The transfer zone of the baton is. Methods of teaching relay race. Common mistakes that occur when teaching track and field exercises and how to correct them

History of the relay race

Relay race- a name borrowed from Italian, where the word " staffa"means" stirrup. It is easy to understand that in the old days, in order to fast way to deliver reports, the messengers had to change horses, jumping from "stirrup to stirrup" - this made it possible to maintain the maximum speed of movement.

relay race as an athletics competition began to be cultivated in the 19th century. For the first time, the relay race was included in the program of the Games of the IV Olympiad (London, 1908). At these competitions, the relay race included various distances - 200 + 200 + 400 + 800 m. At the next Olympic Games (Stockholm, 1912), athletes competed for medals in two classic relay races - 4x100 and 4x400 m. The winners were, respectively, the teams of Great Britain (42.4 s) and USA (3.16.6 s). In the future, gold medals in the relay race at the Olympic Games were usually won by American athletes. Soviet runners also performed successfully in the relay. At the 1952, 1956, 1960 and 1972 Olympic Games. they were silver medalists in the 4x100m relay, at the Moscow Olympics (1980) they won both relays, and in Seoul (1988) they became champions in the 4x100m relay. IN last years traditions are lost, and our athletes do not achieve significant victories.

The 4x100m relay race for women was first held at the 1928 Olympic Games, and the 4x400m relay race has been included in the programs of the largest competitions since 1969. Our runners in the 4x100m relay race have repeatedly become prize-winners of the world championships and the Olympic Games. In 1993, the Russian national team won first place at the World Championships in Stuttgart (Germany), and at the Olympic Games in Beijing (2008), our girls sensationally won gold medals (42.31 s).

Our athletes perform even more successfully in the 4x400 m relay, which was first held at the 1972 Olympic Games. Soviet athletes won this relay distance at the 1980 and 1988 Games. and the 1991 World Championships, while Russian runners won the 1999 and 2005 World Championships. The world record set by our athletes at this distance (3:15.17 s, Seoul) has been unsurpassed for more than 25 years.

At the Olympic Games in London (2012) in the men's 4x100 m relay, a team of runners from Jamaica won with a new world record (36.84 s). In men's and women's relay 4x400 m were the first representatives of the United States. Our women's team became the second, and the men's - the fifth.

relay race technique

Relay race technique: A - holding the relay baton at the start; B - starting positions of runners taking over; B - the moment of passing the baton; D - transfer of the baton: 1) reception of the baton "top-down"; 2) receiving the relay "bottom-up"

The relay race is a team sport, in which each participant runs through the stage allotted to him, and the result and place of the team are determined by the time shown by all participants. In the relay race, victory in the competition depends on the ability of each of the team members to combine high speed running and passing the baton with the least amount of time. Classic relay races - 4x100m and 4x400m - are held on a treadmill for both men and women. At these distances are played Olympic medals and record world records. Along with the relay race along the track of the stadium, relay competitions are held along the streets of the city with stages of different lengths.

The most difficult technique is the transfer of the baton in the 4x100 m relay race, where athletes run along their lanes at maximum speed. Since all team members, except for the first one, start running their stages from the move, and the distance between the runners during the transfer is 1-1.3 m (due to the length of the runner’s hand pulled back, receiving the stick, and the length of the hand stretched forward passing it) , then the result of the team is better than the sum of the personal results of the team members in the 100 m run from the start. The greater this difference, the higher the transmission technique. The transfer of the baton when running to other distances is not difficult, because. taken at low speed or even from a standstill.

A 20-meter zone (transfer zone) has been established for the transfer of the baton. The receiver of the relay has the right to start the run-up 10 m before the start of this zone (acceleration zone), which allows to achieve a higher speed. There are two options for carrying a wand: a) with shifting- in this case, participants at all stages pass the stick from their right hand to their left, and while running at the stage, they immediately transfer it from one hand to another; b) without shifting- when the runner carries and passes the baton with the hand in which he received the stick. The most perfect and effective in the 4 x 100 m relay is the following way of carrying the baton: the athlete running in the first stage holds the baton in his right hand and passes it to the second runner in his left hand; the second runner passes to the third from the left to the right, and, finally, the third - to the fourth again from the right to the left. Thus, on a bend (stages 1 and 3) it is more expedient for an athlete to run closer to the inside and carry a baton in his right hand, and in a straight line (stages 2 and 4) to hold a baton in his left hand and, when running in the transfer zone, adhere to the outer edge of the track, to give space to the runner closer to the curb to the passer.

