Relay to 27: Team Pool-Noodle Fencing

Team fencing in threes with pool noodles using the Olympic team relay format: each bout runs to the next multiple of three. It builds tactical decisions, fair play and shared responsibility for the score.

How to play

1. Set up strips with cones (about 6 by 1.5 meters) and review the en garde stance, distance and a valid touch on the torso (4 min).
2. Explain the relay: nine bouts; the first goes to 3 touches, the second to 6 and so on up to 27, like team fencing that goes to 45 (3 min).
3. First team match; those not fencing keep score and act as line judges (8 min).
4. Second match against another team (8 min).
5. Each team reviews its fencing order and proposes a change for next class (5 min).
6. Put away noodles and cones (2 min).

Rules

• Only the torso counts; arms, legs and head don't, and no one ever aims at the head.
• A touch, not a hit: if it makes a loud smack, it doesn't count.
• The fencer who is touched acknowledges it by raising a hand.
• Salute with the noodle before and after each bout.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: fence on a short strip with both fencers seated, as in wheelchair fencing.
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: the judge starts and stops with a flag.
• Hesitant students: choose their spot in the order and may fence just one bout.

Learning goals

• Make attacking and defending decisions.
• Acknowledge touches honestly.
• Take on a role within the team.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pool noodles: 12
• cones: 24
• scoreboards: 6

Teacher tip

Cut noodles to about 3 feet so they don't bend. The usual mistake is whipping the noodle: if it happens, stop the bout and repeat the salute.

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