All Activities
Physical Education

Trust and Support

Overview

Pairs complete a series of trust-based physical challenges that require clear communication and physical support.

Learning Objective
Students develop trust and communication by relying on a partner for physical support and guidance.

Resources needed

  • Open space
  • Optional: blindfold or cloth

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Stand back to back — partner A leans back slowly, partner B holds their weight.
  2. 2 Swap and repeat.
  3. 3 Partner A closes eyes, partner B guides them slowly across the space using only voice.
  4. 4 Add obstacles (stones on the floor) — partner B must guide A around them.
  5. 5 Eyes closed: partner A stands still, partner B gently guides their arm to point at an object.
  6. 6 A opens eyes and checks — was the pointing accurate?
  7. 7 Debrief: how did it feel to trust your partner? To be trusted?

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Blindfold trust walk — guide partner to a specific location.
  • Groups of three — two guides, one follower.
  • Trust lean in a circle: group leans inward and outward together.
More information

Teach: trust, guide, support, stop, left, right, careful. Communication is the core skill — encourage students to speak clearly and listen carefully.

Students who are uncomfortable with eyes closed can use a very low trust lean instead. No activity should feel forced.

Are students communicating clearly during the guide activity? Is the person being guided moving confidently rather than hesitantly?

No equipment needed. A cloth or clothing item can serve as a blindfold. Works on any flat surface.

Students sometimes guide their partner into obstacles as a joke. Establish clear expectations before starting — the point is building trust, not breaking it.

Trust exercises are widely used in team-building, outdoor education, and drama. They develop communication, empathy, and physical confidence.