Bo-taoshi facts for kids
Bo-taoshi (Japanese: 棒倒し, Hepburn: bōtaoshi, "pole toppling") is an exciting team game. It's a bit like "Capture the Flag." People usually play it on sports days at schools in Japan.
This game is famous for how big it is! Two large teams, each with 150 players, try to take control of a tall pole. One team tries to knock down the other team's pole.
Each team has two main groups: 75 attackers and 75 defenders. The defenders start around their pole, ready to protect it. The attackers begin some distance away from the other team's pole. A team wins if they push the other team's pole down. The pole must be tilted lower than 30 degrees from the ground. Before 1973, teams only had to tilt the pole to 45 degrees to win.
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How to Play Bo-taoshi: Rules and Positions
Bo-taoshi has clear rules and special roles for players. The National Defense Academy of Japan explains how the game works.
Bo-taoshi Game Rules
- A game of Bo-taoshi lasts for 2 minutes.
- A team loses if their pole is tilted to a 30-degree angle. A referee will signal this with a flag. They then announce the winning team.
- If neither team's pole is lowered in 2 minutes, the game is a tie. They will play the match again.
- Each team has 150 players. These players are split into attackers and defenders.
- Attackers wear shirts in their team's color. Defenders wear white shirts.
- Players must be safe. Hitting, kicking, choking, or pulling heads is not allowed.
Defender Positions in Bo-taoshi
Defenders work together to protect their pole. Here are their special roles:
- Rider on top (上乗り, "rider on top"): This is one player who sits or holds onto the very top of the pole. They try to keep the pole upright.
- Circle (サークル, "circle"): These players stand in a circle around the pole. They form a wall to stop attackers.
- Pole support (棒持ち, "pole support"): These players are inside the circle. They hold the base of the pole to keep it from falling.
- Interference (キラー, "killer"): These players try to stop the attackers. They get in the way and block them.
Attacker Positions in Bo-taoshi
Attackers work to bring down the other team's pole. Here are their special roles:
- Attackers (遊撃, "attack"): These are individual players who try to get past the defenders. They aim to reach the pole.
- Scrum (スクラム, "scrum"): These players form groups that push into the defensive circle. They act like human springboards. Other attackers can climb on them to reach the pole.
- Chargers (突攻, "sudden attack"): These players rush directly at the pole. They try to break through the defense quickly.
See also
In Spanish: Bo-taoshi para niños
