Shoulder Tap Footwork Duel

A 1v1 opposition game in a small square where each player tries to tap the opponent's shoulders with an open hand while protecting their own with footwork and dodges. Students work on a low ready stance, changes of direction and reading fakes.

How to play

1. Use flat disc cones to mark 10 x 10 ft squares, one per pair, at least 6 ft apart. Partners start in the center in a low stance (2 min).
2. 30-second practice round: only open-palm taps on the shoulders, no pushing. Count each tap out loud (2 min).
3. 45-second bouts with 30 seconds of rest: a point for each clean shoulder tap, and a point to the opponent if you step out of the square (5 min).
4. King of the court rotation: winners move one square to the right, losers one to the left (4 min).
5. Wrap-up: each player explains which fake earned the most points (2 min).

Rules

• Only open-hand taps on the shoulder count; touching the face, neck or back loses a point.
• No grabbing or pushing.
• Stop right away if a pair drifts toward another pair or someone slips.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: play seated facing the opponent with shoulder and knee taps allowed.
• Visual impairment: the partner wears a bell wristband and play is slower inside a rope-marked square.
• Lower fitness: 30-second bouts with 45 seconds of rest.

Learning goals

• Hold a low, stable stance while moving quickly.
• Use fakes to open up the opponent's defense.
• Control contact and respect the allowed target areas.

Equipment for a class of 25

• flat disc cones: 52

Teacher tip

This is very intense, so keep the rest periods. Students tend to stand up and back straight away; encourage diagonal moves and using the arms as a shield without pushing.

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