Grip Detectives: Watch and Correct in Threes

A pair builds figures with different grips while the third student uses a sheet to spot specific mistakes and explain them. The aim is for students to tell a safe grip from a dangerous one.

How to play

1. Review three grips on the board: hand-to-hand (palm to palm), hand-to-wrist and double forearm grip. The sheet lists four mistakes to look for: interlaced fingers, bent arms with no tension, grabbing clothing, and letting go without warning (3 min).
2. Round 1: the pair does counterbalances and a flyer-on-thighs figure using a grip of their choice. The detective notes and explains one mistake and one thing done well (5 min).
3. Round 2: rotate roles and repeat with another grip (5 min).
4. Round 3: rotate again. The teacher may ask a pair to make a safe mistake "on purpose" to see if the detective catches it (5 min).
5. Share out: which mistake came up most and how to fix it (2 min).

Rules

• The detective corrects with sentences that start "Try…".
• "On purpose" mistakes are only done with feet on the floor.
• Never grab a partner's clothes or neck.
• Always warn before letting go.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visual impairment: the detective checks grips by touching the pair's hands before the figure starts.
• Reading or writing difficulties: a sheet with pictures and yes/no boxes.
• Arm injury: always plays detective and explains out loud what they see.

Learning goals

• Tell a safe grip from a dangerous one.
• Give and receive corrections respectfully.
• Choose a grip to suit the figure.

Equipment for a class of 25

• gym mats: 10
• observation sheets: 10
• pencils: 10

Teacher tip

Print the sheet at half-page size so it fits in a pocket. The usual mistake is a detective who only says "Good": require one specific mistake and one strength each round.

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