Regardless of the baton carrying option, there are two ways to pass the baton: a) “top-down”, when the surface of the receiving palm is directed upwards; b) “bottom-up”, when the index finger of the receiving hand is pointing down. The first way is faster, but less reliable. It allows you to immediately grab the stick by the edge and not move it while running, but it is easy to lose the stick during the transfer process. The second way of transfer allows you to securely take the stick by the middle, but towards the end of the stage it becomes necessary to move the stick a little forward with your fingers for a better subsequent transfer.

Thus, in the training of novice athletes, where the most importance have the factors of simplicity and reliability of handover, the bottom-up handover method should be practiced. In addition, this passing technique is more natural, since the movement of the hand from the bottom up does not disturb the running rhythm.

In order to pass the baton in the transfer zone at maximum speed, it is important to accurately, even during classes, calculate the moment the receiver starts running, i.e. find the distance (handicap) that the receiver will allow the transmitter to approach him before starting the starting acceleration. This distance is selected for each pair of runners of adjacent stages through multiple runs and, depending on the ratio of the speed of the receiving and transmitting, it can be from 6 to 11 m, for which a clearly visible control mark is made on the track.

The participant of the first stage starts running from a low start and holds a stick in his right hand, squeezing it with two or three fingers. The runners of the rest of the stages stand at the beginning of the acceleration zone in a high start position with support on the arm, while the head and torso turn to the side so that the control mark for the start of the run is clearly visible.

When the relayer steps on the reference mark, the receiver immediately begins the starting acceleration along the corresponding side of his track, trying to develop as much as possible great speed. The distance to the mark should be such that the sender can catch up with the receiver exactly at the place of the intended transfer of the stick, 3-4 m before the end of the transfer zone. As soon as the runner approaches the receiver at arm's length, he gives the command: "Hop!" On this command, the receiver, without looking back, without slowing down and without disturbing the rhythm of the run, quickly pulls his hand back with an open palm and allotted towards the hip. thumb. The sender must, having seen the outstretched hand of the partner and taking a running step, try to accurately put the baton in his palm. In addition, the athlete, having passed the stick, must continue to run along his lane and, according to the rules of the competition, leave it only when all teams have completed the transfer of the stick.

A mistake often encountered by the receiver is the search for a stick with his hand. At the command of the sender, you should stretch your hand back and hold it clearly, without any movement.

Coherence in the transfer of the stick at maximum speed plays a decisive role in achieving high sports results in relay race. Therefore, with targeted training of sprinters in this discipline athletics the most important place is given to the improvement techniques in a limited transmission area, ensuring the reliability of performances.

With an ideal transfer, the relay race participants run in step with the same speed, without disturbing the rhythm of hand movements, i.e. without taking a single step with outstretched arms. When passing, the receiver must clearly fix his hand behind the body, and the receiver must accurately put the baton into the open palm of the receiver.

To determine the technical skills of athletes, both in the performance of individual passes, and in the relay race as a whole, there is an evaluation criterion that is inherent only to this type of running program. Most experts agree on two ways of assessing technical skill.

First way is characterized by the fact that the result shown in the 4x100 m run is subtracted from the sum of the running time for 100 m of all participants in the relay team at these competitions. Most experts agree that with an effective passing technique, the result in the relay run can be 2.50 .70 s is better than the sum of the results in the 100m run shown by each of the relay participants.

Second way Evaluation of technical skill in the relay race involves taking into account the time spent by the relay baton in the 20-meter zone, which shows the effectiveness of the interaction of runners during the transfer. The criterion for high marks here is the time when the stick was from the beginning of its "entry" with the runner passing the baton to the "exit" with the receiver, equal to 1.80-1.90 s for men and 1.90-2.00 s for women.

