Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium

by Jessie H. Bancroft

The following group of wrestling matches and races make a very interesting and vigorous form of game with which to close a lesson in formal gymnastics. For instance, if pupils are in a formation that admits of immediately turning toward partners without change of formation, this may be done and any of these games then used without further rearrangement of a class. When used in this way the wrestling matches are generally determined by the winning of the best two out of three trials.

These wrestling matches and races may of course be used also for forfeits.

BALANCE WRESTLE.—Two contestants stand each in a forward stride position, the right foot being lengthwise on a line (the same line for both contestants) and the left foot back of it, turned at right angles to the right foot with the heel touching the same line. The toes of the right feet should touch. In this position players grasp right hands. The objects of the game are to make the opponent (1) move one or both feet, or (2) touch the floor with any part of the body. A point is scored for the opponent whenever a player fails in one of these ways. After a trial has been made with the right hand and foot, the wrestle should be repeated with the left hand and foot extended, and so on alternately.

BOUNDARY TUG.—Two lines are drawn on the floor, five feet apart. Within this space two contestants face each other, the right toes touching and each stepping backward in a strong stride position with the left foot. Both players grasp a cane or wand, and each tries to pull the other across one of the boundary lines.

HARLEQUIN WRESTLE.—This is a one-sided wrestle between two persons. Each stands on one leg; they then grasp right hands and each tries to make the other lower his upraised foot to the ground, or touch the floor with his free hand. The opponent may not be touched with the free hand.

INDIAN WRESTLE.—Two players lie on their backs side by side, with adjacent arms locked. The feet should be in opposite directions. At a signal the adjacent legs are brought to an upright position and interlocked at the knees. The wrestle consists in trying to force the opponent to roll over from his position.

INTERFERING.—This is one of the hopping relays, but the shoulders may not be used in it. Two contestants fold arms, and each, while hopping on one foot, tries to make his opponent put the other foot to the floor. As neither arms nor shoulders may be used, this is done entirely by a side movement of the free leg.

KNEE AND TOE WRESTLE.—Two players sit on a mat, facing each other. The knees should be drawn up closely and the players should be near enough together to have the toes of each touch those of the opponent. Each player passes a stick under his knees, and then passes his arms under it and clasps his hands in front of his own knees. The wrestling begins at a signal and consists in each player trying to get his toes under those of his opponent and throw him backward.

LUNGE AND HOP FIGHT.—A circle six feet in diameter is drawn on the ground. One player takes a lunge position forward, so that his forward foot rests two feet within the circle. The second player stands in the circle on one foot with arms folded across the chest. The hopper tries to make the lunger move one of his feet. The lunger in turn tries to make the hopper put down his second foot or unfold arms. Either player is defeated also if he moves out of the circle. The lunger may use his hands and arms.