I like it. Its pretty safe, as if you miss the hand on the first attempt its easier to re-load and try again. It allows more distance between athletes than the unsweep, but not as much as the downsweep. Its probably the easiest to teach too, and the one most like normal sprint mechanics.
Craig,
Can you explain why the downsweep allows for greater distance between incoming and outgoing runner?
Also, I’ve been trying to figure out ways to maximize changeover for years. Personally I prefer the push pass, but I usually start each runner in different spots in around the exchange zone depending on what the personnel is.
For example, usually my best starter is my first leg. My fastest or 2nd fastest is the second leg. My slowest is usually my third leg.
I usually place my second runner at the beginning of the “fly zone”, allowing him or her to run 110m-115m. The changeover occurs in the middle of the zone.
In some cases my third leg is a liability when we get to our championship meets, so I usually place him or her at the beginning of the exchange zone, decreasing margin for error, yet allowing this runner to run a shorter distance (85m-90m). This changeover also occurs in the middle of the zone.
My 4th runner begins at the same spot as the second runner does, and the changeover occurs in the same spot as well, in the middle of the zone.
However, this seems like it does not maximize the abilities of my relays. Do you have any suggestions on what I could do in the future to maximize their abilities?