Duck Tug: Squatting Towel Pull

Pair duels in a deep squat, holding a towel, where you pull and ease off to make your partner put down a hand or knee or stand up. It works on balance, leg strength and reading tension.

How to play

1. Duck stance: deep squat with heels down if possible, towel held in both hands between the two, on mats (3 min).
2. 20-second duels: pull and ease off to unbalance; you win if your partner touches down with anything but feet or stands up (4 min).
3. Rotating tournament: after each duel, winners move up one mat and losers move down one (5 min).
4. One-hand variant: the other hand goes behind the back (3 min).

Rules

• Only let go of the towel after saying "letting go."
• Never wrap the towel around hands or wrists.
• Always on mats in case someone falls back.
• If anyone's knees hurt, switch to a seated duel.

Variations

Adaptations

• Knee injury: duel seated with a partner who also sits.
• Blind or low-vision students: the game is fully tactile; start on a tap.
• Hesitant students: duel only with a partner of their choice for the first rounds.

Learning goals

• Keep balance in a low position.
• Use pulling and easing off to unbalance.
• Win and lose with good sportsmanship.

Equipment for a class of 25

• towels: 15
• mats: 15

Teacher tip

Many teens can't get their heels down in a deep squat: let them stay on the balls of the feet. The usual mistake is letting go suddenly so the partner falls back, which is why mats and the warning are mandatory.

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