Wrist Tag Game
Hand Fighting
Legend
- player
- movement path
How it works
Introduce hand fighting concepts through a partner game focused on touching the opponent's wrists.
What you need
- wrestling mat
Your focus
The wrist tag game builds hand speed, reaction time, and the instinct to control opponent's wrists in a low-pressure, game-like format. Young wrestlers develop comfort with hand-to-hand contact before learning formal tie-up technique. The competitive game format keeps engagement high while building foundational hand fighting reflexes.
Partners face each other in athletic stance with hands up at chest height.
Each wrestler tries to touch the back of their partner's wrists while protecting their own wrists from being touched.
Award one point for each successful wrist tag; play for 30-second rounds.
Complete 4 rounds, switching which hand leads each round.
Goal
You've got it when you tag your partner's wrists more than they tag yours, active hands that move and react.
Helpful cues
- Keep your hands between you and your partner
- Quick hands, don't reach and hold
- Stay on the balls of your feet, ready to move
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Play with only one hand each, right hand versus right hand, to reduce complexity.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Add the rule that wrestlers must also maintain collar tie contact with their free hand.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.