For most groups, a fall from the height of approx 12. to 1.5 metres will be appropriate. Only those groups which have developed highly competent spotting skills should attempt catches at or above 1.5 metres. Falls from heights above 1.5 metres are not recommended because it can be possible for the faller to drop past a horizontal position making them much harder to catch.
Generally speaking, it is recommended that you start by catching smaller or lighter members of your group. Ask for volunteers and deliberately choose those who are smaller and/or lighter to go first. With practice, your group will develop the necessary skills and confidence to support taller/heavier members of the group safely.
Groups that comprise very large or heavy people clearly face a different level of challenge in this exercise. To this end, you should consider these issues before choosing to undertake this activity:
- Ask yourself, is the group ready to perform the Trust Fall? No activity should be done just because it’s on the schedule.
- Can you gradually build the competence and confidence of the group to catch progressively heavier people?
- Size and weight can be potentially sensitive issues for some people. Honour choice on both the part of the faller and the group. The more time and effort you invest to create an environment in which they will make appropriate choices, the more likely your group will manage these decisions with respect and maturity.
- Teams that successfully catch their largest members often experience a great sense of accomplishment. However, the potential loss of trust or injury that could occur means that if you are not reasonably certain that your group can catch everyone, then choosing a different activity may be the better choice.
To reiterate, if the falling person bends at the waist, it concentrates the force of the fall in one area (mainly the buttocks) and makes the spotting catch more difficult.
As the facilitator, do not succumb to the temptation of being the first volunteer to fall. Your role is more valuable in the beginning when you ensure that all safety protocols are being followed and help to align the faller with the spotting team. Some facilitators choose to stand on the platform to prepare the faller and offer them encouragement and support (if required.)
Before any fall occurs, establish a series of communication protocols between spotters and fallers (click here for an example.) This will prevent a nervous participant from initiating a fall before the spotters are ready.
Try to have the spotters change their positions in the spotting line as things progress so that all can experience the responsibility of being a spotter.
While size and strength are obvious factors, good spotting (catching) is really more a matter of technique and teamwork. To this end, it is not necessary to place the strongest or most confident people in the middle of the spotting line. It is best to randomly mix participants by size and strength – and rotate these positions regularly – so everyone has the opportunity to learn good spotting techniques.
Yes, you may choose to use a gymnastic-style mat under the spotter’s arms. However, the importance of catching participants should not be diminished by the presence of the mat, ie the mat should only ever be considered as a back-up.
The trust fall is one of the all-time classic adventure-based learning activities. However, my preference in recent years has been to call it the Fall from Height activity because this label more truly reflects what the activity is about. That is to say, the traditional label of “trust fall” may imply that it will build trust but this does not always occur. In my opinion, I am wary of using activity names that ‘telegraph’ an uncertain outcome to my group.
You could integrate the Trust Fall as part of a well-designed SEL program to establish and maintain healthy and supportive relationships and to effectively navigate settings with diverse people.
Specifically, this activity offers ample opportunities to explore and practice the following social & interpersonal skills:
Self-Awareness
- Identifying Emotions
- Linking Feelings, Values & Thoughts
- Recognising Strengths, Prejudices & Biases
- Demonstrating Self-Confidence, Honesty & Integrity
- Experiencing Self-Efficacy
- Having A Growth Mindset
Self-Management
- Controlling One’s Emotions
- Identifying & Managing Stress
- Demonstrating Self-Discipline & Self-Motivation
Social Awareness
- Demonstrating Empathy & Compassion
- Understanding & Expressing Gratitude
- Recognising Strengths In Others
- Respecting Others
Relationship Skills
- Communicate & Listen Effectively
- Seeking and/or Offering Support
- Build Positive Relationships
- Demonstrate Cultural Competency
- Work Collaboratively
Responsible Decision-Making
- Demonstrating Curiosity & Open-Mindedness
- Making Reasoned Judgements
- Anticipating & Evaluating the Consequences of One’s Actions
- Promoting Personal & Collective Well-Being
You can learn more about SEL and how it can support character education here.
Now that we have successfully completed a series of activities that have developed our collective spotting skills, I am excited to bring you to the pinnacle of the spotting skills genre…
Trust is one of the most precious and yet most fragile ingredients of any relationship. It often takes a long time to build trust but can be destroyed in a thoughtless or careless moment. There are many forms of trust and today we are going to explore what it means to trust someone physically and emotionally…
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Have you played this activity? What worked, what didn't work? What type of group? Do you have useful advice for other users? Do you know a fun variation?