Tug of war: rules, techniques and tricks of the competition. History of tug of war

Like many unpretentious hobbies, tug of war has its secrets, invisible at first glance. Focus talks about the sport of big ropes, which the Queen of England adores and in which Ukraine is far from playing the last roles.

gentleman show

“The principle is that the harder it is for you, the harder you need to rest. You can growl, grind your teeth, but just don't quit. If the team is close-knit, your condition will be understood, supported and secured,” explains the head coach of the Ukrainian national team Mikhail Geraskevich. Although the top skill is considered just the ability to hide their experiences. Your opponents are watching you and your partners, and they will instantly react to a moment of weakness.

Rivals, by the way, can put a pig. It is considered a mean act in tug-of-war when an obviously losing team deliberately releases the rope before the referee's whistle. For those on the other end of it, such a focus is fraught with injury. However, this is perhaps the only unscrupulous trick, otherwise the rope is a sport of honest and polite. “To spit on rivals or swear at them in the heat of the fight, I don’t know this. In our form, fair play is not a formality,” says Geraskevich. One of the brightest manifestations of gentlemanship in tug-of-war was the episode in the finals of the World Sports Games - 2009, when the Swiss, having learned about the injury of one of the rivals in the German national team, removed their man from the squad and fought on equal terms - seven by seven.

In addition to good breeding, the “tractor” will also need a mind. In rope fights at the highest level, tactics are important - the ability to quickly calculate the weaknesses and strengths of opponents, their tone in the fight (pool). Most of the pool, the teams can conduct reconnaissance and study each other: once the showdown dragged on for 54 minutes, this is a record. The ability to tune in to a duel, to force yourself to endure, to be cold-blooded is the highest skill that requires, in addition to strength, both psychological preparation and an understanding of the philosophy of sports. “In our team, everyone has a higher education – it just so happened. We understand each other at a glance in training and during tournaments,” admits Nina Gerya, captain of the women's national team of Ukraine.

The case of panties

Chief on the ropes. The coach of the Ukrainian national team Mikhail Geraskevich is forced to rely on enthusiasm in his work

“It is difficult to get a real rope in Ukraine. Those that are produced here in Kharkov stretch and spring, and this is unacceptable,” Geraskevich describes the situation. But even if you managed to find the main weapon, the next task is no less difficult - the search for equipment. Rope battles on the ground require, for example, special boots (for the gym - no less than special sneakers), which cost about a thousand hryvnias, and finding them is a problem. Our team packed with such "shoes" only in Taiwan. It’s easier with clothes - ordinary sports shorts and a long-sleeved T-shirt will do. True, in problem areas - say, armpits - you will have to separately hem the protection from foam rubber. Otherwise, the rope will easily erase the skin.

By the way, at official competitions, team members can be replaced only under the control of the judges - in front of them. A comical episode from the history of our men's team is connected with this procedure. At the 2006 World Championships in Holland, it was necessary to urgently replace, for this the athlete leaving the team had to take off his equipment, go through the weighing procedure (the replacement, according to the rules, should not be heavier) and give the equipment to a colleague. During the transfer, it turned out that the undressing man was without underwear. The audience had fun, and the judges noted the determination of the Ukrainian participant.

But even if there is neither a rope nor underpants, but there is a strong desire to be a pro in this matter, it makes sense to apply to the Federation of the strongest athletes of Ukraine and tug of war. It is better to find like-minded people in advance. “We will only be glad to have another team and will try to provide all possible assistance, because we really lack competition in Ukraine,” Geraskevich admits.

budget from holes

Tug of war could get into the program of the Olympic Games - 2012 in London, as this sport is one of the favorite sports of Queen Elizabeth II. Alas, it hasn't worked out yet. In our federation, it is assumed that the reason for this is the poor funding of the rope sport all over the world - Olympic bosses are better at those disciplines where there are many sponsors. "Tractors" this occupation gives moral satisfaction and prestige. “It doesn't bring in money. An occupation for pleasure, which I combine with work in a fitness club,” says Nina Gerya. Our national teams often look for funds for trips to tournaments themselves. “In our country, sport has been turned into football, which is the opium of the people. In addition, if a species does not enjoy the attention of TV, it has no prospects for development,” says Vladimir Kiba, head of the federation.

