Bodyguard Tag in Threes

In groups of three, a chaser tries to tag the protected player, who wears a pinnie, while the bodyguard slides in the way without grabbing. It warms students up with lateral movement and changes of direction and works on reading an opponent and teamwork.

How to play

1. Form groups of three and give each group one pinnie. Each group takes an area of about 20 x 20 feet marked by court lines or cones.
2. Minutes 0-1: all three jog around their area together and add side shuffles and backpedals to warm up.
3. Minutes 1-6: the protected player wears the pinnie and stands behind the bodyguard, hands on the bodyguard's waist. The chaser tries to tag the protected player's back; the bodyguard moves to block, without using hands.
4. Each round lasts 30 seconds or until the chaser makes a tag; then roles rotate clockwise, so every student plays each role three or four times.
5. Minutes 6-7: free round in which the protected player can let go of the bodyguard but must stay inside the area.
6. Minutes 7-8: easy jog and deep breaths; each group shares which move worked best.

Rules

• The bodyguard defends with body position and footwork, never pushing or grabbing.
• The chaser may not duck under arms or dive to the floor.
• Tag only the protected player's back, with an open hand.
• If two groups drift close together, stop and return to your own area.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student in a wheelchair plays bodyguard in a smaller area and the chaser moves at a walk.
• Autism or shyness: the protected player tucks a pinnie in at the back for the chaser to pull, avoiding direct contact.
• Lower fitness: 20-second rounds and sitting out one round as an observer.

Learning goals

• Warm up with quick lateral movements and changes of direction.
• Anticipate an opponent's movements to cut off their path.
• Work with a partner to protect a shared target.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pinnies: 9

Teacher tip

This is an ideal lead-in to invasion games because it mirrors one-on-one defense. Emphasize a low stance for the bodyguard and remind students that sudden spins aren't needed.

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