It is known that in the 30-meter run-up and relay zone, not a single runner can develop his maximum speed. It is achieved at more distant marks - 40-50 and even 60-70 m. In addition, the speed of the runner passing the baton decreases markedly by the end of the distance. And this ratio of speeds should be taken into account in the first place when selecting a pair of athletes at adjacent stages. In addition, taking into account the run-up (10 m) and transfer (20 m) zones, athletes run as much as possible at the first stage 110, at the second and third - 130, at the fourth - 120 m. features (motor reaction time, the ability to maximize acceleration, the level of maximum speed, special endurance, the ability to run around a turn, etc.).

The sequence of problem solving when teaching the technique of relay running and their methodological orientation

Task 1. To acquaint with the relay race and create an idea for those involved in the technique of passing the baton

Task 2. Teach the technique of passing and receiving a baton in place and at low speed

Applied means	Guidelines
a) Transfer of the baton with the right and left hands on the spot at the signal of the teacher	Build a group in two lines (the distance between the lines is 1.5 m). The person passing the baton is shifted half a step in the opposite direction from the hand holding the baton. At the command of the teacher, students change roles, turning around
b) The same, but at the signal of the transmitter	Perform in pairs, change after each pass (the transmitter comes forward). Make sure that the receiver does not turn his head to control the position of the hand and does not move it during the transmission
c) The same, with a preliminary imitation of hand movements when running	Hand movements are performed freely with a large amplitude, the transfer is made at the command of the transmitter. Then make sure that the removal of the hand with the relay is carried out after the “Hop!” command, and not simultaneously
d) Transfer of the stick in walking and slow running at the signal of the teacher	Perform in pairs, change after each execution (the transmitter overtakes the receiver). Pay attention to the fact that the transmitter is shifted to the side in relation to the receiver
e) Transfer of the stick in a slow run in a column one at a time at the signal of the transmitter	The latter overtakes the column and becomes the guide. Pay attention to the movement in step and maintaining the distance between those involved

Task 3. Teach the technique of starting the runner who takes the baton

Applied means	Guidelines
a) A story about the technique of starting with one hand and its demonstration	Use posters, photographs, filmstrip, video demonstration. Pay attention to the head position of the starter
b) Start from a position with support on one hand on a straight line	The starters, turning their heads back, follow the teacher, who, being at a distance of 7-10 m behind the starters, gives a signal to start running with a flag
c) The same, at the turn before entering the straight and at the entrance to the turn	The starters take their starting position closer to the outer edge of the track. Pay attention to the rapid increase in speed, the work of the hands and the position of the torso
d) Start on a separate track at the moment the transmitting control mark is reached	Perform in pairs, run not at full strength, without looking back

Task 4. Teach how to pass the baton at maximum speed

Applied means	Guidelines
a) Determination of the distance from the beginning of the transfer zone to the control mark when running in "ligaments" in pairs at different speeds	This distance for each pair is individual and is specified by multiple runs.
b) Passing the baton at maximum speed without taking into account the transfer zone	Pay attention to the coincidence of the speeds of partners, consistency in transmission and reception
c) Passing the baton at maximum speed, taking into account the transfer zone	Make an individual correction depending on the place of transfer of the wand. Try to pass the baton 3-4 m before the end of the transfer zone without slowing down
d) Passing the baton at maximum speed, taking into account the transfer zone and the degree of fatigue of the transfer	The transmitter runs his stage completely, and the receiver, after receiving the relay, runs at least 30-40 m at full strength

Task 5. Teach relay running technique in general

Applied means	Guidelines
a) Arrangement of runners in the stages of the relay race 4 x 100 m, taking into account their individual qualities	When compiling a team, it should be taken into account that the maximum runner at the first stage runs 110 m, at the second and third - 130 m and at the fourth -120 m. At stage I, a runner who has a good command of the low start technique and knows how to quickly run around the turn should be put on II and III - the most enduring, and the last - the fastest in running 100 meters on the move
b) Transfer of the baton by each pair of runners at maximum speed in their zone	The time of “staying” of the stick in the transfer zone is fixed
c) Refinement of the distance to the control mark, taking into account external conditions	Make adjustments to the location of the control mark depending on the state of the track, headwind and tailwind
d) Team run "for the result"	Pay attention to the timing of the baton passing at the end of the passing zone.

