The Spider Web: Through Without Touching a Strand
A web of rope is woven between two posts with as many openings as people; the whole group must get through without touching the strands, using each opening once. It builds planning, safe spotting, and trust.
How to play
- The teacher weaves a web between soccer goal posts or two wall bars with low, middle, and high openings. Groups of 8 to 10 look and plan without touching (5 min).
- Safe-lift workshop on mats: how to hold someone horizontally at waist height and lower them feet first (5 min).
- First attempt. Each used opening is closed with a clothespin. If someone touches a strand, they go back and that opening reopens (8 min).
- Debrief: which order worked, and who should go first and last (4 min).
- Second attempt with a constraint the group picks: two people with no hands, or the whole group silent (8 min).
Rules
- Nobody is lifted higher than the chest of the people holding them.
- The person being carried faces up or sideways, head protected, and is always set down feet first.
- Mats under the whole web; no diving through an opening.
- Everyone decides whether they want to be lifted; there are always low openings to crawl through.
Variations
Easier
More openings than people, and two openings may be reused.
Standard
One opening per person, closed with a clothespin.
Harder
Hang bells or clothespins on the strands: if one rings or falls, it counts as a touch.
Adaptations
- Wheelchair users: leave one large floor-level opening for the chair; the group has to plan for it and not use it for anyone else.
- Fear or discomfort with contact: take a low opening and act as the "spotter" who calls out touches.
- Back or shoulder injury: no lifting; coach from the far side with voice only.
Learning goals
- Plan the crossing order around the group's strengths.
- Use safe spotting and lifting techniques.
- Build trust and respect each person's choices.
Equipment for a class of 25
- ropes: 6
- clothespins: 40
- mats: 6
Teacher tip
With 30 students, build two webs and have a third group observe with a safety checklist; then rotate. Set up the web before class with thin rope or elastic cord tied with quick-release knots.
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