Finger pulling, regionally known as Fingerhakeln (German), Trække krog (Danish), Fingerkrok (Norwegian), and Sormikoukku (Finnish) is a sport practiced in many regions, predominantly Bavaria, Austria[1], Scandinavia, and Finland.

Rules [ edit ]

Fingerhakeln without strap

When practicing finger pulling, both opponents are sitting at a table opposite to each other and try to pull the opponent to himself on the finger over the table border. By physical force, overcoming the stretching pain and an appropriate technique, the opponent can be defeated. Usually, the opponents hook the middle fingers in a leather strap, in principle, however, every finger is allowed (except the thumb). Sometimes, also only the index fingers without strap are hooked into each other. Behind both hookers, two Auffänger (person who catches the opponent) are sitting. Additionally, there is a referee, a chairman and two assessors.

History [ edit ]

Allegedly, disputes were settled by finger pulling in former times in countries of the Alps and the sport was part of the athletic tradition before a wide standardization took place.[2]

In its present form, Fingerhakeln is an organized sport. Leather straps (about 10 cm long and 6 to 8 mm strong), table (79 cm high, 74 cm wide and 109 cm long), stool (40 by 40 cm, 48 cm high) and distance between the middle line and the sideways lines (32 cm) are standardized. Every year, Bavarian, Austrian, German and Alpine championships in different weight and age classes are held.[citation needed]

The German proverb Jemanden über den Tisch ziehen - with the meaning “to defeat, play off against someone” - has its origin in this popular sport in which not the force alone but especially the technique can decide.[citation needed]

References [ edit ]

^ Peter, Ilka: Das Ranggeln im Pinzgau. Salzburg: Verlag der Salzburger Druckerei 1981. ^ Proceedings of the 2nd European Seminar on Traditional Games. Leuven 12 - 16 Sept. 1990. Vlaamse Volkssport Centrale, Löwen 1991, S. 45–54. Arnd Krüger : Incorporating traditional games into modern sports. The German Experience. In: E. De Vroede, R. Renson (Hrsg.):. Leuven 12 - 16 Sept. 1990. Vlaamse Volkssport Centrale, Löwen 1991, S. 45–54.