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How is baton exchange in relay race?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 23, 2026

In the relay, runners do not switch hands when carrying the baton. Therefore, if the first runner holds the baton in the right hand, the second runner will receive the baton in the left hand, the third will receive and carry the baton in the right hand and the final runner will handle it in the left hand.

How is the baton exchange executed?

Running line and baton exchange

the first runner carries the baton in the right hand and runs on the inside of the lane. the second runner takes the baton in the left hand and runs closer to the outside of the lane. the third runner takes the baton in the right hand and runs close to the inside of the lane.

How baton is exchange in relay race by Upsweep technique?

The “upsweep” involves the incoming athlete passing the baton upward into the receiving hand. This is a good method for receiving as the hand is in a natural position, but it means that the baton will need to be manipulated before the next handover and this can be difficult for young athletes.

What is the exchange of the baton called in a relay race?

The 4x100 meter relay exchange is one of the most critical and methodical aspects of the relay event. The overarching goal is to exchange the baton from the incoming runner to the outgoing runner without changing speed or slowing down.

How do you pass the baton in relay?

The receiver's arm should be outstretched and high, positioned at the back of the body. The palm should be facing the passer. The passer will then place the baton in the receiver's hand while both are running; the receiver will grip it between his or her thumb and forefinger.

28 related questions found

What is baton exchange method?

Upsweep, Down-sweep or Push Pass? Here's a quick review of the 3 common exchanges: Up-sweep – The incoming runner passes the baton up into the outgoing runner's hand. Downsweep – Receiving arm extended, but hand level is just above hip height.

What are the three types of baton exchange?

There are three types of non-visual exchanges — the upsweep, downsweep, and push, so make sure you're comfortable with them all! Next, you've got the downsweep and now the runner will flip their palm upwards to receive the baton.

How do I exchange a baton in track?

For a push exchange, the outgoing runner holds the receiving hand at shoulder height with the thumb down, the palm facing the incoming runner, and the fingers pointing to the inside of the track. The incoming runner holds the baton straight up and down and pushes the baton into the hand.

What is the exchange zone in a relay?

An exchange zone is designated for exchanging the baton during relay races. It is an area the width of one lane and 20 or 30 meters long.

What happens if you drop the baton during a relay race?

Even if you're not disqualified, a dropped baton usually means you're finishing in dead last. A team is allowed to continue racing after it drops the baton, which can be important when there's a potential appeal.

What technique of baton exchange is used in the 4x400m relay?

An over-hand exchange means the baton is exchanged from above the receiving athlete. An under-hand exchange means the baton is delivered from underneath. As soon as the receiving athlete starts accelerating, he/she cannot see delivering runners so the technique has to be very definite.

What are the two types of baton exchange?

What are the two types of baton passes in relay? Up-sweep – The incoming runner passes the baton up into the outgoing runner's hand. Downsweep – Receiving arm extended, but hand level is just above hip height.

How long is the baton passing zone?

The baton can only be passed within the exchange zone, which is 20 meters long. Exchanges made outside the zone—based on the position of the baton, not the runners' feet—result in disqualification. Passers must remain in their lanes after the pass to avoid blocking other runners. The baton must be carried by hand.

What are the 4 types of passes in the relay?

Relay Baton Pass: Upsweep, Down-sweep, or Push Pass? Here's a quick review of the 3 common exchanges: Up-sweep – The incoming runner passes the baton up into the outgoing runner's hand. Down sweep – Receiving arm extended, but hand level is just above hip height.

Can you throw the baton in a relay race?

A team may be disqualified from a relay for: Losing the baton (dropping the baton shall not result in disqualification.

Who is the fastest leg in a relay?

The anchor leg is the final position in a relay race. Typically, the anchor leg of a relay is given to the fastest or most experienced competitor on a team. The athlete completing the anchor leg of a relay is responsible for making up ground on the race-leader or preserving the lead already secured by their teammates.

Who is the slowest person in a relay?

The fastest runner will run 120 metres. Third runner: The slowest athlete of the four athletes, who now receives the baton, 10 metres past the 200 metre mark and passes it 10 metres back (110 metres mark).

Who holds the 400m world record?

The current men's world record is held by Wayde van Niekerk of South Africa, with a time of 43.03 seconds. Van Niekerk is also the Olympic record holder. Steven Gardiner is the reigning Olympic Champion and World Champion. The world indoor record holder is Michael Norman, in 44.52 seconds.

What race uses a baton?

At the Olympics and other World Athletics-sanctioned tournaments, a relay race is an event where a team of four athletes run equal predetermined distances in a sprint race, each passing a rod-like object called the 'baton' to the next person to continue the race. The last runner in a relay is called the 'anchor'.