Tug of war is a fun and fun game for children. But this is also a team sport, and it has its own tricks, subtleties, and even tricks. And, of course, it cannot do without certain rules. For their violation can disqualify a player, as well as remove the entire team from further competitions.
History of occurrence
Initially, tug of war was a ritual ceremony. He appeared in ancient times. For example, in ancient India, it was thus attempted to cause rains in the dry season. Over time, the ritualistic ceremonies underwent significant changes, and tug of war ceased to be something mystical. But it became a team game. In one of the tombs in the Sahara desert , a rock painting was discovered depicting several athletes pulling a rope. It was a kind of power game, which has spread throughout modern Europe. Tug of war competitions are now quite popular and are considered one of the most interesting team sports. Not to mention that this is a good way to have fun with friends or to entertain children for a while.
Fundamentals and Rules
Before you start the game, you need to familiarize yourself with its basics. The rules for tug of war are not at all complicated:
- To participate, you need at least 8 people in each team (if it's fun for children, then less can be) and one judge.
- The tug of war should be at least 33.5 meters long and strong enough (10-12 cm in thickness).
- There should be several flag tags on the rope (one strictly in the middle and two others on the sides at a distance of 4 meters). On the ground or floor, the line above which the center mark is.
- At the signal of the judge, the teams begin to pull, each in its own direction. The loser is the one whose extreme mark crosses the control line.
- You can not rearrange your hands on the rope.
- It is forbidden to switch places in the process.
- You can not use any means that facilitate the adhesion of the palms and the rope, except rosin.
- The team whose player fell during the pull is losing the match. However, if a person touched the ground with his knee, then immediately stood up, the violation does not count.
- You cannot move tags on a rope. The team seen behind this is disqualified.
- All players must be in the same weight category. None of the teams can exceed the other by the total approximate weight.
Game varieties
Tug of war has several varieties. For example, this game is used in physical education classes at school in order to train adolescents in strength and endurance, the will to win, team spirit. Among the official competitions, there are such subtypes as “one on one”, when only two players participate, and “pull-out”, when several teams participate at once.
Circular game
No more than ten teams can participate in it. The meaning of the competition is that the same team takes turns (in a circle) competing with the other nine. Leaders are determined by counting wins. Practice shows that this is the most acceptable option, because it allows even novice teams to gain experience and not lose interest in this sport.
Shootout Game
Tug of war is a game that develops not only dexterity and endurance, but also fosters team spirit. It is impossible to relax and play at half-strength, otherwise it will be noticed by partners. And this is not fair to them. The elimination game is most popular in Europe at championships and various sports competitions. The idea is that an unlimited number of teams can participate on the principle of “lost - left the competition”. Unfortunately, young and inexperienced teams often fly out of competitions very quickly, and some lose interest in the game in principle.
Equipment
The tug of war technique is quite simple. Initially, you need to put your hands in a way that is convenient, since they will not be rearranged. Secondly, it is forbidden to wind a rope around a hand, which means that you need to position your palms so that you do not get crippled or tired in the process. Thirdly, the tug of war technique involves a heavy load on the legs. Stand so that the legs are shoulder width apart, but the lead is somewhat in front (for a left-hander, for example, this is the left leg for the most part). Bend your knees slightly for stability. To really have a chance of winning, you need to create a truly team game, the movements of each player must be synchronized, harmonious. Only this can provide a good result.
Tricks
There are small tricks that can lead the team to victory in a tug of war. First, you need to line up in growth (from lowest to highest). This will ensure uniform pulling of the rope and the correct distribution of forces in the team. Secondly, the one who stands first (closer to the central mark) can not only afford to rest his feet on the ground with all his strength, but also practically lie on his back while pulling. All power emphasis falls on this particular player. It will not be out of place in his place to choose the most persistent and strong. Thirdly, arrange the team players in a checkerboard pattern (through one on each side of the rope). This provides a distribution of forces and ease of drawing. Fourth, pull in small jerks. The more of them, the more chances to win. Fifth, a strong opponent can be circumvented by cunning. Hold your side, but do not pull the rope too hard. Let your opponents run out of steam to reduce the game to your advantage. These small tricks will help if not to win, then significantly increase the chances of victory.
How to entertain children with this game
Children always have enough energy. And to let it go on a peaceful track, you can invite them to play this simple game. Remember that a tug of war requires a very strong rope so that in the process it does not break and injure players. Explain the rules to the children, put them in teams, start. Tell us that you cannot let go of your hands during a tug, otherwise there is a risk of falling yourself or dropping and crippling your opponent. For the home game, four children who are happy to try their hand are enough. Check marks can be made of colored ribbons (fasten them statically so that they do not move). Watch the children to follow the rules and not accidentally injure themselves or others. Do not judge strictly, but be fair. Such a game will help unite children, develop team spirit and have fun and usefully.