Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 1

Traditional Swiss Games Children Can Learn

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Traditional Swiss games for families: teach dialect, skills and teamwork — kid-friendly Jass, Schwingen, Hornussen, Kegeln and tug-of-war.

Traditional Swiss Games: Teaching Through Play

Traditional Swiss games give families and schools a friendly way to pass on local dialects, festival rituals and gestures. We use play to teach practical skills. With simple adaptations and clear session rules, children can learn cognitive games and outdoor sportsJass, Schwingen, Hornussen, steinstossen, Kegeln and tug-of-war — across age-appropriate formats and everyday settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Preserve regional identity: Traditional games pass on dialect words, jokes and ritual gestures through repeated play.
  • Build measurable skills: Play improves motor control and balance, memory and strategy, numeracy through scoring, and language and social fluency.
  • Plan by age bands: Sessions by age (4–6, 7–9, 10+) work well; rounds stay 20–60 minutes; use small groups (2–12) or stations; adapt rules and equipment for mixed ages.
  • Simplify activities: Cognitive games (e.g., Jass) and physical games (e.g., Schwingen, Hornussen, steinstossen, Kegeln, Seilziehen) succeed when simplified — use foam nouss, light stones and mini-decks to keep play safe and engaging.
  • Safety and inclusion: Prioritize warm-ups, progressive skill steps, adult supervision and consent for contact activities. Track participation, repeat sessions and use simple skill checklists.

Practical Session Template

  1. Age band and objective: Define whether the session is for 4–6, 7–9 or 10+ and pick 1–2 target skills (balance, counting, teamwork).
  2. Duration and groups: Plan 20–60 minute rounds. Use small groups (2–12) or rotating stations to keep engagement high.
  3. Equipment and adaptations: Swap heavy gear for foam or light alternatives (mini-decks for Jass, foam nouss, lighter stones for steinstossen).
  4. Rules and roles: Keep rules simple and visible. Assign peer roles (scorekeeper, timekeeper, safety monitor) to build responsibility.
  5. Warm-up and progression: Start with dynamic warm-ups, then progress skills from non-contact to contact only with consent and adult supervision.
  6. Reflection and tracking: Finish with a short group reflection and update simple participation/skill checklists for repeat sessions.

Adaptations for Common Games

  • Jass (card game): Use mini-decks or picture cues for younger children; introduce scoring visually to teach numeracy and strategy.
  • Schwingen (wrestling): Focus on balance and stance drills first; use non-contact throws or tagging for younger age bands and full skills only with trained supervision.
  • Hornussen: Replace hard nouss with foam nouss and shorten ranges. Set clear safety zones and spotting positions.
  • Steinstossen (stone putting): Use lighter practice stones and mark shorter target distances. Emphasize technique and landing targets.
  • Kegeln (bowling): Lower pins, lighter balls and lane tape for guidance help younger players build accuracy and scoring confidence.
  • Tug-of-war (Seilziehen): Use shorter ropes, non-slip surfaces and teach bracing technique; replace with team relay pulls for very young children.

Safety, Inclusion and Assessment

Safety: Always include warm-ups, progressive skill steps and clear boundaries. Require adult supervision for contact or heavy-equipment activities and obtain explicit consent for contact drills.

Inclusion: Adapt equipment and rules so players with different abilities can participate — examples: visual cues, sit-down versions of games, or mixed-ability teams.

Assessment: Use simple checklists to track participation and observable skills (balance, counting accuracy, rule-following). Repeat sessions to measure progress and reinforce dialect, rituals and social gestures through play.

https://youtu.be/Dp6CTV4pWuc

Cultural value

Traditional Swiss games keep local identity alive. We see dialects, festival rituals and specific gestures passed down through simple rules and repeated play. In many cantons a card game or a folk relay carries the same local words and jokes that children hear at home. These practices anchor culture and reinforce a sense of belonging across generations.

