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Balance it out

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Balance it out

Team Building Activity: Balance It Out

Category: Games & Activities Time: ~15 minutes Teams: 2–3 teams • 3+ people each Focus: Interdependence • Support • Coordination

Overview

A lively head‑balance relay that builds mutual support and coordinated effort. Teammates can’t steady their own book—so they rely on each other to recover and finish together.

Materials

  • Masking tape (start & finish lines)
  • Training manuals or similar books — one per participant
  • Visible timer

Preparation & setup

  • Mark a start and finish line about 7–8 meters apart.
  • Form 2 or 3 teams with at least 3 people each.
  • Give every participant a manual/book.

Step‑by‑step instructions

  1. Brief: Each person balances a manual on their head and moves from start to finish. No hands to steady it.
  2. If a manual falls: The participant freezes. Only a teammate may pick it up and place it back on their head.
  3. Finish rule: After crossing the finish line, a participant may drop their manual and can no longer assist others.
  4. Run: First team with all members across the finish line wins.

Rules

  • No touching or steadying your own manual at any time.
  • Assists must be gentle—place the manual; don’t push teammates.
  • Keep to lane boundaries if space is tight to avoid collisions.

Safety tips

  • Use clear, non‑slip floors; remove obstacles.
  • Encourage controlled walking—no running or sudden stops.
  • When assisting, approach from the side to avoid head/neck bumps.
  • Allow opt‑outs or role swaps (e.g., timekeeper) for comfort/access needs.

Facilitator tips

  • Invite teams to plan: order of runners, helpers stationed along the lane, simple call‑outs.
  • Spot and praise teamwork moments—calm assists, clear cues, steady pace.
  • Link the balancing metaphor to workload balance and mutual support at work.

Debrief & discussion

  • What did relying on teammates feel like?
  • Which strategy helped most—pace, spacing, or helper positions?
  • Where did communication break down or shine?
  • How does shared success show up on your team?
  • What will you carry into your next project?

Alternative / related activities

Team Tunnel

Pairs form a tunnel with arms; teammates crawl through sequentially. Trains timing and mutual dependence.

Collaborative Obstacle Course

Blindfolded navigation guided by one sighted teammate. Focuses on trust, clear cues, and steady pace.

Estimated time breakdown

Activity partDuration
Setup & instructions3 minutes
Activity execution10 minutes
Debrief & discussion2 minutes
  • Building High‑Performing Teams – roles, cohesion, alignment. View package →
  • Communicating with Clarity & Impact – crisp assists and clear cues. View package →
  • Creative Problem Solving & Decision Making – adjust strategy under constraints. View package →

Free assessment tools & quizzes

FAQ

Can participants run?

No—walk at a controlled pace. Balance and steady assists beat speed.

What kind of books work best?

Flat, lightweight manuals or paperbacks. Avoid heavy hardcovers to reduce strain.

How do we adapt for small spaces?

Shorten distance, stagger lanes, or run heats. You can also walk down‑and‑back instead of a straight sprint.

Any accessibility adjustments?

Use lighter foam boards; allow helper proximity; assign alternative roles (timekeeper, coach) while keeping the team dynamic intact.

How do we keep it fair?

Equal team sizes, same book types, and clear lane boundaries. Rotate helpers in multi‑round sets.

Get started today

Build steadier assists and stronger team rhythm—on the lane and on the job.

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