Partner Tag
Every pair plays its own tag game at the same time in the same space: one chases and the other escapes, and roles switch on each tag. It warms up the whole class at once and forces students to dodge everyone else.
How to play
- Mark an area about 65 × 50 ft and form pairs. Each pair decides who starts as the chaser.
- First, 1 minute of follow the leader in pairs: jogging, sliding sideways, moving backward.
- On the whistle, the runner takes off, and the chaser counts to 3 before following.
- When tagged, a student spins around once, counts to 3 out loud, and becomes the chaser.
- The teacher changes the way of moving every 45 seconds: power walking, jogging, sideways gallops, giant steps.
- Play 5 blocks of 45 seconds, and switch partners halfway through.
Rules
- Chase only your own partner.
- Tag with a touch on the shoulder, no grabbing or pushing.
- Dodge the other pairs without bumping into them.
- Everyone uses the way of moving the teacher calls.
Variations
Easier
Play at a power walk in a larger area.
Standard
Pairs in a 65 × 50 ft area, changing movement every 45 seconds.
Harder
Cut the area in half, which forces more dodging.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the partner of a student using a wheelchair always walks or moves backward.
- Shyness or autism: the student picks their partner the first time and keeps that partner for the whole activity.
- Fitness level: pair students of similar ability so the game stays balanced.
Learning goals
- Raise overall activation through nonstop chasing.
- Dodge others while chasing or escaping a partner.
- Switch roles quickly.
Teacher tip
A large area prevents collisions: with many pairs, split the court into two zones. The 3-count after a tag is key so the game doesn't turn into nonstop tagging back.
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