But even in such Spartan conditions, we are not trailing behind: our women's team is the fifth in the world today, the men are not at that level yet, but they are progressing. With Taiwan, where tug of war is a separate school subject, or Switzerland, where this sport is actively supported by the state, it is difficult to compete. Perhaps something will change when rope walkers enter the Olympic family - after all, in Ukraine, officials are more loyal to sports that smell like medals at this level. As for the Olympic prospects, this, by the way, is not a joke: from 1900 to 1920, tug-of-war was part of the program of the games. A century later, this tradition may return.

We help you get acquainted with an amazing sport on the eve of the Russkiy Mir festival.

On June 30, the Russkiy Mir festival will take place in Sergiev Posad. One of the many sports disciplines in Rus' was tug of war. Everyone will be able to plunge into the atmosphere of ancient fun at the festival and watch interesting competitions with their own eyes. At the same time, tug-of-war is not a child's game at all. "Live for Sport" tells five facts that will surprise you.

A bit of mysticism

Initially, tug of war had little to do with sports. Many peoples of Asia considered the current independent sports discipline as an irresistible component in the fight against dark forces. The opposing sides usually symbolized good and evil. There were other variations, for example, one team - rain; the second is drought. Thus, our ancestors tried to predict the future. If the team representing evil forces won, then trouble was expected.

Olympic sport

Tug of war reached a serious level at the beginning of the last century. The discipline was in the program of the first Olympiads for twenty years. Unfortunately, there were few participants then, but the historical precedent itself speaks of the huge potential of this sport in the future.

Tug of war was featured in five Olympics from 1900 to 1920. Then British athletes dominated this discipline. Surely they would have competed with Russian heroes, but then our ancestors did not take part in the Olympics.

A few years ago, tug-of-war was seriously considered by the IOC as a sport that could be returned to the Olympic program in the near future.

Weak attention in Russia

Unfortunately, in Russia they did not immediately pay attention to this sports discipline, forgetting about the traditions of the people. In the USSR, tug-of-war competitions were an integral part of the All-Union Spartakiads. Winning a prize-winning place in a tournament in the Union was not an easy task. Medals at Soviet tournaments could be equated with world awards. Traditions were broken, but in the last ten years the situation has been gradually corrected.

Officially, only in 2006, tug of war was recognized as a sport. From that moment on, Russian athletes began to perform not only at domestic tournaments, but also at world starts.

School subject and intangible heritage

In Asia, on the contrary, there is a cult of tug-of-war. This sport has never been forgotten. In some countries, such as Taiwan, tug of war is a school curriculum. In Asia, sporting events are still held with religious overtones. It is believed that sports competitions at the beginning of the year increase the likelihood of a successful harvest.

In Vietnam, Cambodia, Korea and the Philippines, tug of war is an official World Cultural Intangible Heritage Site.

Dangerous injuries

At first glance, tug of war seems like a harmless sport, but it is not at all. With the wrong technique and without preparation, you can get serious injuries if you immediately compete at a serious level. First of all, the hands suffer. The biggest danger to the limbs is when the cable breaks. That is why it is very important to pull only a special rope designed for such a load. Special tug-of-war ropes can carry up to 1000 kilograms of the combined weight of the participants. It is not recommended to use household ropes and other budget analogues even for amateur tournaments.

You can compete safely and in good company at the Russkiy Mir festival! We invite you to spend time at the holiday of the Russian people! In one day, you will renew centuries-old traditions in your memory, take part in unusual sports competitions and get to know the taste of real old Russian cuisine. Is this not enough? !

Tug of war is not only a fun game at children's parties, but also an adult sport with its own rules. Like any other sport, tug of war has its own tricks, secrets and subtleties. For violation of existing rules, a player can be disqualified or even removed from further competitions by the entire team.

History of tug of war

Tug of war was originally not a sporting event, but an ancient ritual rite. The inhabitants of India believed that in such a simple way they were able to call for rain in dry weather. Ritual actions have undergone significant changes over time, and mystical meaning has ceased to be found in tug of war. However, it turned out that such a pastime can serve as a wonderful team game.

