Fishermen and the Net Tag

A tag game where taggers work in pairs holding hands to form a net; a caught fish takes the place of the fisher who tagged them, so roles keep changing. Students practice partner coordination, communication, and dodging.

How to play

1. Set up a 20 x 20 m sea with cones. Form 3 nets: pairs holding hands, wearing pinnies. Everyone else is a fish (1 min).
2. On the whistle, the nets chase without letting go. They can only catch with the free hand of either partner.
3. When a net tags a fish, the fisher who made the tag gives their pinny to the fish, lets go, and becomes a fish; the caught fish joins hands with the other fisher.
4. If a net breaks apart, it must stop, rejoin hands, and count to three before chasing again.
5. Each round lasts 3 minutes. Halfway through, the teacher calls "Big net!" and two nets join into a net of four for 30 seconds.
6. Play 4 rounds; after each one, ask which nets communicated best and how.

Rules

• Nets may not let go to tag; if they do, the tag doesn't count.
• Fish may not duck under a net's arms.
• Tag gently on the shoulder or back.
• Nets call out which way they are turning so nobody yanks their partner.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student forms a net with a partner who pushes or guides their wheelchair and can tag with a pool noodle.
• Visual impairment: the student plays as a fish with a guide, or joins a net with a partner who describes the movement.
• Fitness level: build balanced nets by pairing faster students with slower ones.

Learning goals

• Move in sync with a partner without letting go.
• Communicate direction choices during the chase.
• Adapt to constant role changes.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pinnies: 6
• cones: 8

Teacher tip

Nets tend to pull in opposite directions: have one partner call the direction and swap that job halfway through the round.

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