TP SHUFFLE
 

At A Glance

Classic group initiative to strengthen communication skills.

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Benefits

Strengthens balance & agility Promotes collaboration Focus on communication fosters support

 

Time 15 - 20 min

 

Props

3 telephone poles placed horizontally and above ground using supports

 

People 8 -15

 

How To Play

In advance, assess your group’s physical abilities and spotting skills as required for this exercise.

1. Ask your group to stand and balance directly atop the telephone pole with both feet.

2. Objective: Challenge your group to re-arrange their positions on the pole according to a particular sequence, eg date of birth (not including the year.)

3. All movements must be made whilst on top of the pole, preferably with the physical support of others.

4. No other part of a person’s body (eg hands or feet) are permitted to touch the ground at any time.

5. Apply an appropriate penalty if a rule is infringed (see Leadership Tips tab for options.)

6. Challenge your group to complete the task in the shortest time or with as few penalties as possible.

7. Allow up to 15 minutes to complete the task (or other time as will challenge your group.)

8. Process your group’s experience at the conclusion of the task.

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Variations

Line-Up Sequence: There are dozens of ways to ask your group to re-arrange their position on the pole, including:
– Date of birth (not including year) from 1 January to 31 December;
– Last two digits of your mobile (cell) phone number from 00 to 99;                                    

– Height from tallest to shortest;
– Shoe size (actual, not stated size) from smallest to biggest;
– Colour of tops from lightest to darkest; etc.
TP Shuffle Jam: Start with half of your team at each end of the pole. Challenge each smaller group to pass the other team to stand on the other side.