Upsweep or Downsweep: The Baton Pass Lab

Each team of four tries both baton-pass techniques, upsweep and downsweep, and decides which works better for them. It builds coordination between runners and group decision-making.

How to play

1. Explain both passes and practice standing still: groups of four in a line, arm back, call "Hand!" (5 min).
2. Upsweep (receiver's palm down, baton swept upward) walking and jogging (6 min).
3. Downsweep (palm up, baton pressed down) walking and jogging (6 min).
4. Passes at half speed inside a 20 m zone marked with cones (8 min).
5. The team picks its technique and explains why to the class (5 min).

Rules

• The receiver doesn't look back: they wait for the call and reach back.
• The baton is never thrown; if it drops, the carrier picks it up.
• Each team in its own lane, 3 m apart.
• Half speed: the goal is the pass, not winning.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with visual impairments: act as receiver with touch on the hand plus voice, or run with a guide.
• Students with one arm in a cast or sling: give and take with the free hand, and the team adjusts the order.
• Hesitant students: always start as first runner, who only gives the baton.

Learning goals

• Perform both baton-pass techniques.
• Use voice to communicate in the exchange.
• Make a team decision with reasons.

Equipment for a class of 25

• relay batons: 8
• cones: 24

Teacher tip

Set up the groups so hands alternate (right, left, right, left), and nobody switches the baton between hands. Common mistake: the receiver reaches back too early and runs with the brakes on.

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