How to Give a Piggyback

Had enough of being ridiculed for your inability to carry another human larger than a small child? There are some subtle techniques to the piggyback.

Steps

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    Stand straight with arms hung lose either side of your body.
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    Open arms slightly to allow room for riders legs.
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    Bend knees slightly, this is an important step to avoid back injury and elaborate jump ups (unless you like these).
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    Rider to approach from behind.
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    Drop knees to allow rider to place strongest arm around your neck.
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    Rider should place strongest arm around shoulder bone, using your shoulders to support weight.
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    Rider should place other arm (if available) over strong arm to secure hold around shoulder bones.
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    Do not take weight off rider yet!
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    Once arms are secure (make sure you can still breathe) bend knees slightly reaching straight back with arms.
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    As you reach down instruct rider to gently take their weight with arms and bend their knees towards hands.
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    With your knees still bent, maintain a straight back and pull arms underneath riders legs to join your hands.
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    Securely join your hands, ideally with an interlocking finger lock.
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    Slowly raise the rider by straightening knees, be careful as this is the point when you are most likely to overbalance.
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    Keep a straight back.
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    To engage a longer lasting and more comfortable piggyback adjust your arms to bring your elbows as close to your hips as possible, ideally this will transfer the weight from your arms into your hips.
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    Enjoy being someones beast of burden.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    How can I tell if the person is strong enough to give me a piggyback ride?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Generally if the person is taller than you or is very strong, they will be able to give you a piggyback ride. Talk to the person if you are unsure of their strength.
  • Question
    I am 15 and weigh 60 kg (133 lbs). Can most adults give me a piggyback ride?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Theoretically, yes. The average man can lift about 70 kg, and although the average woman can lift about 35 kg, those who exercise regularly could probably lift you.
  • Question
    At what age can I give an adult a piggyback ride?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can do it at any age as long as you're strong enough.
  • Question
    What should I do if I want to give a piggyback ride to someone who does not want one?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If someone does not want a piggyback ride, you cannot force them. Instead, try asking someone else if they would like a piggyback ride.
  • Question
    Should I give a piggyback ride for my boyfriend in school?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you're strong enough to support his weight, sure! Just don't do this during class, or any other time when horseplay is not appropriate.
  • Question
    What is the best way to hold onto a woman when she is giving me a piggyback ride?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Put your legs around her waist and wrap both your arms around her neck. This is the safest way.
  • Question
    Whenever I get piggybacks I get choked. How can I prevent this?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Ask the person you're piggybacking to hold onto your shoulders or around you chest, not your neck. This prevents choking, which happens when they put their arms around your neck instead.

Warnings

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Things You'll Need

  • Strength
  • A rider

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About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 11 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 105,177 times.
118 votes - 83%
Co-authors: 11
Updated: June 22, 2020
Views: 105,177
Categories: Backyard Games

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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