Relay Events Dennis Boldt Hillsboro Middle/High School

Track and Field Program at Hillsboro Coaching Staff Head Coach – Distance, Relays, High School LJHead Coach – Distance, Relays, High School LJ Discus/Shot PutDiscus/Shot Put Hurdle/SprintHurdle/Sprint High Jump/JavelinHigh Jump/Javelin Middle School Jumps/ High School TJMiddle School Jumps/ High School TJ Pole VaultPole Vault

What relays can bring to your program.

Relay teams accentuate the team atmosphere in our program.Relay teams accentuate the team atmosphere in our program. They bring out the competitive spirit in individuals.They bring out the competitive spirit in individuals. They create an opportunity for team members to work together, and bring a sense of responsibility by individual athletes to the team.They create an opportunity for team members to work together, and bring a sense of responsibility by individual athletes to the team.

Philosophy of Relay Events Responsibility of the head coachResponsibility of the head coach –Team member selection –Running order –Creating time for training and practice Communicate with sprint coachCommunicate with sprint coach Communicate with distance coachCommunicate with distance coach

Relay Team Member Selection Four team members that can bring the best time.Four team members that can bring the best time. –Fastest individuals not always the best team Handoff CapabilityHandoff Capability ReliabilityReliability AttitudeAttitude

Philosophy cont. Making relays a priority will affect individual events and individual scoring.Making relays a priority will affect individual events and individual scoring. –Relays can elevate individual events Pressure created when focusing on relay eventsPressure created when focusing on relay events –Dealing with competition for spots on the relay –Alternates and rotation of athletes

The Relay Events 4x100 Meter Relay Team Member SelectionTeam Member Selection –Lead off: Best starter, reliable, runs curve well –2 nd leg: Strong runner, able to take and give handoff –3 rd leg: Strong curve runner, also able to take and give handoff –Anchor: Not always the fastest, but the best finisher…the one with fight.

Technique Lead off: Baton in right hand, runs curve on the inside of the lane. 2 nd leg: Receives and keeps baton in the left hand, runs on the outside of the lane. 3 rd leg: Receives and keeps baton in the right hand, runs on the inside of the lane. Anchor: Receives and keeps baton in the left hand, runs on the outside of the lane.

Exchange Technique Push pass – palm facing back verticalPush pass – palm facing back vertical Down pass – palm facing upDown pass – palm facing up Palm out – reach and grabPalm out – reach and grab –We teach the push pass, which many times turns into the down pass –Natural running motion.

Marks Start Mark: Position in which the outgoing runner beginsStart Mark: Position in which the outgoing runner begins Go Mark: The point in which the incoming runner reaches that signals the outgoing runner to begin accelerationGo Mark: The point in which the incoming runner reaches that signals the outgoing runner to begin acceleration 20 M Exchange 10 M Acceleration

Qualification Most difficult relay to get a qualifying time.Most difficult relay to get a qualifying time. Eight meets with opportunities to run the relay, perhaps only four legitimate running opportunities when you consider early season training, level of conditioning, weather and injuryEight meets with opportunities to run the relay, perhaps only four legitimate running opportunities when you consider early season training, level of conditioning, weather and injury

4x400 Meter Relay Palm out exchangePalm out exchange 3 turn stagger3 turn stagger Exchange method much like 4x800, choose relay team members much like 4x100Exchange method much like 4x800, choose relay team members much like 4x100

First exchange 4x400

4x800 Meter Relay Team membersTeam members –More opportunities to run different athletes –Use as a training tool –Consider order of events (1600, 3200) –Open 800 used for team selection –Regional and State Order of events

3 rd and 4 th runner 4x400

4x x800 Exchange Palm out methodPalm out method Show jerseyShow jersey Be aware of incoming paceBe aware of incoming pace Take the baton ( can of peas from shelf )Take the baton ( can of peas from shelf )

Designation Alternates Always designate two individuals for Regional and State Competition.Always designate two individuals for Regional and State Competition. –Designate 1 for regular season meets Be clear of how you will use alternatesBe clear of how you will use alternates –Throughout the season –Regional and state competition