Pinnie Tails in Threes: Two Guard One

In groups of three, one student wears a pinnie tucked into the waistband as a tail, another guards them by moving between them and the chaser, and the third tries to pull the tail. Rounds are short and roles rotate, so everyone attacks, guards and is guarded.

How to play

1. Easy jog with free fakes and changes of direction around the whole space (2 min).
2. Form trios: A wears the tail at the back of the waist, B guards and C chases; play a 30-second round in a 25 x 25 ft square (2 min).
3. Rotate roles every 30 seconds until everyone has done all three; the guard may only use body position, no arms (3 min).
4. Cooperative version: A and B hold hands and move together while C tries to pull the tail (2 min).
5. Each trio decides which role was the hardest and why (1 min).

Rules

• The pinnie is tucked into the waistband with at least a foot hanging out, never tied.
• The guard does not push or grab, only steps in the way.
• No diving to the ground to pull the tail.
• If two trios get close, stop and separate before continuing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: the tail hangs from the back of the chair and the chaser must speed-walk, not run.
• Hearing impairment: visual start and stop signals, with rotations shown on the fingers.
• Anxiety about contact: starts as chaser, the role with least proximity, and chooses their trio.

Learning goals

• Improve fakes and changes of direction in tight spaces.
• Understand how to protect a teammate using body position.
• Take on different roles in the same opposition task.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pinnies: 12
• cones: 20

Teacher tip

This warm-up links well with flag rugby or invasion game units, where protecting the ball carrier is key. Keep the squares apart so trios do not mix.

More activities like this

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