4x100 Relay: Right Hand, Left Hand and the Inside of the Curve

Teams discover why the baton alternates hands in the 4x100 and why each runner uses a specific side of the lane. They then run the full four-leg pattern on a track marked out with a curve.

How to play

1. Opening challenge: with one lane and a curve marked in cones, each team decides which hand each runner carries the baton in and why, and explains it in 30 seconds (4 min).
2. Classic pattern: first and third runners use the right hand on the inside of the curve; second and fourth use the left on the outside of the straight. Walk it through (5 min).
3. At a jog: four exchanges in a row on the marked track, never switching hands (6 min).
4. At speed: two full runs per team while a teammate watches for any hand switching (7 min).
5. Wrap-up: each team explains the advantage of hugging the inside of the curve (3 min).

Rules

• Nobody switches the baton to the other hand during their leg.
• Each runner waits in their spot without crossing into another lane.
• If two teams share the track, they start at intervals.
• Stop if anyone cuts across on the curve.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visual impairment: runs with a guide on the outside and receives on the agreed side.
• Limited mobility: a wheelchair leg on one of the straights, using whichever hand works best and the team adjusts.
• Arm injury: picks the leg where they carry the baton in the healthy arm.

Learning goals

• Understand why the baton alternates hands.
• Apply the lane positioning pattern.
• Work together so the team runs as one unit.

Equipment for a class of 25

• batons: 6
• cones: 30
• chalk: 4

Teacher tip

You don't need a 200 m track: a lane of about 60 m with a half curve in cones is enough. The usual mistake is switching hands right after receiving, which loses time and causes drops.

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