Jogging Baton Pass Lines: Upsweep and Downsweep

In lines of 4 jogging together, the baton travels from the last runner to the first using both passing methods: the upsweep and the downsweep. Students work on coordination, voice cues and accurate handoffs without the pressure of speed.

How to play

1. Lines of 4 in lanes marked by cones (6 lines, one of 5), spaced about one and a half arm lengths apart; the last runner holds the baton in the right hand and the line staggers so hands alternate (2 min).
2. Standing still, upsweep pass: the receiver reaches back with palm down and thumb forming a V; the passer swings the baton up into the hand. Each student passes it on without switching hands (3 min).
3. Jogging 60 m: the last runner calls "Stick!", the runner ahead reaches back without looking and the baton moves up to the front runner, who then moves to the back (4 min).
4. Downsweep pass: palm up with the arm extended back at hip height; the baton is pressed down into the palm. Repeat while jogging (3 min).
5. Contest: each line jogs 80 m and earns one point for every clean handoff with no drop and no looking back; the line with the most clean passes in 3 runs wins (3 min).
6. Each line chooses the method they felt most confident with and explains why (1 min).

Rules

• Jog at an easy pace; do not race to pass another line.
• The receiver does not look back; a pass where they look does not score.
• If the baton drops, the line stops, the student who dropped it picks it up and the line restarts.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student in a wheelchair is at the front of the line and receives with the hand extended while classmates match their pace.
• Visual impairment: the passer calls out and taps the baton on the receiver's wrist.
• Advanced students: the line changes pace on the teacher's signal.

Learning goals

• Tell the difference between the upsweep and downsweep passes.
• Receive the baton without looking back, using only the voice cue.
• Coordinate with the group while keeping a shared pace.

Equipment for a class of 25

• batons: 8
• cones: 14

Teacher tip

Correct receivers who wave their arm hunting for the baton: the hand stays still and the passer finds it.

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