All Activities
Physical Education

Tug of War

Overview

Two teams pull a rope in opposite directions. The team that pulls the other over the centre line wins.

Learning Objective
Students develop strength and teamwork through a pulling competition.

Resources needed

  • Rope or tied cloth strips
  • Line marked on ground

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Mark a centre line on the ground.
  2. 2 Divide into two equal teams.
  3. 3 Each team holds the rope and stands behind their line.
  4. 4 On 'go', both teams pull.
  5. 5 The team that pulls the other over the centre line wins.
  6. 6 Discuss: what made one team stronger?
  7. 7 Rotate team members and play again.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Pull sideways instead of forward.
  • One person versus three to explore leverage.
  • Seated tug of war on the ground.
More information

Teach: pull, together, lean back, hold, team. Demonstrate the grip and body position before starting.

Ensure even teams by weight and size. Students with injuries can be judges or team captains.

Are students leaning back and using body weight, not just arms? Is the team pulling together or at different times?

Tie strips of old cloth together to make a rope. A line scratched in soil marks the centre. No purchased rope needed.

Students pull with arms only. Teach them to lean back and use their whole body weight — this is the key technique.

Tug of war builds upper body and core strength and teaches cooperative effort. It is a traditional activity in many cultures.

Activity details
Primary Easy 20 minutes 5 minutes prep Small Group, Whole Class Outdoor
Topics
Strength Teamwork Balance