Stick Twist
Suitable for Grades K - 12

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Objective of the Game

This variation of the Stick Pull was played by the Mountain Dene. Because it involved some special movements, it is listed here as a separate game. The com­petitors did not attempt to pull each other out of position, but by twisting the stick, to cause it to tum and slip in the opponent's hands.

 

Equipment

  1. A straight, dry spruce or pine stick, 40-60 cm long, the diameter is about 2.5 cm. In order to avoid injury to the players, the surface has to be polished smoothly. It sometimes happens that the stick will break during this game
  2. A tarp
  3. General purpose food-grade grease (e.g., Crisco)
  4. Tissue or towels

 

Playing Area

  • No special playing area is needed for this game. A tarp can be spread out on the floor for the use of the competitors.

 

Teams and Players

  • Traditionally, this game was played by men only.

 

How to Play

Preparation

  • This game can be played with a greased or with a clean stick. When a greased stick is used, it has to be thoroughly greased with Crisco™  before each match.

Starting Position

  • The two competitors kneel on the ground, or stand upright, facing each other. Both competitors should be of approximately equal height.
  • Both competitors raise their arms to an angle of perhaps 45 degrees. Using both hands, each player grabs an end of the stick. The arms and the wrists have to be fully extended (straight).

Movement

  • The competitors begin to twist the stick on the signal: "3-2-1-go !"
  • The rotation of the hands is downward.
  • Movements of the arms about the shoulders are not allowed. Movement may only occur about the wrists.
  • Competitors may not move their end of the stick upward or downward. The stick should be level (parallel to the ground) throughout the match. Rotation of the stick is the only movement allowed. In other words, the Stick Twist is mainly decided by wrist and hand strength, not by arm strength.

Duration

  • It is usually not necessary to set a time limit for a match. Even if the competi­tors are evenly matched, fatigue will sooner or later decide the outcome.
  • Among the Mountain people, strong competitors would sometimes twist the stick apart. In this case, the match should be restarted with a new stick.

 

End of Round and Competition

The round ends in one of two ways:

  • The competitor causes the stick to twist (slip) in the opponent's fists. This may not always be easy to detect. Athletes have to play fair and admit when they have been beaten.
  • The competitor succeeds in bending the opponent's wrists.

 

Safety Considerations

The opponents twist steadily and strong. No jerking or sudden movement is allowed.

Need more information?

Alberta Sport
www.albertasport.ca
780 422-0779

Last revised on 27 April, 2020.

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