How do you hold the rope in tug of war?
I · Intermediate · Pulling · 1 of 5Checked 15 October 2026
Every puller except the anchor holds the rope with both bare hands, palms up, the rope passing between body and upper arm. Feet stay ahead of the knees, and the team keeps a pulling position throughout. No one may grip between the outer tapes, tie knots or lock the rope against the body.
How it works
- Hands: both, bare.
- Palms: up.
- Rope: between body and upper arm.
- Feet: ahead of the knees.
- First puller: close to the outer tape.
- Knots and loops: none.
- Locking: not allowed.
- Whole team: in position always.
The glossary has the pulling position, the rope grip, the locking, the illegal grip, the propping and the wrong position.
Tricky cases
Can a puller wrap the rope round a hand?
No. That is locking.
The rope is held over the arm, not under it. Result?
Propping, an infringement.
Can a puller sit on a heel?
No. Wrong position.
Where does the first puller grip?
As close as possible to the outer tape.
Why the rule exists
The grip rules make pulling a test of legs and back, not of tricks with the rope.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Palms | Up | L R 12 |
| Feet | Ahead of knees | L R 12 |
| Lock | Banned | L R 11 |
From the rule book
Tug of War International Federation (TWIF), Rules Manual (2026), rules 11, 12 and 14. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: TWIF Rules Manual 2026.