Sokatira: Pulling Technique and Tug-of-War Rules

Tug-of-war, called sokatira in Basque, is one of the events in herri kirolak, Basque rural sports, and also has international rules with two teams of eight pulling a rope. We learn proper technique and rules to pull safely and as a team.

How to play

1. Origin and basic rules: the center mark on the rope, the two winning lines and the fouls (sitting down, wrapping the rope, letting go suddenly) (4 min).
2. Dry technique in pairs: feet ahead of the body, body leaning back, arms nearly straight and the rope tight along your side (5 min).
3. Coordinated pulling: mixed teams of six practice a «pull-hold» rhythm on the captain's call, with no opponent, rope tied to a wall bar or post (5 min).
4. Official pulls: two teams of six, best of three; everyone else acts as line and foul judges (8 min).
5. Debrief: which team pulled most in sync and which foul came up most (3 min).

Rules

• Never wrap the rope around your hand, wrist or body.
• No sitting or lying down on purpose; if anyone falls, the whistle stops the pull.
• Nobody drops the rope suddenly: at the final whistle, ease off slowly.
• Sneakers on, dry floor, no watches or bracelets.

Variations

Adaptations

• Back or shoulder injury: be head judge and give the start calls.
• Hearing impairment: start and finish are signaled with a flag as well as the whistle.
• Limited mobility: pull from the wheelchair with brakes on in the front spot, with a partner steadying the chair.

Learning goals

• Use a safe pulling technique that protects the back.
• Coordinate the whole team's effort.
• Learn about Basque rural sports and their rules.

Equipment for a class of 25

• thick rope: 1
• cones: 6
• colored tape: 1

Teacher tip

Make mixed, balanced teams yourself before class, without commenting on bodies. The rope must be thick (about 3 cm) and long; a climbing or jump rope won't do because it burns hands.

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