Lizard Tail Grab Crawl
In pairs and lying face down on mats, each lizard has a flag tucked into the back of their waistband and tries to steal their partner's tail by crawling, while turning and protecting their own without getting up. Students work on crawling, turning on the floor, and fighting for position.
How to play
- Lay out mats as one large surface and give each student a flag, tucked into the back of the waistband with about 6 inches hanging out (2 min).
- Practice: crawl like lizards using elbows and knees, turn on the belly, and return to the starting position (2 min).
- In pairs, lying face down head to head 3 feet apart; on the whistle, each lizard tries to steal the other's tail without kneeling or standing (20-second bouts).
- Stealing a tail scores 1 point and it goes back in; play best of 5, then switch partners (5 min).
- Final round in groups of four on two mats: everyone against everyone, and anyone who loses a tail tucks it back in off the mat and returns (3 min).
Rules
- Belly or side always on the floor; no standing or kneeling.
- Grab only the flag, never clothes, hair, or legs.
- No lying on your back on top of your tail to hide it.
Variations
Easier
Wear the tail on the shoulder, where it is easier to reach.
Standard
Tail at the waist and 20-second bouts.
Harder
Each lizard wears two tails, one on each hip.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: plays seated on the floor or in a wheelchair with the tail on the shoulder, and the partner plays seated with the same rule.
- Autism or shyness: start against the teacher or a trusted partner and preview partner changes.
- Fitness level: allow kneeling for students who tire quickly while crawling.
Learning goals
- Crawl and turn with control on the floor.
- Protect your own object while trying to win an opponent's.
- Follow the rules for contact on the floor.
Equipment for a class of 25
- mats: 13
- flags: 25
Teacher tip
Check that flags hang out far enough: if they are tucked in too deep, the game turns into pulling on clothes. Students tire fast, so allow 15 seconds of rest between bouts.
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