Guide and Launch

Name and Purpose

Guide and Launch builds trust, communication, and listening skills through paired movement.
Players practise giving clear verbal instructions and trusting a partner.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 8-30 players (pairs) | 15-25 minutes | Open flat space, min 20m x 15m

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Mark play area with cones.
Pair up. Decide who is the Guide first and who is the Launcher (blindfolded).
Guide walks beside the Launcher, giving verbal directions only. No touching to steer.
On the Guide’s cue, the Launcher tosses their ball at a target area.
Launcher retrieves their own ball with Guide’s verbal help. Swap roles halfway.

Setup and Boundaries

Mark a clear rectangle with cones
Set a small target zone (rope circle or chalk square) at one end for optional aim practice
Signal: 1 short whistle = pause; 2 short whistles = stop and remove blindfolds
Check ground carefully for holes, slippery patches, or debris before play
No running while blindfolded

How to Play

Pair up. Decide who starts as the Guide and who starts as the Launcher.
The Launcher puts on the blindfold. The Guide stands beside them, not touching.
The Guide gives only verbal directions: “Take two steps forward. Turn slightly right. Raise your arm a little.”
On the Guide’s launch cue (“Fire!” or any agreed word), the Launcher tosses the ball toward the target area.
The Guide directs the Launcher to retrieve their ball. The Launcher picks it up themselves.
Pairs count their successful launches together. After 5 launches, swap roles.
Play continues until the whistle. Pairs celebrate their best round together.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Play the Launcher role with blindfold and full movement
S (Support): Play the Guide role, focus on giving clear verbal directions
Q (Quiet): Play Guide with walk-pace Launcher only; no running in pair at all
O (Observer): Watch a pair for one round, then choose to rotate in as Guide or Launcher

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who are not comfortable with blindfolds can keep eyes closed or look only at the ground
Players who use wheelchairs or have mobility considerations can play the Guide role or a seated Launcher role

Stewardship Moment

Foam balls and koosh balls are fully reusable. Collect every ball after play.
Prompt: “Your Guide relied only on words. How does communication change how we use our shared space?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game involves wearing a blindfold and being guided by a partner. For those not comfortable with blindfolds, keeping eyes closed or looking only at the ground is another option. You always choose your own comfort level.”
Mid-game check: After the first swap, pause and check in. “Thumbs up, sideways, or down. How is everyone feeling in their role?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Remove blindfold and step to the side at any time. Raise a hand to rejoin as a Guide for the next round.

Risks and Mitigation

Collision between pairs while one player is blindfolded: enforce walk-pace for all Launchers wearing blindfolds
Ball thrown above shoulder height: remind Launchers to keep tosses low and gentle
Guide losing track of surroundings while directing: Guides must keep eyes up and watch for other pairs at all times
Disorientation after blindfold: Guide stays with Launcher when blindfold is removed

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Mirror Hands”: partners face each other; one leads hand movements, the other mirrors. Switch leader.
“Voice Find”: eyes closed, players find their partner using only a repeated word or sound

Debrief Questions

What? “What did your Guide do that helped you the most when you were the Launcher?”
So What? “What made it hard to trust the directions? What built confidence?”
Now What? “When is it important to give really clear instructions to someone else in your life?”

Cleanup and Reset