We, at the young explorers club, encourage families to use games as living lessons. Play translates vocabulary into action, so children learn local terms while having fun. Many households still pull out regional card decks at family gatherings, and village festivals feature easy physical contests that anyone can join. Games often show up after hikes at rest stops, at birthday tables and during kantonal celebrations, keeping customs front and center.

I recommend practical steps to keep this tradition active:

  • Teach rules aloud and briefly; repeat key local words during play.
  • Choose games that suit mixed ages so grandparents and toddlers can join.
  • Pack compact game sets for post-hike breaks and travel.
  • Record a few rounds on your phone to preserve dialect pronunciation and gestures.

Common settings and games

Here are examples of how Swiss games appear across daily life and festivals:

  • Jass (indoor card game) — a staple at family gatherings and quiet afternoons; great for teaching card terms and local banter.
  • Schwingen-inspired tag — (simple physical chase) adapted for village fêtes and school sports; keeps traditional moves alive.
  • Hornussen-style relay — (modified) used in community events to introduce children to regional sport heritage.
  • Local dice or betting games — seen after kantonal matches and at market stalls; they pass on slang and counting methods.
  • Singing-games at rest stops — short rhymes link melodies with place names and dialect words.

We stress inclusivity. Invite elders to explain a rule or a story tied to a game. Offer small prizes that reflect local produce or crafts. Parents can blend games into daily routines to keep tradition active without pressure. For more ideas about how games fit into seasonal activities and trips, check our suggestions on family activities.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 3

Educational value

We, at the Young Explorers Club, treat traditional Swiss games as compact classrooms. They build physical control, social fluency and basic academics at once. I watch children move from tentative to confident after a few rounds of a simple tossing or counting game.

Cognitive games like regional card games sharpen memory, counting and strategic thinking. Physical games focus on balance, coordination and safe contact — learning how to fall, grip and throw without fear. Rules-based play forces attention to structure and sequencing, so kids practice following instructions while still having fun.

Language and numeracy get practice every session. Kids pick up local dialect words for equipment and actions during play. Scoring systems become low-pressure math drills. Turn-taking and partnership tasks build communication and empathy.

Skills and learning outcomes

Below are key learning outcomes and quick tips for using games to teach them:

  • Motor skills: Games that require throwing, catching or hopping improve coordination and fine motor control. Tip: start with larger targets and shorter distances, then scale up.
  • Balance and physical literacy: Activities that include controlled falls, grips and stance help kids move safely across terrain. Tip: teach fall techniques on soft ground before adding speed.
  • Cognitive skills: Card and matching games boost memory, pattern recognition and simple probability thinking. Tip: vary the rules slightly each round to challenge strategy.
  • Numeracy: Counting points, keeping score and measuring distances turn play into practical math. Tip: use physical counters (stones, sticks) to make numbers tangible.
  • Language acquisition: Introducing local vocabulary for equipment and commands strengthens listening and speaking. Tip: repeat key words in context and encourage children to use them aloud.
  • Social skills: Team games teach turn-taking, leadership rotation and partner communication. Tip: rotate roles so every child experiences calling, scoring and defending.

I encourage families to include these games during a family trip, where play becomes a natural lesson in culture, movement and cooperation.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 5

Practical reach and program guidance

We, at the young explorers club, recommend clear age brackets: adapted versions for 4–12-year-olds and full-rule play from about 10+. Adaptations speed learning and keep confidence high. Younger children need simplified objectives; older kids handle formal scoring and strategy.

Plan sessions for 20–60 minutes. Shorter blocks (20–30 minutes) suit preschool and early primary school kids. Older children can manage single sessions up to 60 minutes with periodic breaks. Schedule high-skill tasks early while energy is high, and finish with a fun free-play round.

Keep most group sizes between 2 and 12 participants. Small pairs encourage turn-taking and one-on-one coaching. Groups larger than 12 work only if you split into stations or rotate mini-games. Vary the setup by game to keep flow and supervision safe.

