The Throw in the Bucket
Throw in the Bucket is a simple and active group activity for goal setting, decision making and role playing.
In advance, tie one end of the rope to the top of a bucket. Feed the other end of the rope through a mechanism or device that allows the bucket to be suspended approx 5 to 6 metres (20′) off the ground, eg throw rope over a tree branch or rafter.
When ready, distribute one tennis ball to each person. Challenge your group to toss all of the tennis balls inside the bucket.
Explain that you will allow up to 20 minutes for the group to make as many official attempts as they can. Announce that your group will be permitted to make up to five official attempts to record their best time.
Allow several minutes between rounds for your group to plan and discuss strategies as required. During this time, encourage your group to plan how they will solve the problem between each round.
For each round, start the timer when the first ball is tossed towards the crate, and stop when the last ball lands inside it. Lower the bucket between each round to retrieve all of the balls.
You need observe and make notes about the group’s process. There’s a lot to review in this activity, so be sure to find the time at the end to invite your group to reflect on their process especially in regards to goal setting, decision-making and roles.
Moment of Reflection
- In what ways did your group cooperate to achieve this task?
- How did your group allocate roles? On what basis were the roles assigned?
- How did leadership surface during the activity? Was it useful?
- What were the most important elements that contributed to your group’s success?
- Was your group’s success inspired by some form of creativity? How?
- If you set a goal, how realistic were you?
The topics of this publication: teamwork, strategy, collaboration, leadership, role playing, decision making, cooperation
