Tai Chi Sticky Hands with a Partner

A cooperative tai chi-inspired drill: two partners connect the backs of their wrists and move in slow motion without breaking contact. It builds awareness of a partner's movement, body control, and calm breathing.

How to play

1. Partners face each other an arm's length apart, feet shoulder-width, knees slightly bent.
2. Both raise their right arm and touch the backs of their wrists at chest height.
3. A leads slow horizontal and vertical circles for 1 minute; B follows without pushing or pulling away. Breathe in as the arm comes toward the body and out as it moves away.
4. Switch leaders, then switch arms: 4 rounds of 1 minute.
5. Final round (2 minutes): both arms with no set leader; the pair's goal is to never lose contact.
6. To close, partners bow to each other and take 2 breaths together.

Rules

• No pushing or pulling: the contact is light.
• The speed is always slow motion.
• Feet stay in place.
• If contact breaks, stop, reconnect, and continue.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: partners sit facing each other at a height that works for the wheelchair.
• Visual impairment: well suited, since it is guided by touch; the partner gives a verbal cue before starting.
• Touch aversion or shyness: hold a scarf or beanbag between the backs of the hands to avoid direct contact.

Learning goals

• Sense and follow a partner's movement through contact.
• Move slowly and with control while coordinating breathing.
• Cooperate toward a shared goal without competing.

Teacher tip

Demonstrate first with a student at very slow speed, or it turns into arm wrestling. Soft music helps keep the pace steady.

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