Tug of war
for groups
Two teams, one rope and a line on the ground. We provide the equipment, the draw and the hosting on your own site.
Why tug of war draws more of a crowd than you expect
In terms of set-up, tug of war is the simplest activity we do: two teams, a rope, and a line that has to be crossed. That simplicity is what makes it strong. No explanation is needed, everyone understands who is winning within ten seconds, and that means the people who aren't taking part get just as caught up as the people on the rope.
In practice it's less a test of strength than it looks. A team that drops together, pulls together and eases off at the same moment beats a heavier team in which everyone is heaving for themselves. That technique can be explained in five minutes, and the moment a team gets it is usually the best part of the round.
What we provide
We bring the equipment and run the tournament, including the draw and the scoring. You only need to provide a suitable piece of ground and the group.
- A professional tug of war rope with markings and protectors
- Teams split by weight or deliberately mixed, whichever you prefer
- Pool draw, scoreboard and a final to work towards
- Explanation of technique and safety before the first round
Book on its own or as part of a larger programme?
As a standalone activity, tug of war is too short to fill an afternoon. A tournament with pools and a final takes about three quarters of an hour to an hour, and after that most groups have run out of steam. For a neighbourhood party, a family day or a sports day, that's exactly right as a finale.
If you want to fill half a day or a whole day with it, we use it as part of a team games day. There, tug of war is almost always the closing event, because it can shift the most points and keeps the standings open until the last moment.
If you do choose it on its own, we usually combine it with something that needs little set-up, such as catapult shooting or a few traditional Dutch games. That keeps the group moving without any rebuilding in between.
Which groups it suits
Tug of war works from about twelve participants, because you need at least two teams of six to make a contest of it. Above fifty participants it actually gets better, because real pools emerge and there is an audience at the side shouting along.
Clubs, neighbourhoods and companies with a lot of physical work often choose it because it fits what people know. With an office group of varying fitness, we put lighter teams against each other and keep the rounds short, so nobody is hanging on for two minutes.
Participants who would rather not pull have plenty to do. Referee, timekeeper and scoreboard are real roles, and in tug of war the cheering from the sidelines isn't a side issue but part of the contest.
A half day starts at €195. The final price depends on the group size and the venue.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to be strong to take part in tug of war?
Strength helps in tug of war, but technique and timing count for more. A team that drops together and pulls together beats a heavier team that works against itself. We explain that technique beforehand, and that is usually the moment a team realises it can be won.
How do you stop it from becoming unfair?
We split the teams by total weight or make deliberately mixed teams, depending on what the group wants. For a company outing, mixed usually works better, because then it isn't about who is heaviest. For a club with sporty participants, weight classes are fairer.
How much space does tug of war need?
Tug of war needs a strip of about twenty by five metres, with a surface that gives grip. Grass is ideal, a patch of sand or a gravel field is also fine. We don't do it on tiles or asphalt, because slipping is then unavoidable and leads to grazes.
Tell us about your plan
Interested in tug of war? Fill in the short form and we'll send a price estimate within 1 working day.
Tug of war on your field
Let us know how many people and on what occasion, and we'll suggest a format.