- Check the space and the kit.
- Get your child's attention first.
- Show it from two sides.
- Say one thing only.
- End on one that works.
Put the phone down where you can see it. Tap Next with your thumb, or use the arrow keys.
Is the space marked?
- The tape line
- An en garde mark for the front foot
- A wall target
The tape line; no weapon.
Three minutes to get warm.
Easy jogging on the spot, then arms and legs. How to warm up well is explained at workonfitness.com.
- Face the child in en garde on the line, at the safe distance.
- Advance slowly: the child retreats one step. Retreat: the child advances.
- Change speed; the child keeps the same gap without crossing the feet.
Show it once from the front and once from the side, slowly. Then let your child try.
- Face each other in en garde.
- When you advance the child retreats, and the other way round.
- Keep the same gap.
- Swap the leader.
How much: 3 rounds of 1 minute
Same gap, always
Keep the gap
The rules
The leader tries to close or open the gap; the follower scores for keeping it.
- Both stand in en garde with stretched arms just not touching, then lower the arms
- The leader moves for 1 minute, changing speed and direction
- Every 10 seconds you call "check": both stretch the front arm
- Swap after each minute. 3 rounds each
Fair play: A grown-up leader uses single steps only.
- Points
- The follower scores 1 point at each check when the fingertips just do not touch; the leader scores 1 point when they touch or are a step too far apart.
- Fouls
- A point to the other player: crossing the feet; stepping off the line; the leader running instead of stepping
- Win
- The most points after 3 rounds each.
Child
Grown-up
- 6
- 10
- 14
Keep the gap for 1 minute, 3 times.
End on one that works. If it was hard today, finish with the easier version.
Well played.
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