The Sports Relays is a team event that requires excellent passing and communication. It is a great way to build teamwork and confidence in runners. It is also a great event to teach kids the importance of following through with commitments and to make positive social learning a focus. Depending on the age group and skill level of participants, teams can be paired up or placed in groups with athletes of similar abilities. This allows less skilled athletes the opportunity to practice and learn from their teammates. Teams should be frequently changed so that less skilled participants are able to participate in more rounds of the relay. The area where the relay takes place should be free of obstructions. Modifications of the relay can be made to include a number, letter or word-calling relay to teach the importance of being alert and running quickly when called upon. Sourece royaltv01.com

The Art of Baton Passing: Techniques and Mistakes to Avoid in Sports Relay

The first leg of a relay is usually taken by a runner who has good acceleration and can run the curves well. The second leg is often taken by the fastest runner on the team. The third leg is typically taken by a runner who can run the straight and has excellent speed endurance. The final leg is usually taken by the athlete who is most adept at handing off and can run a fast finishing sprint.

For visual pass relays, the outgoing runner is required to be within a changeover zone marked by triangles on the track 10 meters or 11 yards before and after the start of each subsequent leg. The incoming runner must be within this zone when the outgoing runner is approaching the changeover box and must be able to grasp the baton from his outstretched hand by the time he crosses the line.