Baton Pass Showdown: Upsweep vs. Downsweep

Teams learn the two classic baton exchange techniques, upsweep and downsweep, and use a stopwatch to compare which one is faster and safer for them in the exchange zone. Students build coordination between runners and make a team decision based on data.

How to play

1. Groups of 4 with one baton. Standing in a line, practice the upsweep (hand in an upside-down V, baton swept up into it) on the call "Hand!" (4 min).
2. Same with the downsweep: palm up, arm back and baton pressed down into the hand (4 min).
3. Mark a 20 m exchange zone with cones. In pairs, pass at a jog and then at 75% with each technique (6 min).
4. Test: time the baton through the 20 m zone, 3 times with each technique (6 min).
5. Each group picks its technique based on times and dropped batons, then runs a final 4x50 relay (3 min).
6. Share the times and why each technique has its advantages (2 min).

Rules

• The baton must change hands inside the marked zone.
• The receiver does not look back and trusts the "Hand!" call.
• If the baton drops, the runner who dropped it picks it up without entering other lanes.
• Safety: lanes are 5 feet wide and nobody crosses the zone while another pair is passing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a wheelchair user acts as receiver or passer over short sections with the baton at a suitable height.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: replace the "Hand!" call with a tap on the shoulder or a line on the ground.
• Shy students: the teacher forms the groups with trusted classmates.

Learning goals

• Execute upsweep and downsweep baton passes.
• Match the speed of two runners in the exchange zone.
• Choose the best technique as a team using data.

Equipment for a class of 25

• batons: 8
• cones: 16
• stopwatches: 6

Teacher tip

Receivers often turn to look and slow down; ask them to keep the hand steady and eyes forward. Give one baton per group and keep two spares.

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