I keep seeing high school track meets where the starter has the 2nd runner use the staggered hand off zones and then immediately cut in before the turn. This can't be right, can it? Is this common?
I keep seeing high school track meets where the starter has the 2nd runner use the staggered hand off zones and then immediately cut in before the turn. This can't be right, can it? Is this common?
No that's wrong. The 4x4 is typically started with a three-turn stagger, so the first exchange still has one turn of stagger left. You break after the third turn, or the first turn of the second leg.
Thanks for confirming. It drives me crazy.
I don't understand how coaches, runners, and parents can sit and watch this happen. I feel like I'm being gaslit.
Either is probably fine, especially in HS (dual meets) where it's not likely to cause any issue. As long as they use the 2 turn stagger start line. I'd bet championships are more likely to use the 3 turn.
In MI, the 2-turn stagger was more common than the 3-turn until the late 90s. MI uses the NFHS rules in most cases so I am guessing this is the case in lots of places.
One of the coaches said they are using 2 turn start when I brought it up. The main problem is the 1st leg is long and 2nd leg is short especially for outside lanes because of the staggered zones. They run these with 6 or 7 teams usually (combining varsity/jv and boys/girls).
A more plausible answer might be the track is not marked (striped) for a 3 turn stagger. If this is the case, the 400 (2 turn) stagger is the only option. If the 3 turn staggers are marked they should always be used for the 4x4.
staggered wrote:
One of the coaches said they are using 2 turn start when I brought it up. The main problem is the 1st leg is long and 2nd leg is short especially for outside lanes because of the staggered zones. They run these with 6 or 7 teams usually (combining varsity/jv and boys/girls).
If you are using a 2 turn stagger, then the first exchange should be done at the common exchange zone at the finish line just like the 2nd and 3rd exchanges. Technically the teams run farther if they are not in lane 1 but it is not a huge difference.
You could always use the 1 turn stagger if you want all teams to be running an equal race.
3 turn stagger should be used if the track is marked for it.
RIP: D3 All-American Frank Csorba - who ran 13:56 in March - dead
RENATO can you talk about the preparation of Emile Cairess 2:06
Running for Bowerman Track Club used to be cool now its embarrassing
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