The Web

Name and Purpose

• The Web challenges a group to pass every member through a rope web without touching the strands, using only each other for support.
• Players build trust, creative planning, physical communication, and care for one another.

a.k.a.

• Spider’s Web, Web Pass

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 10-17 | 8-20 players | 20-40 minutes | Web structure between trees or portable frames; clear and level ground on both sides

Materials

• Professionally built rope or bungee web structure.
• Clothespins or clips to mark openings that have been used.
• Optional: a length of rope for the threading variation.

Quick-Run Card

1. Practice spotting and lifting as a group before anyone approaches the web.
2. Group plans the order and assigns openings before play begins. Mark used openings with clothespins.
3. One player passes through at a time with full group spotting on both sides.
4. Head must remain higher than feet throughout every pass.
5. No diving or rushing. Celebrate each successful pass.

Setup and Boundaries

• Confirm the web is professionally built and has passed inspection. Check ground below openings for roots or debris.
• Signal: 1 short whistle = pause; 2 short whistles = stop, lower the player gently, gather.
• Staff positions: one facilitator overseeing the group; one spotter stationed at the active opening at close range.

How to Play

1. Gather the group. Explain the challenge: every player must pass through a different opening in the web without touching the strands.
2. Once an opening has been used for a full-body pass, it closes. Hands may still pass through to assist.
3. Group spends planning time choosing openings and assigning order before anyone moves. Clothespins mark used openings.
4. One player at a time is supported, guided, and passed through. Spotters on both sides throughout.
5. If the web is touched, the group decides together how to handle it. Options: retry that player, add a planning pause, or shift to the rope threading variation.
6. Rope Variation: thread a long rope through all openings without it touching the web. A fully valid alternative for groups where lifting is not appropriate.
7. Round ends when every player has passed through.

I-OPt Options

Start:

• A (Active): Volunteer to pass through first and help the group learn the process.
• S (Support): Guide players through verbally and hold the web steady.
• Q (Quiet): Join the spotting team on either side of the web.
• O (Observer): Watch the first two passes and help refine the group’s plan.

Mid:

• A (Active): Take your pass or serve as a primary lifter.
• S (Support): Maintain steady spotting for each player passing through.
• Q (Quiet): Move to the opening that suits your strength and comfort.
• O (Observer): Track remaining openings and help the group strategise.

Late:

• A (Active): Help with the harder final passes.
• S (Support): Keep energy and encouragement steady.
• Q (Quiet): Pass through at your own pace with full team support.
• O (Observer): Coach from the side between passes.

End:

• A (Active): Lead the group celebration once everyone is through.
• S (Support): Help gather the group for debrief.
• Q (Quiet): Contribute one word to the debrief circle.
• O (Observer): Share one observation from the sideline.

Inclusion Adaptations

• Rope Threading Variation: thread a rope through all openings without touching the web. Equally valid and challenging for groups where lifting is not appropriate.
• Players with physical limitations can serve as opening trackers, web holders, verbal guides, or clothespin managers throughout. These are genuine contributing roles.

Stewardship Moment

• Check the web for any damage before and after use. Report wear or loose strands to the ropes course coordinator.
• Ask: “This web took time and care to build. What does it mean to look after shared things so others can enjoy them too?”

Consent

• Pre-brief: “This activity involves being lifted and guided through rope openings by your group. For those not comfortable with being lifted, the rope threading variation is another full option.”
• Mid-game check: Before each player’s pass, make brief eye contact. “Ready? Let us know when to go.”
• Opt-out/re-entry: Step aside at any time. Raise a hand to join the rope variation or return to a support role.

Risks and Mitigation

• Touching web strands accidentally: slow, deliberate movement reduces this. Remind the group that speed is not the goal.
• Lifting strain: smooth and slow is always safer. Facilitator monitors lift quality throughout.
• Rushing due to time pressure: set a generous time window. Add a positive time challenge only if the group is confident and safe.
• Final player with no supporters left on the start side: plan for this in the initial group strategy session.

Warm-Up Suggestions

• “Human Knot”: group stands in a circle, grabs two different hands across the circle, then untangles without releasing grips. Builds spatial problem-solving.
• “Slow Squeeze”: partners guide each other through a narrow gap between two chairs using only hands, practising careful physical communication.

Debrief Questions

• What? “What happened when an opening got used up? How did the plan change?”
• So What? “What did it feel like to trust the group to guide you through? What helped?”
• Now What? “When in your life do you need people to hold space for you while you take a step that feels tricky?”

Cleanup and Reset

• Remove all clothespins from the web and return to storage.
• Check web integrity and report any damage to the ropes course coordinator.
• Clear the ground on both sides of the web.