Face-to-Face Shuttle Baton Relay

A shuttle relay where each team splits into two lines facing each other and the baton is handed straight to the teammate waiting on the opposite side. Students work on short sprints, safe baton exchanges, and waiting attentively for their turn.

How to play

1. Form 4 teams of 6 and split each team into two lines of 3 facing each other 15 m apart; each line has a hoop in front as the waiting zone (2 min).
2. Demo: the runner carries the baton in the right hand and places it in the right hand of the teammate, who waits with an outstretched arm inside the hoop (2 min).
3. Practice walking and then jogging: the runner hands off, goes to the back of the opposite line, and the receiver takes off (3 min).
4. Race: each team completes two full rotations, so every student runs twice; 3 points for the first team whose first runner is back in place, 2 for second, and 1 for the rest (4 min).
5. Second race handing off with the left hand (3 min).
6. Wrap-up: each team names one thing they did well in their handoffs (1 min).

Rules

• The waiting runner stays in the hoop until the baton is in their hand.
• After handing off, the runner steps to the right and goes to the back of the line.
• If the baton drops, the runner who let go picks it up and the handoff is repeated.
• Never throw the baton.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with limited mobility: run a shorter leg marked by a middle cone and hand off the baton just like everyone else.
• Students who are deaf or hard of hearing: replace the spoken start with a raised scarf, and always make eye contact during the handoff.
• Fitness or skill level: the fastest students start 2 m behind their line; students who need more time can do just one rotation.

Learning goals

• Sprint at top speed over short distances.
• Hand off and receive a baton safely.
• Wait for their turn attentively without stepping into a teammate's zone.

Equipment for a class of 25

• batons: 4
• cones: 8
• hoops: 8

Teacher tip

The typical mistake is the receiver leaving before getting the baton; the hoop makes it easy to see. Space the lanes at least 3 m apart so runners do not cross when they step aside.

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