes often beat teams with faster individual sprinters
• A school sports-day relay where teams practise their checkmark distance before race day

Quiz: The Perfect Baton Pass (Age 18)

1. 1

   In a sprint relay, why does the receiving runner start running before the baton arrives?

   • So that the baton can be passed before the changeover zone begins
   • So that the incoming runner can start slowing down earlier
   • So that both runners are near full speed when the baton changes hands
2. 2

   In the 4×100 m relay, what decides whether an exchange happened inside the 30 m changeover zone?

   • Where the incoming runner’s feet are
   • Where the baton is
   • Where the receiver’s feet are
3. 3

   During a good exchange, where does the receiver look?

   • Down at their own hand, to guide the baton in
   • Back at the baton, to grab it at the right moment
   • Ahead, trusting the incoming runner to place the baton in their hand

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This quiz is free there while the lesson is in the free week.