Steer Your Partner to the Called Hoop
In pairs, holding shoulders and elbows in a judo-style grip, the teacher calls a color and the guide must steer their resisting partner until they step into the hoop of that color. Students practice pushing and pulling, breaking balance, and quick decision-making.
How to play
- On a floor of mats, place three hoops of different colors for each pair in a triangle with 10-foot sides (3 min).
- Teach the grip: one hand on the sleeve at the elbow and the other on the partner's shoulder, both with knees bent.
- The teacher names the guide; when the teacher calls a color, the guide has 10 seconds to make the partner step in that hoop by pushing or pulling, without taking them down.
- Success scores 1 point; if the defender holds out, they score. After 4 tries, switch roles (5 min).
- Phase two: a color is called and both try to steer the other at the same time; switch partners every 2 minutes (7 min).
Rules
- Grip only shoulders and elbows; never the neck or the front of the shirt.
- No tripping or throws: no one should fall.
- Pairs stay in their own space and do not enter other pairs' hoops.
Variations
Easier
Place the hoops closer and the defender may not drop their hips.
Standard
Ten-foot triangle and 10 seconds per try.
Harder
The teacher calls two colors in a row and they must be stepped in order.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student in a wheelchair guides an eyes-closed partner to the called hoop by gently pulling their hand.
- Autism: preview the colors on a card and limit partner changes.
- Fitness level: pair by height and weight and give the weaker guide 15 seconds.
Learning goals
- Quickly choose the most effective direction and type of force.
- Combine pushing and pulling to break balance without a takedown.
- Control grips while keeping a partner safe.
Equipment for a class of 25
- hoops: 39
- mats: 24
Teacher tip
Winners usually combine a pull to one side with a push toward the hoop: let students discover it. If anyone falls, remind the class the goal is to move a partner, not take them down.
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