Welded Ankle

What: A no-prop, no-sweat initiative that works as well indoors or out, with both small and large groups. Thanks to Sam Sikes for the idea.

Group Size: from ten on up.

Time: Varies, depending upon group size. For a group of ten, allow 20 minutes to one-half hour. For a group of fifty ... well, how much time do you have?

Props: None

Instructions:

Mark off beginning and end lines for the space across which the group must travel. (I prefer brightly colored rope for this, but cones, flags, upturned coffee cups, etc. will do the trick as well.) Have the group assemble behind the start line and explain that the group must travel over the endline while maintaining continuous contact with their feet. If anyone in the group loses contact with his/her partner's foot, the entire group must start over.

Facilitator Notes:

1. While any configuration that satisfies the requirement is allowable, most groups find that they do best with a single line, shoulder-to-shoulder formation. If they want to try another set-up, by all means encourage the group to be creative.

2. This activity naturally draws out issues of communication, leadership, and cooperation.

3. VARIATIONS:
   • Ask several individuals to be "coaches" who stand off from the group and provide verbal assistance. How do they go about providing their advice? How is it received?

   • Ask several individuals to be "managers" who provide direction while the group is mute. Try again where the group is able to speak and negotiate.

   • Ask several individuals to be "senior management" who say nothing during the activity but who must assess when all is done whether the group was successful or not. From your viewpoint, do they accurately determine success?