Adapt equipment and rules by age and ability to boost success. Examples:

  • Lower target heights and larger pieces for youngest players.
  • Reduced rule sets and time limits for newcomers.
  • Full-sized equipment and complete rules for 10+ sessions.

Track simple metrics to show program impact and guide progression. I recommend these three core measures:

  • Participation rate (attendance vs. signup).
  • Number of repeat sessions per child.
  • Short skill-progression checklist covering motor tasks and rule comprehension.

Record attendance and outcomes with quick tools. Use a single-sheet scorecard or app entry per session that logs:

  • Who attended.
  • One or two observed motor tasks achieved (e.g., stable stance, accurate throw).
  • Whether the child understood the basic rules that day.

Note: repeat attendance automatically flags engagement and helps plan follow-ups.

Quick program checklist

  • Recommended ages: adapted 4–12; full rules 10+.
  • Typical session length: 20–60 minutes.
  • Group size: 2–12 (use stations if larger).
  • Adaptations: equipment size, scoring, time limits.
  • Core metrics to record: attendance, participation rate, repeat sessions, motor tasks achieved, rule comprehension.
  • Practical tools: laminated scorecards, sticker milestones, brief observation notes.

We also point families to a short primer on expectations; see what kids should expect for guidance on pacing and preparation.

https://youtu.be/LjKCu4dq0Zs

Presentation tips to open the article

Across Switzerland, play and festival sport keep local identity alive—on village greens, in family kitchens and at kantonal fêtes. We, at the young explorers club, use those traditions as entry points for teaching kids classic Swiss games. Below you’ll find a compact orientation and practical cues to get a session rolling with confidence.

Infographic-style orientation: age bands and session lengths4–6 years (adapted play, 20–30 min); 7–9 years (short full activities, 30–45 min); 10+ years (full rules, 40–60 min). These bands help set expectations for attention span, rule complexity and safety needs.

Quick orientation for parents and teachers

Use these bullets to plan age-appropriate, time-efficient sessions:

  • Ages & focus: 4–6 — sensory play and imitation; 7–9 — rule-following games; 10+ — strategy and full competition.
  • Typical session: 20–60 minutes depending on age band; include warm-up (5–10 min) and debrief (5 min).
  • Group size: small groups of 6–12 for hands-on practice; up to 20 for demonstration-led play.
  • Ratios: aim for 1 adult per 6 younger children; 1 per 10 for older kids.
  • Space & kit: minimal equipment—rope, wooden skittles, beanbags, numbered cards; pick a flat outdoor patch or gym corner.
  • Adaptations: shorten rules for mixed ages; run parallel variants so younger kids play an easier version.
  • Safety notes: clear boundaries, soft landing zones, and adult-run scoring for competitive games.

Presentation tips for facilitators

Open with a cultural hook. I start sessions by naming the village or canton where a game comes from and saying one quick local fact. That ties the play to place and sparks curiosity. Demonstrate the first round slowly, then run a practice round where I let kids try without score pressure. I keep rules crisp: three core rules, shown and repeated once.

Use roles to keep attention. I assign a scorer, a timekeeper and a referee for older groups; younger children get helper roles like “line leader” or “retriever”. That builds ownership and reduces off-task behavior. Break down complex games into 2–3 mini-skills and teach each skill for 5–10 minutes before combining them.

Manage mixed-age groups by pairing up. I put a younger child with an older buddy and set one clear coaching task for the older child. That keeps play fair and helps the older child internalize the rules. For a faster pace, run parallel stations: one coach, one demo area, one free-play spot.

Keep transitions short and visual. I use a bell or a simple hand signal and show a 60-second countdown card to move kids between activities. That saves time and keeps energy steady. For scoring and competition, I recommend point caps or time-limited rounds to keep sessions friendly and inclusive.

