Set Your 4x50 Order: Data-Driven Relay Strategy

Teams use data to decide the order of their four runners in a 4x50 relay, considering the start, the curve, receiving and top-end speed. They test two different orders and compare the results on the stopwatch.

How to play

1. Describe the profile for each leg: good starter, good on the curve, good receiver and fastest finisher (3 min).
2. Each student runs one flying 30 m and records the time on the team worksheet (6 min).
3. Teams of four study their data and choose order A, justified in writing (4 min).
4. First 4x50 race with order A and exchange zones marked with cones (5 min).
5. Teams change the order based on what they saw and race with order B (7 min).
6. Teams compare times for A and B and explain which decision worked better (5 min).

Rules

• An exchange counts only inside the zone; otherwise, two seconds are added to the team's time.
• Each team runs in its own lane and stays in it after the exchange.
• At least three minutes of recovery between races.
• Every team member runs both races.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: runs a straightaway leg in the wheelchair, with distances adjusted for balance.
• Visual impairment: runs the straight leg with a guide and the exchange is voice-cued.
• Asthma: runs the shortest leg if distances are adjusted and keeps the inhaler nearby.

Learning goals

• Make tactical decisions based on performance data.
• Improve baton exchange technique at speed.
• Cooperate and reason as a team to reach a shared goal.

Equipment for a class of 25

• batons: 7
• cones: 30
• stopwatch: 7
• worksheets: 7

Teacher tip

If the schoolyard has no curve, mark one with cones around a soccer goal. Let teams get the first order wrong: the comparison is the most valuable part of the class.

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