Island Landing 3-on-3 Mat Battle

Three kneeling defenders guard an island made of two mats while three attackers, also kneeling, try to get both knees onto it. This team combative game builds pushing skills, cooperation to close gaps, and decision-making.

How to play

1. Push two mats together for each island and form teams of three in pinnies; each island has a defending team and an attacking team (3 min).
2. Defenders kneel on the island and attackers kneel 3 feet from the edge; everyone bows before starting.
3. On the whistle, attackers try to get both knees onto the island for 3 seconds; defenders stop them by pushing with palms on shoulders and trunk (45-second round).
4. Each attacker who makes it scores 1 point for their team and restarts from outside; then roles switch (2 min per cycle).
5. Play 3 cycles, then teams rotate islands to face a new team; at the end, each team explains how they organized (10 min).

Rules

• The whole game is played on the knees; no standing.
• Push only with palms on shoulders, arms, and trunk; no grabbing legs or clothing.
• If a pile forms or someone ends up underneath, the teacher stops the round.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student defends from outside, seated, by rolling a foam ball; any attacker tagged must restart.
• Hearing impairment: signal the start and end by raising and lowering a pinnie.
• Fitness level: students who tire sooner defend longer, which requires less movement.

Learning goals

• Cooperate with teammates to close gaps and protect a space.
• Decide when to attack alone and when to attack together.
• Push with control while following safety rules.

Equipment for a class of 25

• mats: 12
• pinnies: 13

Teacher tip

At first, everyone attacks at the same spot; ask how they could fool the defenders. Keep rounds short, because kneeling wrestling is very tiring.

More activities like this

More main activities for Elementary