Lean into storytelling and props. I tell a two-line origin story for each traditional game and bring a prop—an old-style wooden skittle or coloured sash—to make the tradition tangible. Use positive reinforcement: call out good examples of fair play and effort as often as you call out winners.

If you want more family-focused ideas to try on holiday or combine with a trip, we link parents to resources like family trip in Switzerland that suggest suitable games and local spots.

https://youtu.be/TxzJUThsDGE

Comparison snapshot: cognitive vs. physical games

We present a tight comparison so you can plan mixed programming that builds thinking and movement skills. We use Jass and Schwingen as clear examples for each category.

Cognitive games (example: Jass)

Cognitive games are best indoors and work well as family-friendly activities. We focus lessons on numbers, memory, partner communication and strategy. Young children learn simplified trick-taking and point counting; that strengthens basic numeracy and short-term recall. We recommend simplified versions for ages 5–8 and full rules for 8+.

Practical teaching:

  • Keep rounds short and predictable to sustain attention and make outcomes clear.
  • Use visual scoreboards and cue cards to support numeracy and memory.
  • Rotate partners to teach communication and alliance shifts.

Physical games (example: Schwingen)

Physical games are outdoors and often contact-based, so we prioritize safety and progressive skill development. Schwingen builds balance, safe falling, hip/throw mechanics and cooperative strength. We recommend intro classes from about 6–8 years, with close supervision and size-matched partners.

Practical coaching steps we use:

  • Teach breakfalls and landing zones on mats first to reduce injury risk.
  • Isolate hip-drive and grip drills before practicing full throws.
  • Emphasize respect, clear rules and non-competitive play to build confidence.

For outdoor logistics and camp-style sequencing see our Swiss outdoor camp.

Quick comparison

  • Setting: Cognitive = indoor/family spaces; Physical = outdoor fields or mats.
  • Core skills: Cognitive = numbers, memory, strategy, partner talk; Physical = balance, safe falling, hip/throw technique, cooperation.
  • Age entry: Cognitive = simplified 5–8, full 8+; Physical = intro 6–8.
  • Session length: Cognitive = shorter rounds with reflection breaks; Physical = warm-up, skill stations, cool-down.
  • Safety focus: Cognitive = clear rules and turn-taking; Physical = trained instructors, mats, matched partners.

We balance both types across a week so kids get mental challenge and physical confidence in equal measure.

https://youtu.be/Hg6e28rzzfA

Jass (Swiss national card game)

Jass is a classic Swiss trick-taking card game with many regional variants. We teach the Schieber partnership version most often, and a simplified 2-player mini-Jass for younger kids. The standard deck is a 36-card deck (6 through Ace in French-suited Jass); some regions use Swiss‑German decks. Games run with 2, 3, or 4 players, but four-player partnerships are the common family format.

I explain the core mechanics in plain terms: each trick follows suit when possible, trumps override other suits, and certain cards carry higher point values. Children learn card order and names, practice counting points, and build memory by tracking played cards. Partner communication becomes a practical skill; we also introduce simple Swiss German or French card vocabulary to make the game feel local and fun. You can play Jass at a family table, after a hike, or even in some restaurants across Switzerland, which makes it a handy game for trips and breaks — see our suggestions for family activities that pair well with card time.

Teaching outcomes

  • Counting and mental addition from trick scores.
  • Memory improvement by remembering which cards remain.
  • Partner signals and turn-taking for social skills.
  • Exposure to Swiss card terms and regional culture.

Teaching kit and beginner lesson plan

Use the following lists to prepare a short session and keep kids engaged.

Equipment list — bring:

  • One 36-card deck (or reduce a 52-card deck to 36 by removing 2–5–4–3–2).
  • Scoring pad and pencil.
  • A small table or board to lay finished tricks.

