Knee Tag Duels

A no-grab combative game where partners try to touch each other's knees with an open hand while protecting their own by moving. Students practice a basic athletic stance, short footwork, reaction time, and respect for their partner.

How to play

1. Use cones to mark 12 squares of 3 x 3 yd and put one pair in each; an extra student acts as referee and rotates in (2 min).
2. Teach the ready position: feet apart, knees bent, back straight, hands in front. Practice 1 minute of mirror shuffles without contact.
3. On the whistle, play a 30-second bout: each open-hand touch on the partner's knee is a point. Dodge by stepping back or turning without leaving the square.
4. After each touch, both take a step back and continue. At the end, each pair says their score.
5. Rotate 'up and down the river': winners move up one square and the others move down one.
6. Play 8 bouts with 30 seconds of rest. In the last two, shoulder touches count too.

Rules

• Touch only with an open hand: no hard slaps, pinching, or pushing.
• You may brush your partner's hands away but not grab them.
• No ducking below your partner's waist, to avoid head bumps.
• On the whistle, everyone stops.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: play seated facing a seated partner and touch the shoulder.
• Autism or discomfort with touch: start by tagging with a short pool noodle.
• Skill level: the up-and-down rotation naturally matches students of similar level.

Learning goals

• Hold a stable ready position and move without crossing the feet.
• Attack and defend at the same time with quick reactions.
• Respect a partner and the rules of a combative game.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 48

Teacher tip

This is a great intro to combative games because there is no grabbing. Correct students who lead with the head: keep the trunk upright and bend the legs.

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