Baton Exchange in Track and Field
What is Baton exchange ??
This is done in the relay race, when team mates come together passing the baton from one member to the other using the various techniques.
Types of Baton exchange
Baton Passes are divided into two broad headings:
Non Visual Exchanges: Usually used for shorter distance relays where batons are being handed off to their team mates at the higher speed. In this exchange, receiving runners does not see when the baton is being placed in their hands.
Visual Exchanges: This exchange is used when doin long distance relays as it is not a requirement for runners to be at top speed. This exchange requires receiving runners to looking back for help.
Non Visual Exchanges
Upsweep Pass
The outgoing runner's hand should be extended at waist height with arm facing down. The incoming runner then swings the baton up in d outgoing runner's hand placing it between the thumb and fingers.
Down Sweep Pass
In this pass, athletes flip their palms upwards to receive the baton, the outgoing runner thumb should formed a V-shape turned towards the torso. The outgoing runner reaches back and receive a third of the baton
Push Pass
Outgoing runner hand is extended to the ground with the thumb facing down. Baton is pushes vertically by the incoming runner to the outgoing runner extended hand. Team mates rely on spoken words to organize passes.
Visual Exchange
This is done in long distance relays and usually requires the first leg runner to start with a crouch start. Crouch start the runner should have one leg in front the other facing forward. When passing the Baton the outgoing runner hand should be extended to collect the baton and also should looking on the incoming runner to receive the baton.
References
The relay handoff. (2016, August 2). Private and Group Coaching Lessons and Local Sports Training Courses | CoachUp. https://www.coachup.com/nation/articles/relay-handoff
Non-visual exchange. (n.d.). The Game-changers.
https://gamechangers2013.weebly.com/non-visual-exchange.html