Requirements for the technique of performing track and field events (propulsion systems)

Be able to properly hold and pass (from below and above) the baton in place and in motion.

1. To be able to perform a start with support on one hand and starting acceleration when entering a turn and exiting a straight line.
2. Be able to pass the baton in the last third of the 20-meter zone accurately and consistently at maximum running speed (without turning the head at the time of the transfer).
3. To be able to determine the control mark, and the receiver to start running at the moment the transmitter reaches the control mark. The transfer of the baton must occur without loss of speed.

Exercises for self-mastery of rational technique

1. Standing at a distance of 1.5 m from one another (the right hand of the sender is opposite the left of the receiver), passing the baton from below and from above without a command.
2. The same, but the movement of the hands as when running. The stick is passed at the command of the athlete standing behind from the right hand to the left, then from the left to the right. The pace gradually increases.
3. Passing and receiving a baton while walking and in slow running. Pay attention to moving in step and keeping the distance between athletes.
4. Start from a position with support on one hand on a straight line, the same before entering a straight line and entering a turn. Starts at the moment when the passer reaches the control mark.
5. Passing and receiving a relay baton while running at maximum speed, the same in the transfer zone. The receiver, after receiving the relay, runs at least 30-40 m at full strength.
6. Clarification of the distance from the beginning of the transfer zone to the control mark when running in "ligaments" in pairs at different speeds.
7. Passing and receiving a relay baton at one of the stages of the relay race according to all the rules at maximum speed. The same for the rest of the steps.

Common mistakes that occur when teaching track and field exercises and how to correct them

Mistakes	Remedy
1. Having heard the command, the receiver turns his head to control the reception of the baton	Look only forward, imitate the movements of a friend under control
2. The transmitter runs with a stick in his outstretched hand	Extend your hand only after there is a conviction that the receiver is ready to take over. Give the "Hop" command when approaching 1-1.3 m
3. The receiver of the baton does not fix the hand lowered for receiving, and the transmitter inaccurately puts the stick in the partner’s hand	Fix the hand in the shoulder joint. Improve visual control for the handover. Simulate a pass in place or at a slow pace
4. During the transfer, the athlete ran into another lane	Conduct more training in the stadium, according to the standard markings of the "corridor"
5. By the time the baton is passed, the trainees are running out of step	Refine the control mark, do a few runs in pairs without a baton

Many who have been to track and field competitions cannot wait for the time for the relay races. It is usually appointed on the last day of the competition or the final type of the program. This is the most interesting competition, which is worth coming and seeing. Usually all the stands roar during the relay.

You can see the huge tension of the entire coaching staff and fans. The relay raises team spirit and unites the team that runs it. If you have run a relay race at least once in your life, even in physical education classes, then remember this feeling of adrenaline and exciting emotions. Athletes need to remain calm and self-possessed throughout their stage.

What types of relays are

The main relay disciplines are 4x100 meters and 4x400 meters, these are the usual distances in all competitions held. In amateur competitions, the organizers themselves can decide which type of relay to choose, it can be 4x60 meters, or there may be stages of 4x800 meters.

There is also such a type of relay as the Swedish. It consists in the fact that participants go through stages of different lengths. Usually the distances go down. There is such a relay race called "Swede", it consists of such stages as 800 + 400 + 200 + 100 meters.

Many residents of the city saw street relay races, which are usually timed to coincide with some holiday. For example, the famous May relay race, held in honor of "May 9". In such competitions, the distances depend on the length of the streets and the invention of the organizers.

What are the relay race rules?

