Patintero: Philippine Line Guard Game
A traditional game from the Philippines where one team runs through a grid and back while the other, standing on the lines, tries to tag them without leaving the lines. Students practice dodging, faking, decision making and teamwork.
How to play
- Chalk 2 grids of 13 × 40 ft split into 4 boxes by 3 crosswise lines, plus one center line running lengthwise. Mark the corners with cones.
- Teams of 6: on each grid, one team guards and one team runs. There are 4 guards in pinnies, one on each crosswise line and one on the center line; extras wait to rotate in.
- Runners start at the starting line and try to reach the far end and come back without being tagged. Guards may only move along their line and tag with a hand.
- A tagged runner goes to the sideline and cheers. If at least one runner makes it there and back, the team scores a point.
- Each round lasts 2 minutes or until all runners are tagged. Then the teams switch roles.
- Play 6 rounds in 15 minutes and rotate guards so everyone guards different lines.
Rules
- Guards may not take both feet off their line.
- A runner who steps outside the grid is out for the round.
- Tag with an open hand on the arm, shoulder or back.
- Safety: run facing forward, watch the guards and never dive to dodge.
Variations
Easier
Use only 3 guards and leave the center line open.
Standard
Four crosswise guards and one center guard, there and back to score.
Harder
Guards may move along their line and the center line, and runners must tag a teammate's hand on the way back.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student guards the center line and can tag with a pool noodle.
- Autism: explain the grid with a drawing and let the student watch one round first.
- Fitness level: the fastest runners must complete two round trips to score.
Learning goals
- Dodge using fakes and changes of pace.
- Decide when to cross each line based on where the guard is.
- Learn a traditional game from the Philippines and play with good sportsmanship.
Equipment for a class of 25
- chalk: 6
- cones: 8
- pinnies: 10
Teacher tip
If guards tag too easily, make the boxes wider. Show the Philippines on a map and mention that kids there play it in the street at night on chalk lines.
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