Shadow and Bodyguard: Trios That Protect the Target

In trios, one student tries to tag the target's back while another protects them only by positioning, with no contact. It warms up the body and teaches how to cut off an attacker, the basis of escort and flag games.

How to play

1. Trios spread out in 6 × 6 m squares marked with cones. Joint mobility while each trio decides who goes first in each role (2 min).
2. Walking round: target, bodyguard in front of them, and a hunter holding a pinnie; the hunter tries to touch the target's back (2 min).
3. Jogging round, switching roles every 40 seconds until all three have played every role (3 min).
4. Bodyguard with arms crossed over the chest: only footwork allowed (2 min).
5. Quick share: where were you standing when you protected best? (1 min).

Rules

• Bodyguards don't grab, push or use their arms: they block with their body position.
• Only tag the back, with an open hand.
• Nobody leaves their square; if someone does, play stops.
• Roles switch after a tag or every 40 seconds.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visual impairment: the trio plays at walking pace and the hunter wears a bell or claps every few steps.
• Wheelchair users: the trio plays in a larger square and the chair can take any of the three roles.
• Students wary of contact: start as the target, who neither chases nor blocks.

Learning goals

• Get between an attacker and a target without contact.
• Keep body orientation using sideways footwork.
• Coordinate with a partner to protect a third person.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pinnies: 10
• cones: 10

Teacher tip

Make mixed trios of similar ability. The bodyguard's typical mistake is chasing the hunter instead of staying between hunter and target: say it in exactly those words.

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