Elbow Tag with Names

Name and Purpose

• Elbow Tag with Names combines movement with name-learning in a fast-paced outdoor game.
• Players practise remembering names under pressure while staying connected to the whole group.

a.k.a.

• Link-Up Tag, Name and Link

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 8-16 | 12-30 players | 15-25 minutes | Large open space, outdoors or large gym

Materials

• No materials required
• Optional: 4 cones to mark boundary corners

Quick-Run Card

1. Everyone finds a partner and links elbows. Pairs spread across the space.
2. One pair splits: one becomes the tagger and one the runner.
3. The runner escapes by linking elbows with any standing pair and calling their name.
4. The far-side player of that pair detaches and becomes the new runner.
5. If the runner is tagged, they swap roles with the tagger.

Setup and Boundaries

• Mark a clear boundary with cones if outdoors.
• Signal: one whistle to pause. Two whistles to stop and gather.
• Check the whole play area for holes, wet patches, or debris before starting.
• Staff should position themselves at corners to watch the full space.

How to Play

1. Everyone finds a partner and links elbows. Pairs spread out with at least a few steps between each pair.
2. One pair splits to start the game. One player becomes the tagger and one the runner.
3. The runner moves through the space to avoid the tagger.
4. To stop, the runner links elbows with any standing pair and calls out the name of one of the two players in that pair.
5. Once linked and named, the player on the far side of the pair detaches and becomes the new runner.
6. If the tagger touches the runner before a link is made, the two swap roles.
7. If there is an odd number of players, one group of three links together. When the runner joins a trio, the player who has been linked the longest detaches.
8. Second Circle: any player who wants a break raises both hands and steps to the boundary. They do three stretches and re-enter as a free runner on the next tag.

I-OPt Options

• A (Active): Run freely and link up with new pairs across the space.
• S (Support): Anchor yourself near the centre so runners can find you easily.
• Q (Quiet): Move at a walking pace. Stay linked until someone needs to attach.
• O (Observer): Watch from the boundary, track who gets tagged most, and join a pair when ready.

Inclusion Adaptations

• Walking-pace version: remove running entirely and play at a walking pace for the full group.
• Players with limited arm mobility can touch shoulders instead of linking elbows.

Stewardship Moment

• Collect cones after play and check the space for any litter.
• Reflection: ‘This game only works because people spread out and stay ready for each other. How does that show up in a team?’

Consent

• Pre-brief: ‘This game involves linking arms with others. For those not comfortable with arm contact, touching shoulders or standing side by side is another option.’
• Mid-game check: After 5 minutes, call a pause and ask for thumbs up, sideways, or down.
• Opt-out/re-entry: Raise both hands to step to the boundary. Call ‘In!’ to re-enter as a free runner.

Risks and Mitigation

• Collisions from running: keep the boundary well-marked and remove running if the space is too small.
• Players linking with the same pair every time: staff gently redirects to encourage variety.
• Odd numbers creating confusion: name the three-person group rule clearly before starting.

Warm-Up Suggestions

• Quick partner stretch: each pair does 30 seconds of side-to-side rocking before the game starts.
• Name circle: everyone says the name of their starting partner out loud so the group hears all names once.

Debrief Questions

• What? ‘How many different people did you link up with? Who did you link with most?’
• So What? ‘What did it feel like to be tagged or to rescue someone by calling their name?’
• Now What? ‘Where in your life do you need to call someone by name to make them feel seen?’

Cleanup and Reset

• Collect cones if used.
• Check the play space for hazards.
• Return any borrowed equipment.