PaceSetter Book

Speed Activities 6

6.6 Introduction to Relays

Most young athletes will have probably performed a stationary take-over in the form of linear shuttle relays, which have little in common with what needs to be achieved within a proper relay take-over. Initial practice in coaching sessions should therefore involve going back to basics and highlighting the benefits of using a moving take-over. The baton should not stop at any take-over point, as it is essential that it keeps moving forward at speed to minimise the time taken to exchange. To achieve this forward movement at speed, when the exchange takes place the outgoing runner needs to be running as quickly as the incoming runner. Therefore, the outgoing runner must start running before the incoming runner. Ideally, if the outgoing runner manages to keep just ahead of the incoming runner at the time of the take-over then some distance can be gained by the arms in passing the baton forward. Timing the take-over is very important. An outgoing runner who sets off too soon will either have to stop to receive the baton or the incoming runner will not reach him or her. If the outgoing runner sets off too late, he or she may be overtaken by the incoming runner and the baton. WEB COPY ©EVEQUE For young athletes aged 8–13 years, a good introduction to relays is by the ‘upsweep’ method, which is an upward swing into the downward facing ‘V’ of the outgoing runner's hand. This is the safest method of exchanging the baton. The ‘downsweep’ technique is not preferred for use with young athletes as this requires many hours of practice and a lot of competition experience to master technique and timing. The essential skill to be developed at take-over is that of ensuring the baton remains moving forward at speed. The 10 metres acceleration zone before the take-over box should not be used with young athletes as far too often they are disqualified for exchanging before the box. This was introduced for senior international sprinters and the 20 metres of the take-over box is ample distance for young athletes. WEB COPY ©EVEQUE Upsweep Pass Downsweep Pass Right Hand Left Hand Right Hand Left Hand

118