The Key Factors of Sports Relay: Baton pass, Changeover, Lanes, and Legs.
What is Sports Relay?
A sports relay is a race in which a team of runners covers the course over multiple legs. The fastest team wins. A slick baton change is critical to a team’s performance, and violations of the rules can result in disqualification.
The incoming runner must stay within the changeover zone, which is a 20 m area located 10 m before and after the starting line of each leg. He or she must touch the outgoing runner with the hand extended behind him. 스포츠중계
Baton pass
The baton pass is a key part of any relay race, especially in shorter distance races (4x100m and 200 metres). This is because the runners must be able to sync up and execute the handover quickly. A bad pass can make the difference between winning and losing. In addition, a dropped baton may disqualify a team.
Runners must be able to read the cue words given by the outgoing runner and understand when to take the baton. A common method of handing off involves a “blind” pass, where the second runner starts running once the outgoing runner hits a visual mark on the track. The incoming runner then gives a verbal cue, such as “stick,” to signal that they are ready for the baton.
Other methods of handing off include the upsweep and downsweep passes. Both require the outgoing runner to extend their hand behind them, palm up and open for receiving. The incoming runner then pushes the baton into the hand. This is a safe technique that avoids tangles but can be difficult for young athletes to master.
Changeover
The changeover during a relay is the point when one athlete passes the baton to their teammate. It is important that this exchange happens quickly and correctly so that the runners can maintain their speed. In addition, it is also important that each runner understands the correct hand position to receive the baton.
The incoming runner’s hand should be extended behind them at hip height, palm up, and open. The outgoing runner should call “Hand” when they are close to the check mark and will only begin running once they have seen the incoming runner grab the baton. This is known as a non-visual exchange.
Athletes can practice this by setting up a 30m changeover zone marked by ground markers and having athletes work in pairs to decide which will be the outgoing and incoming runner. This will help them to get a feel for passing and receiving a baton at speed. It is possible to teach this skill in a 30-minute lesson and, although the athletes may not achieve technically perfect handovers, they will have developed a good understanding of how to pass a baton at speed.
Lanes
The lane system in relays is a crucial aspect of the race. It is designed to ensure that the baton exchange between runners is completed without decreasing speed or losing momentum. This is accomplished by establishing a 10 meter acceleration zone and 20 meter exchange zone. A runner must begin their acceleration pattern within these zones or they may be disqualified.
Lane rules differ depending on the distance of the relay event. In short distance races, such as the 4×100 meter, each team must remain in their assigned lane for the entire leg to avoid being disqualified. However, in longer distance relay events, such as the 4×400 meter, each team can switch lanes at any time during their leg.
Athletes should be selected for a relay team based on proven track speed and previous competition performance. It is important that each athlete understands the importance of a competitive team and works together toward the ultimate goal of winning the race.
Legs
The legs system during sports relay is a crucial component of a team’s overall success. The most successful and competitive teams rely on the abilities of every leg to achieve their desired competition result or high degree of performance. This concept may seem brash to new coaches, but the reality is that a relay team cannot achieve its full potential without the support of each leg.
During a relay race, the first leg runner has the responsibility to start the sprint with momentum and to set a good pace. They must also be able to maintain the lead for the entire stretch. The runner for the third leg must be able to run hard and fast, and should not be afraid to take risks.
The incoming runner should maintain a ready stance at the exchange zone marker, 10 m before and 10 m after the actual starting line of each relay leg. This designated acceleration zone is crucial in maintaining the correct spacing between a team’s runners.