The 4x100 and the 4x400 share the same idea, a baton and four runners, and almost nothing else. The 4x100 is decided in the exchange zones; the 4x400 is decided by who can run a fast open 400 with a baton in their hand. Below: the practical differences, the order logic, and how to film each.
4x100: blind, fast. The incoming runner extends the baton with a single call; the outgoing runner runs full speed and never looks back. 4x400: visual, slower. The incoming runner is fatigued; the outgoing runner watches the handoff in.
4x100 order favors a strong first leg (good start, curve speed), a fast second leg (longest leg in elite teams), a curve-runner third, and a closer fourth. 4x400 typically opens with the second-fastest, holds the slower legs in the middle, and finishes with the fastest open 400.
4x100 is won by stick speed. Teams with 4 individual 11.0 sprinters can lose to teams with 4 individual 11.3 sprinters who exchange cleanly. 4x400 is won by depth, the slowest leg matters disproportionately.
Relay exchanges are the easiest part of track to film and the most rewarding. Side-on from 20 feet, capture the full zone. AI grades stick speed, hand position, and zone use. Most teams find 0.3-0.5 seconds in clean exchanges alone.
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