Analysis of kinematic factors influencing performance in the Chinese men’s 4 × 100 m relay team

To investigate the key factors influencing performance in the men's 4 × 100 m relay, this study analyzed the relationship between baton exchange kinematics and relay zone performance. High-speed cameras were employed to record the six national-level sprinters' movements and velocities. Relay zone 30 m time showed statistically significant correlations with the velocity of the delivery leg when entering the relay zone (r = - 0.600, P < 0.01), the velocity of the receiving leg at the start of the baton-handover (r = - 0.502, P < 0.01), the velocity of the receiving leg at 10 m and 15 m (r = - 0.411, P < 0.05; r = - 0.474, P < 0.01, respectively), and handover time (r = 0.389, P < 0.05). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that the velocity of the delivery leg when entering the relay zone (P < 0.001) and the velocity of the receiving leg at the start of the baton-handover (P = 0.002) collectively accounted for 55% of the variance in relay zone 30 m time. Therefore, targeted training should therefore prioritize maximizing the velocity of the delivery leg when entering the relay zone, improving the velocity of the delivery leg when handover, and minimizing handover time to enhance relay zone efficiency and elite-level relay performance.