Athletics

Relay events in athletics are 4x100m and 4x400m. Relay event is racing team competition that consists of four members. This races need to pass baton and pass to each member.  All the baton need to pass in exchange zone which is 20 meters. So, how to passing baton in relay?

There are three ways to passing baton which are upsweep pass, down-sweep and push pass.

1️⃣ Upsweep pass. 

▶ Outgoing runner runs with their hand behind them at hip level.

▶ Palm down and thumb outstretched to form a V shape. 

▶ The incoming runner inserts the baton upward between the thumb and fingers.


2️⃣ Down-sweep pass.

▶ Similar to the upsweep, but the outgoing runner's hand is palm up. 

▶ Receives the baton in a downward motion.


3️⃣ Push pass. 

▶ The outgoing runner holds their arm high up behind them.

▶ The palm sideways and the thumb pointing down. 

▶ The incoming runner holds the baton vertically and pushes it into the palm.


Passing baton in relay is the most important things to faster time. You need to practice to get the perfect and smooth baton exchange. The best is get blind handoffs.


Source: Jimson Lee (2010), Relay Passing Baton.