Squatting Rooster Duels

A classic playground game in which two students squat face to face and push using only their palms to throw each other off balance. Students work on balance, leg strength, faking by pulling the hands away at the right time, and fair play.

How to play

1. Lay mats in a row with one pair of similar size on each; an odd student acts as judge and rotates (2 min).
2. Teach the rooster position: squatting, feet hip-width apart, open hands in front of the chest, one arm's length apart.
3. On the call 'Roosters!', each player tries to unbalance the other by pushing palm to palm or suddenly pulling the hands away.
4. A player loses the bout by touching down with a hand, knee, or bottom, or by standing up. Play best of five.
5. After each duel, the winner moves up one mat and the other moves down one to change opponents.
6. Play about 8 duels with short breaks to stretch the legs.

Rules

• Only palms touch: no pushing the face, chest, or arms.
• No jumping or lunging at the opponent.
• When falling backward, tuck the chin and round the back.
• The winner shakes hands and helps the opponent up.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: play seated facing a seated partner; losing your seat loses the bout.
• Discomfort with contact or autism: push a foam ball held between both players' palms.
• Fitness level: a student who cannot hold the squat may keep one knee down.

Learning goals

• Keep balance in a low position against pushes.
• Use faking and timing to unbalance an opponent.
• Learn a traditional game and play it with good sportsmanship.

Equipment for a class of 25

• mats: 12

Teacher tip

Falls are backward and from very low height, but teach the backward roll-out first. Remind students who just shove that pulling the hands away at the right moment works better.

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