The relay race technique is based on the well-coordinated work of a team, all members of which must move in the same pattern. The relay race is the only Olympic discipline to be performed by a group. It looks very spectacular and, by tradition, usually ends the competition.
Features of the discipline
In this article we will find out what are the features of relay race, its types, distances, and also we will analyze the technique in detail.
So, once again we emphasize the main feature of the relay race technique - the result is achieved not by individual, but by team merits. Most often, the fastest athletes are selected for this discipline, who are especially good at sprint distances. In fact, the technique for performing the relay race is completely identical to the technique for short distance running.
In the process of movement, athletes also go through 4 phases - start, acceleration, main distance and finish. The last stage for the first 3 athletes is replaced by the transfer of the stick (for which there is its own technique), and the direct finishing is performed by the participant with the highest speed qualities.
In simple terms, the relay race is the transfer of the baton from the first sprinter to the second, from the second to the third, from the third to the fourth. This type of competition was first held at the end of the 19th century, and from the beginning of the 20th it was officially included in the Olympic program.
The most spectacular relay race is 4 * 100 m, where each athlete runs his part of the route in 12-18 seconds, and the total team time rarely exceeds one and a half minutes. Can you imagine the intensity of passions going on at this time in the stands?
All athletes train as a team. They learn how to correctly pass the baton while running, how to gain powerful speed, acceleration, and train to finish.
If you are interested in how many people participate in a team, we emphasize that in amateur competitions there can be as many as you like. In official sporting events, there are always four running.
Let's talk separately about the corridor in the relay race - this is a dedicated track that athletes are not allowed to leave. However, if the athletes are running in a circle (distance 4 * 400 m), then they can rebuild. That is, the team that first carried out the first transfer of the stick has the right to occupy the leftmost lane (a smaller radius gives a slight advantage in distance).
Distances
Let's analyze the types of relay running in athletics, let's name the most popular distances.
The IAAF (International Athletics Federation) distinguishes the following distances:
- 4 * 100 m;
- 4 * 400 m;
- 4 * 200 m;
- 4 * 800 m;
- 4 * 1500 m.
The first two types of relay race are included in the program of the Olympic Games, and the last is held only among men.
There are also unconventional distances:
- With unequal sections (100-200-400-800 m or vice versa). This technique is also called Swedish;
- 4 * 60 m;
- 4 * 110 m (with barriers);
- Ekiden - marathon distance (42,195 m), which is run by 6 people (each needs to run a little more than 7 km);
- And etc.
Execution technique
Let's look at the technique of running in the relay, what are its features and nuances.
- Athletes occupy positions along the entire length of the distance in regular intervals;
- According to the technique, the first participant starts from a low start (with blocks), the next - from a high one;
- The result is recorded after the fourth participant crosses the finish line;
- The technique of passing the baton in relay race requires completing the task in the 20-meter zone.
The stages of the relay race are the same for each participant:
- Immediately after the start, the athlete develops his highest speed with a stick in his hands. Acceleration occurs literally in the first three steps. At the same time, the body is slightly tilted to the track, the hands are pressed to the body, they are kept bent at the elbows. The head is lowered, the gaze looks down. With your feet you need to powerfully push off from the track, you should run mainly on your toes.
- You need to run in a circle, so all athletes are pressed against the left edge of their track (it is strictly forbidden to step on the dividing mark);
- Let's consider how to correctly pass the baton while running and what the “20-meter zone” means. As soon as 20 meters remain to the participant of the second stage, the latter starts from a high start and begins to accelerate. At this time, the first one mobilizes forces and makes a high-speed dash, reducing the distance.
- When there is only a couple of meters between the runners, the first one shouts "OP" and stretches forward his right hand with a stick. According to the technique, the second takes the left hand back, with the palm turned up, and accepts the stick;
- Further, the first begins to slow down to a full stop, and the second continues the relay;
- The last runner must complete the finish with a stick in hand. The technique allows you to finish the distance by running a line, jerk with the chest forward, jerk sideways.
Thus, answering the question, what is the acceleration zone in relay race, we emphasize that this is also the zone for transferring the baton.
Rules
Each participant in the distance must know the rules for performing relay race in athletics. Even the slightest violation of them can lead to the disqualification of the entire team.
- Stick length is 30 cm (+/- 2 cm), circumference 13 cm, weight in the range of 50-150 g;
- Can be plastic, wooden, metal, hollow inside;
- Usually the stick is brightly colored (yellow, red);
- The transfer is carried out from the right hand to the left and vice versa;
- It is forbidden to transmit outside the 20-meter area;
- According to the technique, the inventory is passed from hand to hand, it cannot be thrown or rolled;
- According to the rules of running with a relay baton, if it falls, it is lifted by the passing participant of the relay;
- 1 athlete runs a single stage;
- At distances of more than 400 m after the first lap, it is allowed to run on any of the tracks (free at the moment). In the relay race 4 x 100 meters, all team members are prohibited from leaving the specified movement corridor.
Frequent mistakes in technique
Improving the technique of relay race is impossible without analyzing the mistakes, while athletes should familiarize themselves with the most common of them:
- Passing the stick outside the corridor at 20 m. The subsequent athlete must run out of it with equipment in hand. That is why synchronization in the movements of all relay participants is important. The second runner must accurately calculate the time and start so that the first runner has time to catch up with him and make a transfer during the acceleration phase. And all this in the designated 20 meters of the track.
- It is forbidden to interfere with other participants in the competition. If, in the process of such actions, another team lost a wand, it will not be punished for this, unlike those guilty of the incident;
- The instrument must be transmitted at a uniform speed, and this is only achieved through multiple team drills. This is why it is so important for all athletes to improve their relay running technique.
At first glance, the discipline technique does not seem difficult. In fact, there are a lot of nuances here, which are difficult to grasp in a matter of seconds that the race lasts. Only treadmill athletes know the true value of their efforts. The audience can only sincerely root for and worry about those running in the arena. The main quality that determines the success of a team is, surprisingly, not ideal technique, maximum speed or iron endurance, but cohesion and powerful team spirit.
