Elbow Tag: Three's a Crowd
Pairs with linked elbows spread out across the court while one chaser tries to tag one runner. The runner is safe by hooking onto a pair, which sends the person on the far end running. Students build reaction time, constant focus and changes of pace.
How to play
- Set up 11 pairs with linked elbows, free hand on the hip, about 4 m (13 ft) apart. That leaves 1 chaser and 1 runner (1 min).
- On the signal, the chaser tries to tag the runner, who dodges between the pairs.
- To be safe, the runner hooks onto the free elbow of any pair. At that moment, the student on the opposite end lets go and becomes the new runner.
- If the chaser tags the runner, roles switch instantly: the tagged player chases and the other runs, with a 3-step head start.
- Play 2 rounds of 2 minutes; between rounds the teacher picks a new chaser and runner from students who haven't run yet (5 min).
- Play a final 2-minute round with 2 chasers and 2 runners at the same time to raise the intensity.
Rules
- The runner may not run more than 20 seconds without hooking on; if they do, they become the chaser.
- You may not hook onto the pair someone just left.
- Safety: hook on gently with no yanking on arms, and tag with an open hand.
Variations
Easier
The chaser and the runner move at a fast walk or easy jog.
Standard
Elbow-linked pairs, one chaser and one runner, with roles switching instantly on a tag.
Harder
The student who lets go becomes the chaser, and the old chaser becomes the runner.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair forms a fixed pair, holding hands with a partner instead of linking elbows, and can be hooked onto like any other pair.
- Autism or shy students: the student starts in a pair with a trusted classmate and may ask not to be the chaser in round 1.
- Lower fitness: the student joins a pair near the middle, where hook-ons come sooner and runs are shorter.
Learning goals
- React quickly when your role in the game suddenly changes.
- Stay focused even while standing in a pair.
- Warm up with short sprints and changes of pace.
Teacher tip
The game works only if the pairs stay alert; anyone who zones out won't react in time. Runners tend to hook onto the same nearby pairs, so challenge them to reach the farthest ones and get the whole group moving.
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