Name & Purpose: Broom Twizzle is a dizzy-spin challenge that builds group spotting skills and trust. One player spins and the group catches them.
a.k.a.: Dizzy Spin, Spin and Step, Twizzle Challenge
Age Band / Group Size / Time / Space: 10β16 years / 8β12 players / 10β15 minutes / Open flat area with room for a spotter circle
Materials: 1 foam noodle or lightweight stick. Do not use a heavy broom or hard object.
Quick-Run Card: 1. Group forms a tight circle. 2. Volunteer goes to centre with foam noodle held overhead. 3. Spins 15 times while group counts aloud. 4. Places noodle on ground and attempts to step over it. 5. Spotters catch and support the spinner for 10β15 seconds. 6. Rotate with willing volunteers.
Setup & Boundaries: Form a tight circle (arms-length spacing). Check the ground β flat, clear, no obstacles. Brief all spotters: hands up, knees bent, ready to catch from any direction. The spinner will be very disoriented β expect unpredictable movement.
How to Play: A volunteer takes the foam noodle, stands in the centre, holds it overhead, and spins 15 times while the group counts aloud. After 15 spins, the spinner places the noodle on the ground and attempts to step over it. They will likely stumble. The circle of spotters catches them gently from all sides and holds them steady for 10β15 seconds until the dizziness passes. Rotate to the next willing volunteer.
I-OPt Roles: Spinner β volunteers to spin and be caught. Spotter β stands in the circle ready to catch. Counter β counts spins aloud and keeps the energy up.
Inclusion Supports: Spinning is voluntary β never pressure anyone. Players who get motion sick easily should spot instead. Reduce spins to 10 for younger participants. Players with balance or vestibular conditions should not spin but make excellent Spotters. The Counter role works for anyone.
Stewardship: Check the area for dropped items. Reflection prompt: “The spinner had to trust that you would catch them. What made that trust possible?”
Consent: Pre-brief: “This activity makes you very dizzy. You will need the group to catch you. Spinning is completely voluntary. If you prefer to spot, that is just as important. Say ‘stop’ at any point during spinning and we honour it immediately.” Mid-game check-in: After 2 spinners, ask “Spotters solid? Anyone need a break?” Opt-out/re-entry: Spot or Count; rejoin as spinner any time.
Risks & Mitigation:
| Risk | Likelihood | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Spinner falls hard before spotters react | Medium | Tight circle; all spotters hands-up and watching |
| Nausea from spinning | Medium | Reduce spin count; have water available; never pressure a second spin |
| Spinner stumbles into a gap in the circle | Low | Circle must be tight with no gaps; counsellor fills any gaps |
| Heavy object causes injury if dropped | Low | Foam noodle only β no brooms, sticks, or hard objects |
Warm-Up Suggestions: Trust Lean β partner catch from a slight lean. Circle Spot β one person stands in centre, closes eyes, leans in any direction, circle catches.
Debrief: What? “What surprised you about how dizzy you got?” So what? “What did the spotters do that helped you feel safe?” Now what? “When do you need people around you to catch you when you are off-balance?”
Cleanup & Reset: Collect the foam noodle. Check the area.
