Sports Relays

Relays are a Royaltv01  way to build teamwork, improve coordination and increase agility, as well as teach the concept of distance running. They can be run with teams of any size and can be done indoors or out. In addition, they can be used to help students learn the importance of cooperation, conforming to rules and winning and losing gracefully. They also serve to reinforce important skills such as direction, timing, agility and passing.

The key to a successful relay race is the handoff. If a runner does not receive a clean handoff or drops the stick, the entire team is disqualified. This is especially true for the 4×100 meter relay, where each runner carries a stick for 100 meters before handing it off to their teammates. It is imperative that each runner stays within the 20-meter exchange zone and that they do not fumble or drop their stick.

One Team, One Dream: The Power of Unity in Sports Relays

It’s also important that each team member is ready to begin their leg of the race at the time of their draw. If a team member isn’t feeling it or needs to rest, it is acceptable for them to walk their portion of the race. In fact, if certain steep hills are on the course, walking may be the best option in order to reach the finish line.

One fun relay game is the bucket brigade. Have a team of players form a line with an empty bucket at the front and a full cup of water at the back of their line. The first player in the line holds the cup of water in their hand and runs to a designated point, then turns around and reaches for the back of their line to transfer the water to the next person’s cup. The team that has their water reach the end bucket first wins.