Teaching Leadership Skills With PE Games

Physical education (PE) is more than just movement—it’s an opportunity for students to develop essential life skills. Research shows that physical education games are a great way to build leadership skills. These games help students practice collaboration, communication, and decision-making. 

1. Human Knot

This is a fun and challenging leadership game where students must work together to untangle themselves without breaking the circle. This activity helps build communication, teamwork, and patience—critical skills for effective leadership.

How to play:

• Players stand in a circle and reach across with one hand to grab someone else’s hand, then do the same with their other hand, creating a tangled web.
• Without letting go, players must communicate, twist, turn, and step over or under their teammates’ arms to untangle themselves into a full circle.
• The team must work together to navigate untying the knot, with each student taking turns giving input on how to move. Encourage leadership by allowing students to step up and suggest solutions.
• Once the knot is untangled, discuss how communication, patience, and teamwork played a key role in solving the challenge.
• Reflect on how different leadership styles—whether guiding, listening, or facilitating— helped the group succeed.

Watch it here: Human Knot

2. Blindfold Trust Walk Challenge

There’s nothing like a blindfold challenge to test communication skills and get students thinking fast. This fun physical education game doubles as a leadership activity that builds trust, teamwork, and clear communication. In this activity, blindfolded players must navigate a tricky obstacle course—guided only by their teammate’s voice.

How to play:

• Set up a designated space, either indoors or outdoors, and arrange obstacles like chairs, sticks, or cones to create a challenging (but safe!) course.
• Divide students into pairs or small groups and assign one student from each group to wear the blindfold.
• The blindfolded player must rely on their teammates to guide them through the course by giving clear, calm instructions on how to avoid obstacles.
• The goal is for the blindfolded player to reach the finish line without touching or stepping on any obstacles.
• Optionally, time each team to see which group completes the challenge the fastest.

Watch it here: Team Building Activity Trust Walk

3. Human Tic-Tac-Toe

This high-energy leadership game transforms a classic tic-tac-toe match into a fast-paced, team-based challenge. It’s a great way to build communication, strategy, and decision-making skills, as players must think ahead and collaborate to win.

How to play:

• Set up nine chairs in a three-by-three grid to create the tic-tac-toe board.
• Divide students into two teams, and assign each team a different color (using pinnies, wristbands, or other markers).
• Have teams line up on opposite sides of the gym or play area to add an exciting running challenge to the game.
• Assign each player a number within their team (e.g., if there are 10 players per team, each team will have players numbered 1 to 10).
• The teacher or designated caller will call out a number, and the players from both teams with that number must sprint to the tic-tac-toe board and quickly choose a seat.
• Teams are encouraged to shout out suggestions to help their teammates pick the best spot and plan their strategy on the fly.
• The game continues as the caller calls more numbers, sending additional players to fill the grid.
• The first team to get three players in a row (vertically, horizontally, or diagonally) wins the round.
• Play multiple rounds, keeping the energy high and encouraging quick thinking, teamwork, and communication.

Watch it here: Class After School—Human Tic-Tac-Toe

4. Magic Carpet Challenge

If you want to test teamwork, communication, and problem-solving under pressure, this is the perfect physical education game. The goal is to flip a tarp or sheet while every team member keeps their feet on it the entire time. It’s a fun, strategic challenge that encourages students to think creatively, work together, and find the best way to make the impossible possible.

How to play:

• Divide students into two teams, and give each group a large tarp, blanket, or sheet.
• Have every team member stand on the tarp, filling up most of the available space.
• Without anyone stepping off, challenge teams to flip the tarp completely over.
• If anyone steps outside the boundaries, the team must start over.
• Encourage different students to step up as leaders and guide their teams through creative solutions.

Watch it here: Magic Carpet Challock Challenge

Tips for Differentiating Activities

To ensure that all students can engage and succeed, it’s important to adjust activities based on age, skill levels, and individual abilities.

For younger children or those who may need more guidance, consider simplifying tasks by breaking them into smaller, manageable steps. You can also provide extra support, such as giving more direct instructions, demonstrating actions, or having a peer mentor help.

For older or more advanced students, you can increase the challenge by adding complexity to the task. Encourage leadership opportunities by having students take turns directing the group, analyzing the situation, and making strategic decisions to win. This gives them a chance to practice skills like decision-making and communication in a leadership role.

Additionally, for students with physical limitations, it’s important to make adjustments so they can fully participate and feel included. For students with mobility challenges, offer modified versions of the games, such as using adaptive equipment or allowing seated participation. Encourage creative solutions that allow all students to contribute in a meaningful way. The goal is to create an inclusive environment where every student feels empowered and capable of playing an active role in their team’s success.

Facilitating Leadership Discussions

After completing these leadership physical education games, always take time for reflection. Group discussions are essential for helping students process their experiences. Encourage them to talk about the leadership skills they practiced, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they learned.