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Physical Education

Tail Tag

Overview

Each child has a tail tucked into their waistband. They try to collect others' tails while protecting their own.

Learning Objective
Children develop running speed and agility through a chasing game.

Resources needed

  • Open space
  • Strips of cloth or paper as tails

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Give each child a strip of cloth to tuck into their waistband.
  2. 2 On 'go', everyone tries to take others' tails.
  3. 3 If your tail is taken, you are not out — get a new tail or continue without one.
  4. 4 Count how many tails each child collects.
  5. 5 Play for 2 minutes, then count and reset.
  6. 6 Discuss strategies: run fast, change direction, protect your back.
  7. 7 Play again using a different strategy.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Teams — collect as many of the opposing team's tails as possible.
  • Protect your tail using only sideways movement.
  • Last person with a tail wins.
More information

Teach: tail, take, protect, run, dodge. Demonstrate taking a tail and tucking it in before starting.

Tails can be held in the hand instead of tucked in for easier access.

Are children changing direction to avoid being caught? Are they aware of the space around them?

Strips of old cloth, torn paper, or leaves tucked into clothing work as tails. No purchased equipment needed.

Children sometimes focus only on taking tails and forget to protect their own. Discuss this as a strategy before playing.

Excellent for developing agility and spatial awareness. Can be adapted for many ages and fitness levels.

Activity details
Primary Easy 15–20 minutes 5 minutes prep Whole Class, Small Group Outdoor
Topics
Running Agility Awareness