Towel Lead: Gentle Pulling on the Move

In pairs joined by a towel, one person leads and the other follows while offering some resistance. Arms, back and legs get warmed up for pulling games.

How to play

1. Pairs hold the ends of a towel and walk together; the one in front chooses the route (2 min).
2. The leader changes direction with gentle tugs and the follower brakes a little without letting go (2 min).
3. Repeat in a low stance: knees bent and back straight, like in a tug-of-war (2 min).
4. Five-second static pulls, face to face, taking turns pulling and holding (2 min).
5. Switch roles, then shoulder and wrist mobility with the towel stretched overhead (2 min).

Rules

• Never wrap the towel around a wrist or neck.
• Say "letting go" before you release so no one falls back.
• Build up each pull; no sudden yanks.
• Keep one meter clear around each pair.

Variations

Adaptations

• Blind or low-vision students: always follow, with the leader calling every turn out loud.
• Wrist injury: hold the towel with the elbow tucked to the body and pull with the trunk.
• Wheelchair users: the partner pulls the towel while they push one wheel with the other hand, or vice versa.

Learning goals

• Warm up the pulling muscles.
• Match strength to the partner's.
• Keep a straight back in a low stance.

Equipment for a class of 25

• towels: 15

Teacher tip

Ask students to bring towels the day before and keep short ropes or judo belts as backup. The usual mistake is pulling with straight arms and a rounded back: have them pull with their legs.

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