Relay Races, Baton Skills, Rules and Safety for Primary 4

Relay races

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. describe the types of relay races and perform 4 by 100 metre, perform 4 by 400 meter;
2. describe the basic skills and techniques of relay races correctly;
3. perform relay race.

What is a Relay Race?

A relay race is a team running event where members of a team take turns to run different parts of a total distance.

Each runner carries a special stick called a baton. They pass this baton to the next runner in their team. The team that finishes the race first, without dropping the baton or breaking rules, wins.

Types of Relay Races

Relay races are named by the number of runners in a team and the distance each runner covers. In Primary 4, two common types of relay races are:

1. 4 by 100 Metres (4 x 100m) Relay: In this race, a team has four runners. Each runner runs a distance of 100 metres. The total distance covered by the team is 400 metres. This is a short, fast race that requires speed and quick baton exchanges.
2. 4 by 400 Metres (4 x 400m) Relay: In this race, a team also has four runners. However, each runner runs a longer distance of 400 metres. The total distance covered by the team is 1600 metres. This race requires both speed and endurance.

Basic Skills and Techniques in Relay Races

To perform well in a relay race, runners need to master several basic skills and techniques. These skills help the team run faster and exchange the baton smoothly.

Start and Running Take-off

The start is very important, especially for the first runner in a relay race. A good start helps the runner gain speed quickly.

The first runner usually uses a crouch start, similar to other sprint races. This allows for a powerful push-off.

The procedure for a crouch start involves the following steps:

1. “On your marks”: Place the stronger foot forward, just behind the starting line. The other foot is placed behind it, with the knee on the ground. Both hands are placed on the ground, shoulder-width apart, just behind the starting line. The fingers are spread, and the thumbs point inwards.
2. “Set”: Raise the hips slightly higher than the shoulders. The body leans forward, and the weight is shifted onto the hands and front foot.
3. “Go” (or whistle): Push off strongly with both feet from the ground. Drive the arms forward and backward to gain momentum. Run out of the blocks with short, powerful strides, gradually lengthening them.

Arm Action

Correct arm action is important for all runners in a relay race. It helps with balance, rhythm, and generating power for faster running.

The arms should swing naturally and rhythmically with the legs. The procedure for correct arm action involves the following:

1. Bend the elbows at about a 90-degree angle.
2. Swing the arms forward and backward, not across the body.
3. Keep the hands loosely cupped, not tightly clenched.
4. The forward swing should bring the hand to about shoulder height, and the backward swing should bring the elbow towards the hip.
5. The arm swing should be relaxed but powerful, matching the speed of the legs.

Baton Grip and Exchange

The baton is a hollow stick, usually made of wood or metal, that each runner carries and passes to the next teammate. Holding the baton correctly and exchanging it smoothly are crucial for winning a relay race.

Baton Grip

The baton should be held firmly but not too tightly. The runner should hold one end of the baton, leaving enough space for the next runner to grip the other end.

Baton Exchange

The baton exchange happens in a special area on the track called the exchange zone. This zone is usually 20 metres long. The baton must be passed within this zone. If the baton is exchanged outside this zone, the team will be disqualified.

The exchange requires good timing and communication between the incoming and outgoing runners. The procedure for a basic baton exchange involves the following steps:

1. Outgoing Runner’s Position: The outgoing runner stands ready at the start of the exchange zone, looking back at the incoming runner.
2. Incoming Runner’s Signal: As the incoming runner approaches, they call out a signal like “Hand!” or “Stick!” to alert the outgoing runner.
3. Outgoing Runner’s Movement: The outgoing runner starts running forward at full speed, extending one arm backward with the palm open to receive the baton.
4. Baton Transfer: The incoming runner places the baton firmly into the outstretched hand of the outgoing runner. The transfer should be smooth and without slowing down.
5. Secure Grip: The outgoing runner immediately grips the baton firmly and continues running at full speed.

Important safety tips during baton exchange include:

1. Hold the baton firmly to avoid dropping it.
2. Do not throw the baton to your teammate. Always hand it over.
3. Be aware of other runners in the exchange zone to avoid collisions.
4. Practise the exchange many times to make it smooth and safe.

Finish

The finish is the final part of the race. The last runner in the team must cross the finish line to complete the race.

The procedure for finishing a race involves the following:

1. Maintain Speed: The runner should continue running at full speed, or even try to increase speed, as they approach the finish line.
2. Lean Forward: Just before crossing the finish line, the runner can lean their chest forward slightly to cross the line faster.
3. Run Through: Do not slow down immediately after crossing the line. Continue running a few steps past the finish line to ensure the timing is accurate.

Performing a Relay Race

Performing a relay race involves combining all the basic skills and techniques learned. It requires teamwork, good communication, and practice.

When performing a relay race, each runner must:

1. Start correctly and run their leg of the race with proper arm action.
2. Exchange the baton smoothly and safely within the exchange zone.
3. The last runner must cross the finish line strongly.

During the race, all runners must stay in their assigned lanes. Stepping out of the lane or obstructing another runner can lead to disqualification. The team that completes the race first, following all rules and without dropping the baton, is the winner.