Main point in the relay, it is the transfer of the baton. If suddenly the athlete has lost it, he must raise the stick and pass it to the next runner. The transfer zone of the wand is 20 meters. Usually it is highlighted with white lines. Competing people can start acceleration 10 meters before this corridor.

In official competitions in the 4x100m relay, competitors must run strictly in their own lanes. In the discipline of 4 x 400 meters, you need to stick to your lane only the first round and 100 meters (first turn) of the second stage of the relay.

Strict rules must be followed:

1. You can not go to someone else's track, in case of failure, the entire team is disqualified;
2. Athletes should never help each other. For example, if a wand fell from the receiving person, then only he can pick it up;
3. An athlete who has already run a distance must not leave his lane until everyone else is free.

relay race technique

Coaches begin to teach relay participants from the basics, that is, from the technique of passing the baton. There are two options:

1. During the passage of the distance, the athlete can shift the stick to the hand that is more convenient for him;
2. The wand remains in the hand in which it was passed. Typically, this type is used in short relay races, so as not to lose intimate fractions of seconds.

Also, athletes need to clearly know the place from which to start acceleration. It takes more than one training session to clearly work out this moment.

During the distance, the athlete of the first stage extends his arm already in the middle, and with the help of his voice warns the next one about the transfer of the stick. The other athlete must have their arms back and the position of the hand must be kept in this way: the thumb is directed to the thigh, and the entire hand is down. Then the first will be able to put the wand into the hand of the second without any problems.

Athletes should also take into account a very important point as the transmission speed. It must be kept approximately equal for both transmitters in the transfer zone of the stick.

It is important for the coach to choose the right relay participants. The following points must be taken into account:

1. Personal records for this particular distance;
2. Proper alignment of all runners;
3. Performing an ideal technique when passing the stick;
4. Team spirit of all participants.

When all athletes feel what a huge responsibility lies on them, and everyone tries to help the other, only then do victories come.

Video: Relay Technique

Relay racing is considered one of the most exciting and spectacular disciplines in the athletics program. Athletes here represent not only themselves, but also defend the honor of their team, which encourages them to give all the best with a vengeance.

Definition

The relay race is the only team discipline in athletics. The bottom line is that the total distance, divided into stages, is alternately covered by athletes of the same team, passing the relay symbol to each other. In biathlon or swimming, the queue is passed in a symbolic way, by physically touching each other or touching the side, so the process of moving from stage to stage is formal.

In running, athletes overcome the distance with a relay baton in their hands, the process of transferring which to the next participant is furnished with a number of rules and restrictions, which brings the development of team actions to the fore. The relay race rules are quite strict and punish for the slightest violation.

Athletes carefully work out the moment of passing the baton in training, which allows leveling the advantage in speed of runners from different teams.

A bit of history

Relay race competitions began to be held in the nineteenth century. Given the great popularity of this discipline among the public, this discipline was included in the program of the 1908 Olympic Games. True, among the types of relay race, one of the most exotic for the modern viewer was presented. The runners competed in the so-called Swedish relay. It was divided into uneven segments and looked like this: 100-200-400-800 m.

In other words, athletes representing a wide range of running disciplines - from ultra-short to medium took part in the competition.

Due to the great popularity of sprint distances, the most popular type of relay race was the 4x100 m discipline, which took its place in the Olympiad program. Soon, competitions of specialists in the long sprint - 4x400 m were added to it. The exotic Swedish relay race turned out to be unnecessary and lost the status of an Olympic discipline.

Varieties

In the program of the largest athletics competitions, which include Olympic Games, world championships, championships of the continent, include only two types of relay distances - 4x100 m and 4x400 m. The rest of the types no longer fit into busy schedule competition and tiring for athletes.

In addition, the World Athletics Federation sets records in the disciplines of 4x200 m, 4x800 m, 4x1500 m. Professionals also have their own relay race - 4x110 m with hurdles, but this discipline is not particularly popular and is practically not included in the program of major tournaments.