Three-step beginner lesson plan — 15–20 minute starter:

  1. Learn card order and names: show the rank from 6 up to Ace and point values; explain what trumps do.
  2. Practice tricks with open hands: play rounds where all cards stay visible so learners see how tricks form.
  3. Play simplified rounds: 15–20 minutes with hidden hands; keep scoring low and clear to maintain momentum.

Classroom metrics and pacing:

  • Short play goals work best: first target 10 points, then 20, then 50 as kids get used to scoring.
  • For a 45–60 minute session, plan three to four beginner rounds with debriefs.
  • Ages 5–7: use the mini-Jass or 2-player simplified rules and very short rounds (10–15 minutes).
  • Ages 8+: introduce full Schieber rules and partnerships; recommended beginner rounds of 15–20 minutes.

Practical tips from our experience:

  • Start with open hands until kids can name cards and follow suits confidently.
  • Keep scoring visible and explain how a trick’s points add up; kids love crossing off numbers.
  • Rotate partners so children learn different communication styles and partnership play.
  • Use local vocabulary casually; learning a few Swiss German or French card names helps children connect to the game and region. For a broader view of how games fit into alpine programs, read about what kids should expect at camps.

I recommend packing a single 36-card deck in your daypack. It’s light, durable, and turns post-hike breaks into a lively cultural moment.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 7

Schwingen (Swiss wrestling)

Schwingen ist ein traditioneller Volkssport mit Griffen an speziellen Schwingerhosen und sicherem Fallen in einen Sägemehlring. Wir beim Young Explorers Club vermitteln die Technik Schrittweise. Kinder lernen Stand, Hüftführung und das Fallen zuerst ohne Wettkampf.

Spieltyp, Ausrüstung und Jugendanpassung

Die Kern-Ausrüstung sind robuste Schwingerhosen und ein sauber gehaltener Sägemehlring. Ich achte darauf, dass Kinder anfangs nur die Hose greifen und nicht am Körper ziehen. Für Anfänger setze ich non-kompetitive Übungsformen ein: Partnerübungen, kontrollierte Hüftwürfe auf Sägemehl und koordinative Drills. Der empfohlene Einstiegsalter liegt bei 6–8 Jahren. In Jugendgruppen halte ich Match-Zeiten kurz; normale Kinderkämpfe dauern meist 2–3 Minuten oder weniger. Typische Gruppenstärken sind 8–20 Teilnehmer, ideal für individuelle Betreuung.

Sicherheitsprotokoll und Musterstunde

Ich lege großen Wert auf Sicherheit. Vor Kontakttraining verlange ich Eltern-Einwilligung und einen kurzen Gesundheitscheck. Die Standardstruktur einer 45-minütigen Einheit ist klar und praktikabel. Die folgenden Punkte bilden die Unterrichtsabläufe:

  • Warm-up — 10 Minuten: Mobilität, leichte Lauf- und Sprungübungen, Hüftöffnungen.
  • Fallen/Rolling — 10 Minuten: sicheren Fall vorwärts/rückwärts, Rollen aus dem Stand.
  • Griff- und Technikübungen — 10–15 Minuten: Schwingerhosen-Griff, Hüftansatz, Gleichgewichtskontrolle.
  • Kurzsparring — 5–10 Minuten: beaufsichtigte, kontrollierte Begegnungen mit Fokus auf Technik, nicht auf Sieg.

Stunden-Ziel (45 Minuten): Bis zum Ende kann jedes Kind zwei Basisgriffe sicher ausführen und einen sicheren Fall zeigen. Ich reduziere Intensität und Dauer je nach Alter und Energie der Gruppe. Zudem instruieren wir ausreichend Pausen und Trinkzeiten.

