I Trust You, But

Choose this exercise

Purpose: Test and observe how verbal readiness calls and physical spotting create reliable stopping boundaries.

Use it when: Use in outdoor or large gymnasium settings during physical challenge sequences where participants want to practice active spotting and verbal safety protocols.

Skip it when: Skip when the ground surface is uneven, the run lane is shorter than 30 meters, or participants prefer non-physical activities.

Group arrangement: One mover facing a shoulder-to-shoulder line of 5 to 19 spotters.

Timing: UWT suggested duration for safety setup, demonstration walk, two or three volunteer runs, and brief reflection.

Materials and tools

• 2 boundary markers such as cones or floor tape
• Optional clean blindfolds or sleep masks
• Open, flat, obstacle-free running lane at least 30 meters long

Before participants arrive

1. Inspect the running lane to make sure the ground is flat, dry, and free of obstacles or tripping hazards.
2. Use markers such as cones or floor tape to set a starting mark 25 meters away from the designated spotter line.

Say this to open

Today we practice physical spotting and verbal coordination. One person stands at the 25-meter mark, closes their eyes or wears a blindfold, and moves toward our line. The rest of us form an unbroken spotting wall with hands up to bring the runner to a controlled stop. Everything is voluntary. You can choose to run, walk, spot, or observe.

How to run it

1. Set the spotting line and call protocols 4 minutes

   Arrange spotters in an unbroken line facing the starting mark. Teach the stance: feet staggered, knees bent, hands held chest-high with open palms outward. Teach the call-and-response protocol. Mover calls 'Spotters ready?' Spotters answer together 'Ready!' Mover calls 'Moving!' Spotters answer 'Move!' No mover steps forward until the group responds.

2. Demonstrate at walking speed 3 minutes

   Ask for an initial volunteer mover. Send them to the 25-meter marker. With eyes open, the mover walks toward the line with hands raised, palms out. The spotters meet the mover's hands palm-to-palm and absorb the momentum to a gentle, complete stop. Confirm that all spotters keep hands at chest height and brace their feet.

3. Run volunteer trials 5 minutes

   Invite a volunteer to try the trial with eyes closed or using a blindfold. The mover selects their own comfortable pace: walk, jog, or up to three-quarter speed. The mover calls the commands and moves only after the line answers. Spotters make palm-to-palm contact to halt momentum safely. Conduct two or three trials with different volunteers.

4. Debrief spotting and verbal cues 3 minutes

   Gather everyone in a standing circle. Ask debrief questions on verbal clarity and catching stance. Allow up to four participants to share observations before closing.

Debrief questions

• What specific verbal cues or tone gave the mover confidence to move forward?
• How did spotters adjust their stance or hand position when catching different paces?

Finished output: Completion of structured spotting trials with verified call-and-response commands.

Remote

This is an in-person physical challenge requiring hands-on spotting and cannot be run online. For remote groups exploring communication boundaries, run an entirely verbal navigation activity in breakout pairs instead.

Hybrid

This physical exercise cannot include remote participants safely in the spotting line. Remote participants should not attempt physical running off-camera. In a hybrid meeting, keep remote participants on screen as audible call verifiers and observers, or replace the activity with a verbal trust simulation for all.

Access and participation choices

• Participants choose whether to run, jog, walk, or remain purely in the spotting line.
• Closing eyes or wearing a blindfold is entirely optional; movers may keep eyes open.
• Anyone may step out of the line to serve as an observer or call monitor without explanation.

If the session gets stuck

The mover drifts to one side while moving with eyes closed.

Have the entire spotting line take side-steps together while calling steady verbal directions like 'Straight toward our voices.'

Spotters leave wide gaps between each other in the line.

Pause the round and instruct spotters to close shoulder-to-shoulder so hands overlap into a continuous barrier.

Terms used here

• Spotting stance: A balanced athletic posture with one foot back, knees bent, and hands raised at chest level to cushion incoming force.