One of the trends in today's big sport was the promotion of mixed sports, where men and women compete as part of one team. This fashion has also affected athletics, at various tournaments they are actively trying to hold mixed relay races 4x100 and 4x400 m, there is talk of including these types in the Olympic Games.

exotic

There are completely unusual types of relay races. These include disciplines with uneven segments. The Swedish relay consists of ascending or descending sections of 100-200-400-800m.

Due to the popularity of cross-country running, team competitions are being actively introduced in cross-country running, on the highway. Athletes run 3 or 5 kilometers, which turns the competition into a long tactical struggle.

Fans of extra-long distances have been watching the dynamic competitions of sprinters with envy for many years and decided to create their own relay race. These competitions are especially popular among the Japanese, one of the trendsetters in the marathon. This relay race is called equidance, it is held on a classical marathon distance 42 195 m.

The extra-long section is divided into six runners, with the length of the segments alternating with each stage of the relay race. The role of the baton here is performed by a special ribbon, which is hung over the shoulder.

Rules

Smooth running is not a particularly fancy sport, so most of the rules are related to the moment of passing the baton. The size of the stick is regulated, the length of which is in the range of 28-30 cm, the diameter is 4-5 cm, and the weight does not exceed 150 grams. The color scheme is yellow, red, orange, in general, the stick should be visible to the judges from afar.

The handover takes place in a special corridor, the length of which is limited to 20 meters. The athlete taking the next stage has the right to start acceleration ten meters before the start of his section in order to gain speed. All athletes start from a low start. They even regulate the order of alternation of hands, according to which the stick can only be passed from the right hand to the left and vice versa.

The wand must be passed from hand to hand, it is forbidden to throw, roll it to a partner. Athletes do not have the right to interfere with each other, run into neighboring lanes, otherwise disqualification may follow.

In the event that the athlete drops the stick, he can pick it up and continue running, although the chances of a decent result are close to zero. If another participant takes the dropped stick, the team will be disqualified.

It is forbidden to use any means to improve the adhesion of the palm to the wand - bandages, gloves, glue. This item was introduced after an incident at the Olympics, where the participants of one of the teams generously treated their hands with an adhesive substance for a faster handover.

Grands

Relay races are very popular with spectators because of their dynamism, so they are usually held in last days competitions. The fact that the team of the strongest runners in one or another distance is revealed gives special prestige to the victories in the relay race.

The results of the relay races make it possible to quite objectively judge the development of running in the country as a whole. At a distance of 4x100 m among men, an epic battle has long been fought between the US and Jamaican teams, sometimes British athletes wedged in. However, the presence of Usain Bolt in the Jamaican team for the last ten years has made the advantage of the islanders indisputable, they have won all major tournaments until his recent departure from big-time sports.

Relay race, the distances of which are tailored for sprinters, is one of the most exciting sports events that gathers millions of viewers.

relay race is a team sport of athletics. There are the following types of relay races: a) on the treadmill; b) roundabouts around the city (start and finish in one place); c) star in the city (start in different places, finish in one place for all teams).

According to the composition of the relay race participants there are: children's, youth, men's, women's, mixed and combined. Classic relay races - 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 m - are held on the treadmill for both men and women. In addition, there are relay races for any distance and with any number of stages (for example, 10 x 1000 m), as well as "Swedish" relay races: 800 + 400 + 200 + 100 (or in reverse order).

Baton is a single smooth hollow tube, round in cross section, made of wood, metal or other solid material. According to the rules of the competition, the relay baton must have a weight of at least 50 g, a length of 28-30 cm and a circumference of 12-13 cm. Its transfer is carried out only in a zone equal to 20 m (10 m in each direction from the beginning of the stage) ; at the same time, any assistance from one runner to another (pushing, etc.) is prohibited. An athlete who has completed a stage may leave the track only if he is convinced that he will not interfere with the rest of the runners. If you lose your stick while running, you can pick it up and continue running further. If the baton is lost during transmission, only the transmitting runner can pick it up.

