Preseason All-Classes All-State 4x100

    The 4x100 relays are typically the most electric event in track and field. Any coach who has considers themselves a sprint guru has held their collective breath as their relay sets up to race. Anything can happen, and even though the 4x100 often features the very fastest sprinters, it is not always won by the team with the best raw speed. Evidence of this can be seen almost at a comedic level in team USA's issues with getting the baton around the track safely. Remember the relays included in this article are those teams who are the fastest with three or more returners from last year's 4x100 relays.

    Teams with above average speed and good team dynamics have gotten the best of teams with better raw speed in recent major championships. The faster the relay, the more difficult the handoff. Coaches over the years have employed numerous different methods of passing the baton. The French employed an underhand technique. Others implemented a downward sweeping action. Both are not optimal. Instead, it is best of the sprint coach to implement the "push pass" technique. The push pass allows the sprinter to exchange the baton straight ahead into the palm of the outgoing sprinter's hand. The push pass is handed off like a bottle of water by keeping the baton in a vertical position. The outgoing runner brings their arm straight back with their palm out and thumb pointed down. To accurately place the baton the incoming sprinter should aim at the outgoing runner's elbow on the exchange arm for best placement.

Girl's 4x100 Relay

Preseason #2 MICDS 4x100 at the Henle Holmes Invite