A rock painting has been discovered in the Sahara Desert that shows a team of several people pulling a rope. Such a kind of show of force soon became widespread in the countries of modern Europe. The popularity of such competitions is explained by the simplicity of their rules. Tug of war is a good opportunity to keep the kids entertained or have fun while walking outdoors.

Competition Rules

The rules of tug-of-war are not particularly difficult:

• a minimum of eight people and a judge are required to participate;
• the length of the rope must be at least 33.5 m;
• the rope must be strong (10-12 cm thick).

Several flags are installed on the rope: one in the middle, the rest - at a distance of four meters on the sides. On the horizontal surface over which the competition is held, a line is drawn, above which a central flag is placed. When the referee gives the signal to start the competition, each team starts the tug-of-war to their side. Those players whose extreme mark on the first crosses the control line lose.

During team play, the following restrictions apply:

• it is forbidden to rearrange hands on the rope;
• places in the process cannot be changed;
• it is forbidden to use means that facilitate the grip of the rope and palms, with the exception of rosin;
• if a player falls during the tug, his team loses (it is not considered a violation if the person only touched the ground with his knee and immediately got up);
• under threat of disqualification of the team, it is forbidden to move marks on the rope.

The use of various tricks and tricks by players can lead to the withdrawal of the team from the game.

All team members must be in the same weight category. It is important that the total weight of the players of one team does not exceed the weight of the other.

Varieties of tug of war

Tug of war is an activity that has several varieties:

• nursery, which is used to entertain kids at children's parties;
• school, used in physical education classes to develop team spirit in children, the will to win, endurance and strength;
• official competition.

Among the official team competitions, subspecies stand out:

• "one on one";
• circular game;
• elimination game.

One on one

During such a game, not two teams are measured by strength, but two players. The victory remains with the one who managed first, without violating the rules, without resorting to tricks or tricks and staying on his feet, pull the rope to his side.

Circle game

No more than a dozen teams can take part in such a team competition. One team in a circle in turn competes with the rest, and then the leader is determined by counting the number of victories.

This option is most suitable for beginner teams, who can thus gain experience without losing interest in this sport.

Elimination game

Tug of war not only develops the desire to win, endurance, agility and the ability to stand firmly on your feet, but also instills a team spirit in the players. If a player relaxes and starts to cheat, not to play at full strength, this will be immediately noticed by his partners.

In Europe, the knockout game is often used in sports competitions and championships. Any number of teams can participate in such competitions, and the game has a “loser leaves the competition” principle. The disadvantage of this approach is that young inexperienced teams, without getting a noticeable victory, may lose interest in the game.

Proper team play technique

The technique of the game is quite simple:

• it is important to initially put your hands in a comfortable position, since it is forbidden to rearrange them later;
• for maximum convenience, legs should be spaced shoulder-width apart, slightly pushing the leading leg forward;
• bent knees help to gain stability.

The main rule is that only a good, well-coordinated team game can ensure the victory for the players.

Tricks of the game

There are some tricks that can increase a team's chances of winning:

1. It is necessary to line up the players in height, from shorter to taller, which will ensure the necessary distribution of forces and uniform stretching of the rope;
2. The force emphasis mainly falls on the first player, so he can practically lie on his back during the pull;
3. Placing the players on both sides of the rope in a checkerboard pattern will help ensure the ease of stretching and the correct distribution of forces;
4. It is better to pull the rope in small jerks: the more there are, the higher the chance of winning;
5. A strong opponent can be allowed to fizzle out by holding his side of the rope for a long time, but without pulling the rope towards himself.

But do not get too carried away with tricks and tricks: if you are not a participant in professional competitions, tug of war will be just an opportunity to have fun and usefully spend time, regardless of victory or loss.

Such a game will teach children and adults important qualities in life: perseverance, perseverance, the ability to work well in a team and never give up.

Tug of war is a fun and fun game for kids. But it is also a team sport, and it has its own tricks, subtleties and even tricks. And, of course, there are certain rules here. For their violation, the player can be disqualified, as well as remove the entire team from further competitions.

History of occurrence

Initially, tug of war was a ritual rite. It appeared in ancient times. For example, in ancient India, in this way they tried to cause rain during the dry season. Over time, ritual rites have undergone significant changes, and tug of war has ceased to be something mystical. But it became In one of the tombs, they found with the image of several athletes pulling the rope. It was a kind of play of power, which has become widespread in the territory of modern Europe. Tug of war competitions are now quite popular and are considered one of the most interesting team sports. Not to mention, it's a good way to have fun with friends or keep the kids entertained for a while.

