NAME OF ACTIVITY: Crab Fights

GRADE LEVEL:  3-12

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:  None, mats?

HIGHLIGHTS: Balance, upper body strengthening, especially triceps.

INSTRUCTIONS: Pair-up players.  To begin, have players assume a crab walk stance (hands and feet on the ground, belly button toward the sky.  On the go signal, players will try to take their opponent down by pushing, pulling with their hands and feet.  A player is considered down when any body part, other than the palms of hands or feet, touch the ground.  Play the best of three, then switch opponents.  Following are some important rules.
     1.  No striking, slapping, kicking etc.
     2.  No pulling on clothing
     3. Use mats if playing on a hard surface.

VARIATION:  In my karate class, I played a variation where we made a playing area with mats and it was all vs. all.  Upon getting downed, players had to leave the play area to do crunches, etc, before re-entering the game.  This was very popular, but must be played only with groups who can play with perfect control.  I recommend the 1 vs 1 as a small station until you get a good read on the students.

HELPFUL HINTS: Emphasize safety and body control!

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