Vergleich und Praxistipps

Schwingen teilt Balance- und Hüftwurfprinzipien mit klassischem Wrestling und Judo, unterscheidet sich aber durch das zentrale Greifen an den Schwingerhosen und das Landen im Sägemehlring. Ich empfehle Trainerinnen, Techniken in Teilschritten zu vermitteln und ständig die Griffkontrolle zu betonen. Für Eltern empfehle ich, sich vorab über typische Abläufe zu informieren; wir verweisen auf Schwingen für zusätzliche Hinweise zu Erwartungen in Jugendcamps.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 9

Hornussen — team field game reworked for children

We, at the young explorers club, simplify Hornussen so kids learn the core skills without the adult scale. The classic rural bat-and-puck field game keeps its spirit: a hitter launches a small nouss with a Träf-style swing while a spread of defenders try to stop its run. I shorten the field, swap heavy wood for safe gear, and remove contact catching so everyone stays confident and active. For a preview of how children adapt to Swiss outdoor sports, see what kids should expect.

Recommended equipment and sizes

Use this short checklist to get started for a single practice session:

  • Field length: 20–50 m, marked with cones.
  • Team size: 6–10 players per side.
  • Practice duration: 30–45 minutes.
  • Nouss: foam puck, 5–7 cm diameter.
  • Bat: plastic bat or lightweight racket (Träf-style swing).
  • Field markers: cones to outline hitting zone and catching zone.
  • Optional safety: light helmets for younger players and first-aid kit.

Child version: step-by-step and drills

  1. Hitting drill: One coach or partner makes a slow, stationary toss. Each child takes 8–10 swings aiming to reach a target zone 10–20 m downfield. Emphasize stance, short backswing and follow-through. Measure average hitting distance per child and chart progress week to week.

  2. Fielding drill: Split into teams of 4–6. Place a 10–15 m designated zone where defenders practice soft catches and controlled stops. No diving or contact; focus on footwork and calling “mine.” Count successful fielding plays per session to track improvement.

  3. Short scrimmage: Play a timed mini-game with no-contact rules. Score either by distance of nouss (points for landing zones) or by accuracy targets (hit a cone for bonus). Rotate positions so each child hits, fields and calls plays.

Comparison and metrics

The hitter vs fielders dynamic mirrors baseball’s batter/fielders and some positioning from ultimate frisbee, but Hornussen rewards distance and group positioning more than individual power. I recommend tracking two core metrics each session: average hitting distance per child and total successful fielding plays. Use simple markers and a clipboard to keep stats; players respond well to visible progress and friendly competition.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 11

Steinstossen / Unspunnen-stone (stone putting/throwing)

We teach steinstossen as an alpine festival skill with a practical, safety-first twist. The tradition centers on the famous Unspunnenstein, an historic stone that weighs 83.5 kg. Kids never handle anything near that mass; we adapt the activity with lighter stones, sand-filled medicine balls, or soft weighted bags so they can learn technique and have fun without risk.

Safety and proper progression are emphasized. We always warm up, inspect implements for sharp edges, and supervise every lift and throw. For children’s stone weight I recommend the following practice ranges:

  • Ages 6–8: 1–2 kg
  • Ages 9–12: 3–6 kg
  • Older teens: 6–10 kg, adjusted to strength and coach supervision

Technique focuses on a standing push/put rather than an overhead toss. I coach a hip-and-shoulder push that keeps the implement near the chest, uses the legs for drive, and releases on a forward line. I avoid rotational or glide techniques with young learners; they add complexity and injury risk. I also teach safe lifting mechanics before any practice:

  • Knees bent, weight centered and feet shoulder-width.
  • Neutral spine and head position while lifting.
  • Controlled transfers — no jerking, set the implement, and then move deliberately.

Drills and lesson plan

I start sessions with a short warm-up, then run these focused drills:

  • Medicine ball push (standing): 3 sets × 6 reps. Use a 1–4 kg ball to teach the chest-driven push and forward hip drive. Emphasize feet shoulder-width, slight knee bend, and a firm exhale on push.
  • Distance practice with soft weighted bags on grass: best-of-three attempts. Let kids measure and record their furthest push to build motivation and track progress.
  • Light-stone competition by age/weight category: safe stone or sand-bag only. Rotate children through three attempts and declare winners by best distance.