The most difficult of all types is the 4 x 100 m relay, since the transfer of the baton in it occurs at maximum speed. The rules of the competition allow the athlete receiving the relay to start running 10 m before the transfer zone. This allows the runner to reach top speed earlier and pass in the middle of the zone, with less risk of breaking the rules. Therefore, at each stage, the athlete begins to accelerate at the moment when the transmitting one reaches the control mark, located approximately 7-8 m from the starting point of the receiving runner. In order to make such a pass, both the transmitting and receiving runners must have the same speed in the pass zone and make it at the moment when they are 1.5 m apart from each other. Taking into account the run-up and baton transfer zones, athletes run 110 m in the first stage, 130 m in the second, 130 m in the third, and 120 m in the fourth.

There are two ways to pass the baton: from bottom to top (Fig. 2.10, A) and from top to bottom (Fig. 2.10, b). In the first method, the runner receiving the baton takes his hand (opposite to the hand of the passing runner) back slightly to the side, the thumb bends away from the palm, four fingers are closed, the plane of the palm looks down and back. The passing runner inserts the baton in an upward motion between the thumb and palm. Feeling the touch of the baton, the receiving runner grabs it by squeezing the hand. In the second method, the hand is also retracted back a little to the side and slightly higher, while the palm looks up. The passing runner inserts the baton in an up-and-down motion, lowering it into the palm of his hand. When the stick comes into contact with the palm, the receiving runner grabs it by squeezing the brush.

Rice. 2.10.

Relay race can be carried out:

• 1) without changing the baton;
• 2) with the relay baton.

Usually, the first method is used in short relay races, where the transmission takes place at high speeds, the second method is used in all other relay races.

Consider the technique of the 4x100m relay race. At the nerve stage, the runner starts from a low start into a turn. The baton is held with three fingers of the right hand, and the index and thumb straightened and rest against the track at the starting line (Fig. 2.11). In order for the runner of the first stage to run at the edge of the track, he must always hold the stick in his right hand, and pass it to the partner’s left hand. When the passing runner reaches the benchmark, the receiving runner begins the starting run. In the passing zone, runners should run without interfering with each other, preferably along the edges of the treadmill, depending on the passing hand. Running into the transfer zone, both runners approach, the first catches up with the second, the passing runner in two running steps must give short command voice in order for the receiving runner to straighten and move his arm back to pass the baton. After the transfer is completed, the runner who has accepted the baton continues to run quickly along his stage, and the runner who has passed the baton, gradually slowing down the run, stops, but does not go beyond the side boundaries of his track. Only after passing the transfer zone by other teams does he leave the track.

Rice. 2.11.

The runner of the second stage (Fig. 2.12) carries the baton in his left hand and passes to the runner of the third stage in his right hand. At the third stage, the runner runs along the turn, as close as possible to the curb, and passes the baton to the fourth team member from the right hand to the left. This order of passing the baton is the most perfect and is used by all the strongest teams. The transfer of the baton is carried out by the methods described above.

Rice. 2.12.

In other types of relay races, the transfer is always carried out from the left hand to the right. The athlete who has accepted the stick immediately shifts it to his left hand. In the 4 x 400m relay and all other relay races, no additional run-up is given and the competitors must start from within the 20m corridor. The actions of the runner receiving the stick depend on how fast his teammate completes his stage. If this speed is known in advance, use the reference mark. In the event that a group of runners approaches the place of transfer, and their speed increases or decreases, one should start running, depending on the situation, avoiding bumping the passing runner or excluding the premature start of the run. The runners of the second stage in the 4 x 400 m relay make the transition to the common track after they have crossed the line of the first turn. Runners third and fourth stage must be placed under the direction of the judge in the order that their team members occupy after running 200 m. After running this mark, it is not allowed to change the position of the athletes in the exchange zone.

