 | Fun, finale-type activity. Physically exhausting
and emotionally climaxing!
|
| Works for kids through to corporate programs.
Ideal for adolescents and possibly youth at risk. Especially with
older adults, be careful with this activity, especially if they are
unfit or if overexertion is contraindicated (e.g., heart problems).
|
| Use for any size groups, indoor or outdoor.
Ideal is large group outdoors.
Pick a soft location e.g., grass/beach.
|
| In traditional 1 on 1 tug-of-war it is mostly
strength that wins, with a few tactics. |
| In multi-way tug-of-war it is mostly tactics that
wins, with some strength. |
| Lay out the ropes, etc. as shown in
diagram below. |
| Participants should prepare appropriately e.g.,
watches and hand jewellery off. |
| Divide into groups and make sure the groups
appear to be of similar strength. |
| Brief group on normal tug-of-war safety rules,
basically:
|
| First command from the Tug-of-War master is "take
the strain". This is only to take up the slack, that's all. The
Tug-of-War master makes sure the centre ring is stable and
centered. This needs strong leadership because teams are always
keen to add extra strain! |
| Second command is "Go!!" |
| Teams attempt to pull the center ring or knot
over their finish line. This can rarely be achieved by strength
alone and instead will require guile. Teams can swivel to cooperate
/ compete with other teams, then switch directions, etc.
|
| Conduct several rounds. Continue, say, until one
team earns 3 victories and the Tug-of-War title. |
| Allow teams plenty of time to physically recover
and debrief/plan after each round. |
| Team building groups may wish to discuss what the
secrets to success were in this activity - and whether these lessons
apply elsewhere. |
