Check-Mark Relay Exchange
In teams of four, students learn the baton exchange on the run: the receiver takes off when the incoming runner hits a check mark and takes the baton inside the zone without slowing. Students practice anticipation, two-runner coordination, and speed.
How to play
- Use cones to mark a 10 m (33 ft) exchange zone in each lane and place a flat disc cone 5 m (16 ft) before its start: that's the check mark. Make teams of four (3 min).
- Pair practice, walking then jogging: when the incoming runner steps on the mark, the receiver takes off, reaches back on the call "hand!", and takes the baton (5 min).
- Adjust: if the incoming runner catches the receiver before the zone, move the mark back one foot length; if not, move it closer (4 min).
- Practice relay by teams on a 4 x 25 m straightaway with exchange zones, untimed, just checking that every exchange happens inside the zone (4 min).
- Competition (5 min): two team relay races. The fastest team wins, but each exchange outside the zone adds a 2-second penalty.
- To wrap up (1 min), each team discusses which exchange went best and why.
Rules
- The baton may change hands only inside the exchange zone.
- Once the receiver takes off, they don't look back: they trust their partner's voice.
- Each team runs in its own lane; don't drift into the next lane during the exchange.
- If the baton drops, the runner who dropped it picks it up without crossing other teams.
Variations
Easier
Receive from a standing start and exchange while looking back, with no check mark.
Standard
Start off the check mark with the exchange on the call "hand!" inside the zone.
Harder
Exchange from right hand to left hand, as on a curve relay.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student runs a shorter leg or serves as a zone judge.
- Deaf or hard of hearing: the incoming runner taps the receiver's back instead of calling "hand!"
- Slower runners: they run the team's shortest leg, with distances adjusted.
Learning goals
- Judge when to start based on a partner's speed.
- Pass and receive the baton without losing speed.
- Respect exchange zones and relay rules.
Equipment for a class of 25
- batons: 6
- flat disc cones: 12
- cones: 12
Teacher tip
Exchanges fail when the receiver leaves late or looks back; stress going on the mark and trusting the voice.
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