With a rational passing technique, the runner who receives the baton must run and receive the baton without looking back, while maintaining high speed. Usually, the runner who takes over the relay starts either from a high or a low start, relying on one hand. At a high start, the runner turns his head slightly back to see the reference mark and the runner running up to it. When starting with support on one arm, the runner looks back over the shoulder of the non-supporting hand or, with his head down, looks back with his non-supporting hand. A very important element of technique at the moment of passing is running in the same rhythm, i.e. you have to run in step. It is also important to find the optimal "handicap" to start running, i.e. start running at such a length of the “handicap” when the speeds of the transmitting and receiving coincide in the middle of the transfer zone. The distance between the runners at the time of the transfer is equal to the length of the hand of the runner taking the baton laid back, and the length of the runner's hand straightened forward, passing the baton. This distance can be slightly increased by leaning forward when passing the passing runner (Fig. 2.13). Such a distance can only be maintained with a rational technique for passing the baton at an appropriate running speed. If the distance is reduced, then it is possible for the transmitting runner to overtake the receiving one, and, conversely, if the distance between the runners increases, the transfer may not take place or will be performed outside the corridor.

The most important factors in the performance of the relay team are:

• indicators of individual results of athletes at the appropriate distances;
• reliability of baton transmission;
• coordination of actions of team partners;
• the integrity of a single team.

Rice. 2.13.

When compiling a team, they usually try to arrange the athletes in the following way: the weakest runner - at the first stage, the next in strength - at the second, etc. However, there are a number of circumstances that impose this rule. In the 4 x 100 m relay, it must be taken into account that individual athletes run much worse in a turn than in a straight line. The ability to quickly start, clearly receive and pass the stick can also change the place of the participant in the team. In the 4 x 100 m relay race and at longer distances, it is often necessary to take into account the tactical plans of opponents and, depending on this, distribute the participants into stages.

Relay running technique training

The main objectives of training:

• introduce the technique of relay race;
• teach technique:
  • - passing the baton on the spot and while walking,
  • - passing the baton in slow running,
  • - start of the runner taking the relay;
• teach how to pass the baton at maximum speed in a 20-meter zone;
• to improve the relay race technique in pairs, the entire relay race as a whole.

3. The center line of the first handover zone in the 4 x 400m relay (or the second handover zone in the 4 x 200m relay) must correspond to the start line in the 800m dash.

11. Control marks. If the entire relay or its first leg is run in separate lanes, the athlete may make one reference mark in his lane using self-adhesive tape not larger than 5 cm x 40 cm, which cannot be confused in color with other permanent markings. No other reference mark may be used.

12. The baton is a solid, smooth, hollow tube, round in section, made of wood, metal or other hard material. The length of the stick must be in the range of 28 - 30 cm. It must weigh at least 50 g and have a circumference of 12 - 13 cm. It must be painted in such a color that it can be easily seen during the competition.

13. Throughout the competition, the baton must be held in hand. Athletes are not allowed to wear gloves or apply a substance to their hands that allows them to better grip the baton.

If she fell, then the athlete who dropped the stick should pick it up. He may step off the track to pick it up, provided he does not shorten the distance in doing so. If this procedure is performed correctly and no injury is caused to the athlete of the other team, the fall of the baton does not result in disqualification.

14. In all types of relay races, the baton must be passed only in a special area. The passing of the baton begins only when the receiving runner touches it for the first time and ends when it is in the receiving runner's hand only. With regard to the transfer zone, only the position of the baton is decisive, and not the position of the bodies of the athletes. Passing the baton outside the zone will result in disqualification.

15. Before receiving and / or after passing the baton, athletes must remain in their lanes or in zones until the lane is clear so as not to interfere with other participants. Rules 163.3 and 163.4 do not apply to these athletes. If an athlete intentionally interferes with a member of the other team by occupying someone else's lane at the finish section of his stage, his team will be disqualified.

16. Assistance by pushing or other similar methods leads to disqualification.

17. Any four athletes entered for a competition (relay or any other event) may be part of a relay team in any round of competition. However, if a relay team has started in a competition, only two athletes may be substituted. If a team does not comply with this rule, it shall be disqualified.

18. The composition of the team and the order of running in the relay must be officially announced no later than one hour before the published time of the first call for the first heat in each round of the competition. Further changes may only be made for medical reasons (certified by a medical officer appointed by the Organizing Committee) only until the last call for a specific race in which the team is participating. If a team does not comply with this rule, it shall be disqualified.