Back-to-Back Push-Out on the Mat
In pairs of similar size, sitting back to back on the mats, each student pushes with the legs to move their partner out of their square. It's a no-grip combative game that builds leg strength, trunk stability, and respect for the opponent.
How to play
- Set up 6 mat squares of about 2x2 m, separated by cones. Make pairs of similar weight and height (3 minutes).
- Cooperative warm-up: back to back with arms linked, stand up and sit down together without using the hands, three times (3 minutes).
- Duel: sitting in the center with arms crossed over the chest, on the signal each pushes with the feet to move the other. The winner pushes their partner's bottom out of the square (20-second bouts, 4 minutes).
- Rotation: winners move up one square and the others move down one, so everyone faces someone of similar level (5 minutes).
- Two-minute final round: three students in a triangle, back to back, pushing outward.
- One-minute wrap-up: which position made you most stable?
Rules
- Arms stay crossed over the chest: no hands or elbows.
- When you hear "Stop!", both stop pushing right away.
- Never pull away suddenly so your partner falls backward.
- Shake hands or bow to your partner before and after each bout.
Variations
Easier
Use a smaller square, and crossing a marked line is enough to win.
Standard
A 2x2 m square with 20-second bouts.
Harder
Play in a squat, back to back; anyone who puts a hand or knee down loses.
Adaptations
- Limited leg mobility: play a seated palm-push duel facing a partner who is also seated.
- Autism: give advance notice of the contact and allow them to always work with the same partner.
- Less strength: pair with someone at their level, or play a version where the goal is holding position for 10 seconds.
Learning goals
- Apply leg strength in a combative situation.
- Keep the trunk stable while pushing.
- Respect the rules and partner in combative games.
Equipment for a class of 25
- tatami mats: 24
- cones: 12
Teacher tip
Make the pairs yourself to balance size, and avoid friend pairings when there's a big size gap. Remind students that the loudest one doesn't always win; the trick is lowering your center of gravity.
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