Basics and rules

Before you start the game, you need to familiarize yourself with its basics. The rules of tug of war are not at all complicated:

1. To participate, you need at least 8 people in each team (if this is child's play, then less is possible) and one judge.
2. The tug rope must be at least 33.5 meters long and strong enough (10-12 cm thick).
3. There should be several flag marks on the rope (one strictly in the middle and two others on the sides at a distance of 4 meters). On the ground or floor, the line above which the center mark.
4. At the referee's signal, the teams start tugging, each in its own direction. The loser is the one whose extreme mark crosses the control line.
5. You can not move your hands on the rope.
6. It is forbidden to change places in the process.
7. Do not use any means that facilitate the grip of the palms and the rope, except for rosin.
8. The team whose player fell during the tug-of-war loses the match. However, if a person touches the ground with his knee, then immediately stands up, the violation is not counted.
9. You can not move the marks on the rope. The team seen doing this is disqualified.
10. All players must be in the same weight class. Neither team may exceed the other in total estimated weight.

Varieties of the game

Tug of war has several varieties. So, for example, this game is used in physical education classes at school in order to train teenagers' strength and endurance, the will to win, and team spirit. Among the official competitions, there are such subspecies as "one on one", when only two players participate, and "pull-out", when several teams participate at once.

Circle game

No more than ten teams can participate in it. The meaning of the competition is that the same team in turn (in a circle) competes with the other nine. Leaders are determined by counting wins. Practice shows that this is the most acceptable option, since it allows even beginner teams to gain experience and not lose interest in this sport.

Elimination game

Tug of war is a game that develops not only agility and endurance, but also brings up team spirit. It is impossible to relax and play at half strength in it, otherwise it will be noticed by partners. And it's not fair to them. The knockout game is most popular in Europe in championships and various kinds. The point is that an unlimited number of teams can participate on the basis of the “lost - left the competition” principle. Unfortunately, young and inexperienced teams often drop out of the competition very quickly, and some lose interest in the game in general.

Technique

The tug-of-war technique is quite simple. Initially, you need to put your hands so that it is convenient, since it will be impossible to rearrange them. Secondly, it is forbidden to wind the rope around the hand, which means that you need to position your palms so that you don’t get hurt or get tired in the process. Thirdly, the tug-of-war technique involves a strong load on the legs. Stand so that your feet are shoulder-width apart, but the leading one is somewhat ahead (for a left-hander, for example, this is the left leg for the most part). Bend your knees slightly to gain stability. To really have a chance to win, you need to create a truly team game, the movements of each player must be synchronous, well-coordinated. Only this can provide a good result.

Tricks

There are little tricks that can lead a team to victory in the tug of war. First, you need to line up in order of growth (from the lowest to the highest). This will ensure even stretching of the rope and the correct distribution of forces in the team. Secondly, the one who stands first (closer to the central mark) can afford not only to rest his feet on the ground with all his strength, but also to practically lie on his back during the pull. All power emphasis falls on this player. It will not be superfluous to choose the most persistent and strong in his place. Third, position the team's players in (with one on each side of the rope). This ensures the distribution of forces and ease of pulling. Fourth, pull in small jerks. The more of them, the more chances to win. Fifth, a strong opponent can be bypassed by cunning. Hold your side, but don't pull the rope too hard. Let your opponents breathe out to bring the game in your favor. These little tricks will help, if not win, then significantly increase the chances of winning.

How to entertain kids with this game

Children always have enough energy. And in order to put it in a peaceful direction, you can invite them to play this simple game. Remember that tugging requires a very strong rope so that it does not break and injure the players in the process. Explain the rules to the children, distribute them into teams, give a start. Tell them that during the pull you can not let go of your hands, otherwise there is a risk of falling yourself or dropping and injuring your opponent. For a home game, four children are enough, who will gladly try their hand. Control marks can be made from colored ribbons (fasten them statically so that they do not move). Supervise children to follow the rules and not inadvertently injure themselves or others. Do not judge strictly, but be fair. Such a game will help unite children, develop team spirit and have fun and useful time.