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Tail Tag

The grown-up tucks a scarf “tail” in their waistband and dodges; the child chases and pulls the tail. Nobody grabs a person, only the tail.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Tuck a scarf or sock into the back of your waistband as a tail.

Ages
4 to 6
Time
3 min
Players
Just you
Space
Yard or field
Bring
Scarf or sock to tuck in a waistband
Level · skill
Beginner · Starts & Turns

The steps

How it works

  1. Tuck a scarf or sock into the back of your waistband as a tail.
  2. Move slowly around a small space while your child chases.
  3. When they pull the tail, cheer and swap: now they wear it.
  4. Play 4 or 5 short rounds with a rest between.

Coaching point

Praise the try: “Great dodging and turning!”

Safety: Only the tail is grabbed, never a person or clothes. Play on grass or a soft, flat, clear space with nothing to trip on. Stop for a drink and a rest whenever they want one.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Let the child be the coach for a turn: show the grown-up how to do “Tail Tag”, then swap.

Story

You are a superhero in training, and “Tail Tag” is today’s mission.

Practice makes progress

Print it now, or save it free

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