Kneeling Cone Guard Duel

Kneeling in pairs on a mat, each student has a cone behind them and must tap their partner's cone while protecting their own with their body and arms. Students practice defending, moving on their knees, gentle pushing, and focus.

How to play

1. One pair per mat: each student kneels at one end with their cone a hand's width behind their feet (2 min).
2. Bow and guard position: knees apart, hands in front, eyes on the partner.
3. On the whistle, both try to tap the other's cone by moving their arms aside or going around them; each bout lasts 20 seconds max.
4. Tapping the other cone scores 1 point and players reset; play best of 5, then switch partners (8 min).
5. Last round: each student guards two cones, one on each side, which forces more movement (5 min).

Rules

• Always on the knees; no lying down on your cone.
• Move a partner only with hands on arms and shoulders, never by hitting.
• If anyone says "stop," the bout stops.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: plays seated on the floor or in a wheelchair with the cone on a desk beside them, and the partner also seated.
• Shyness: start by playing against the teacher or a trusted partner before rotating.
• Fitness level: move the cone farther back for the student who struggles to defend.

Learning goals

• Protect an object by using the body as a barrier.
• Move on the knees with balance and speed.
• Play with gentle, respectful contact.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 26
• mats: 13

Teacher tip

This is a great intro combatives game for younger students because the target is the cone, not the partner. Anyone lying on their cone is not playing and the point goes to the opponent.

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