Relay takeovers

Setup

1. Takeovers happen at the deep end. Check your national body's minimum depth for dive starts; swimmers who aren't yet cleared to dive take over from a push start in the water.
2. Pairs share a lane: one swims in from mid-pool, the other waits on the edge or block behind the lane.
3. The coach stands level with the wall to watch the incoming hand and the outgoing feet together.

How it runs

1. The incoming swimmer starts from mid-pool and swims hard to the wall.
2. The outgoing swimmer watches the incoming head and arms, and starts the arm swing as the incoming swimmer takes the last stroke.
3. The rule: the incoming swimmer must touch the wall before the outgoing swimmer's feet leave the block or edge.
4. The outgoing swimmer enters, swims to the flags or 15 m and swims easy back down the side. The incoming swimmer moves to the side of the lane out of the way.
5. The coach calls each takeover 'safe' or 'early'. Swap roles and repeat 6 to 8 times each.
6. Finish with a full four-person takeover chain: each swimmer brings the next one in.

Coaching points

• Watch the hands, not the head: the touch is what counts.
• Start the arm swing on the last stroke, then let the feet go only after the touch.
• The incoming swimmer finishes at full speed onto the wall; no gliding in.
• A safe takeover is worth more than a fast, risky one; an early leave disqualifies the team.

Common mistakes

• Leaving on the incoming swimmer's head position instead of the touch.
• Standing still until the touch, then starting the whole movement late.
• The incoming swimmer lifting the head and slowing to look for the wall.
• The finished swimmer drifting into the middle of the lane.