Finger Pull - How to play?

Finger Pull Preparation

1. I usually use the gymnastic mats so the players can sit on them during the competition.
2. The game requires both strength and pain endurance during the competition.
3. During the game both respect and safety towards one another is of the utmost importance.
4. Have a bucket of ice or snow available so players can ice any swelling that might occur during the competition.

The Finger Pull Team

The Finger Pull is an individual event, all players participate in the event whether they are on the same team or not. In my Physical Education classes I will draw names out of a hat, with both a male and female division, and the seating of players is determined by the draw. The winner is determined by a best two out of three match. During the start of a match, players usually play “paper, rocks, scissors”, although a coin can be used, to determine offensive and defensive positioning. This method is used prior to the first game and if necessary after the second game to determine positioning of the final game of the match.

Let’s Play!

At the start of the game players will sit facing each other on the gymnastic mat and determine positioning by “paper, rocks, scissors”. At this point the winner will inform me of their choice of position, offensive or defensive. The defensive player tries to prevent the release of his/her finger lock and/or the straightening of his/her arm. The offensive player will attempt to break their opponent’s finger lock or pull the defensive player to straighten his/her arm.

Defensive Positioning

• The defensive player places his/her left leg straight out on the mat and bends the right leg at the knee and places his/her foot on the inside part of the thigh.

• Then he/she takes his/her right arm, places it on their bent right leg and turns the hand so their palm faces up.
• He/she then proceeds to place the left hand on their opponents left knee.

Offensive Positioning

• The offensive player will now place his/her two feet against their opponents bent right leg.

• He/she will then place his/her left hand against their opponents left shoulder.

Finger Lock

• During the above positioning, both defensive and offensive players will lock their middle fingers together.
• The defensive player must keep his/her palm facing up and the offensive player accommodates the grip by having his/her thumb facing up.
• There is to be no twisting of the hands or jerking motion. The offensive player begins by pulling, slow, straight and even.

How a winner is determined?

• Once players have gotten into position, I will give them a signal, ready, set, pull.
• The defensive player tries to keep his/her hand and arm from being pulled out of position from his/her right thigh. Defensive players will place their elbow into their thigh and below their stomach as snug as possible. Defensive players cannot lean over on their elbow all the way, therefore placing their body weight on their arm.
• The offensive player tries to pull so that the defensive player loses his grip or pulls the defensive player's elbow and arm out of position.
• In my Physical Education classes, each game is 8 seconds. Therefore, if the defensive player can hold his/her position or keep from losing his/her lock he/she will win the game.

View video clip.

Lesson Planning

When you read through the lesson plans, please realize that you can create and change these plans to be suit your class development levels. As well it is very important and necessary to incorporate both stretching and strength exercise progressions in your lesson plans to foster a safe learning environment. I encourage you to construct your own unique lesson plans and modifications that make for a positive learning experience for your students. However, if you do incorporate the Dene Games into your classroom please share your experiences, in the Bannock and Tea Room, education is an opportunity to explore, let’s explore our Dene Games journey together.

Click here to see lesson plans.