I blend technique cues into drills: “drive the hips, push with the chest, follow through low”. I keep reps low and quality-focused. I increase weight gradually only when form stays solid. For lifting practice I add supervised deadlift-style reps with very light implements to reinforce safe handling.

Compare steinstossen to Olympic shot put to clarify expectations. Both use a pushing motion from the chest, but steinstossen uses natural stones or soft bags and carries a festival and regional identity that shapes rituals and categories. Shot put’s implements and competition rules are standardized, while steinstossen can be adapted for kids with flexible weights and informal scoring.

I collect simple data to guide progression. Record each child’s age-bracket best distances and training weight. Track improvements over weeks and adjust children’s stone weight when a consistent gain of strength and technique appears. For program planners and parents curious about how camps structure activities, this approach clarifies what kids should expect for related camp routines and supervision.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 13

Indoor and team favourites: Kegeln (nine-pin) and Seilziehen (tug-of-war)

We, at the young explorers club, teach Kegeln as a compact, low-cost version of nine-pin bowling that fits community halls and school gyms. I use nine plastic pins and light balls so children focus on stance, release and simple aiming. Lanes run shorter than an alley — 6–8 m works well for schools. I recommend ball weights by age: ages 4–60.5–1 kg; ages 7–101–2 kg. Variations keep it fun: relay bowling, ramp-assisted rolls for younger kids, and cumulative team scoring to build group strategy. We emphasize a simple two-step approach, consistent foot placement and pointing the non-throwing arm at the target before release.

Equipment and setup

Below I list the core kit and the smallest practical setup for a club or class:

  • Kegeln: 9 plastic pins, light balls (0.5–2 kg by age), lane markers for 6–8 m, and a score sheet.
  • Seilziehen: rope 10–12 m long, 30–40 mm diameter for small groups, marker tape at centre, soft gloves for every child.
  • General: flat non-slip surface, first-aid kit, cones for team lines, and a brief local vocabulary flash-sheet (5–10 translated game words) to bring cultural context into play.

Teaching progression, safety and session plan

I structure sessions to be short, active and measurable. A typical 45–60 minute session looks like this:

  • Warm-up (10 min): mobility and grip preparation.
  • Skill drills (15–20 min): practice stance, release and team calls.
  • Game play (15–25 min): short matches to apply skills.
  • Cool-down and reflection (5–10 min): stretching and short feedback.

For Seilziehen I keep pulls to 30–60 seconds. Team sizes of 4–8 per side balance action and fairness.

Safety comes first — key rules I enforce:

  • Never wrap the rope around hands or waist.
  • Require gloves for every child.
  • Check the ground is flat and non-slip.
  • Keep adult supervision within arm’s reach.

Progression by age works well:

  • Ages 4–6: practice non-contact skills and assisted pulls.
  • Ages 7–9: learn basic team roles and play short matches.
  • 10+: can follow full rules if equipment and supervision meet safety needs.

I track outcomes with simple templates: attendance, repeat participation, a skill-log of best attempts, and short enjoyment and cultural-awareness surveys. Inclusivity is practical — adjust ball weight and lane distance, make mixed-ability teams, and offer the local vocabulary sheet so children connect the games to regional culture. I often pair these indoor favourites with top kid-friendly sports for a fuller activity day.

https://youtu.be/V823vgQB6hk

Sources

Eidgenössischer Schwingerverband — Schwingen

Hornusserverband Schweiz — Hornussen

Britannica — Hornussen

Britannica — Swiss wrestling

Wikipedia — Unspunnenstein

Wikipedia — Jass

Jass.ch — Jass lernen

Jugend+Sport (J+S) — Jugend+Sport

Bundesamt für Sport BASPO — Kinder und Sport

Swiss National Museum — Collections and Exhibitions

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