Easy icebreakers: Duct tape handcuffs
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EmailFun icebreakers to build your team.
Every meeting should include learning, fun and business. Through icebreaker activities, you can build trust, learn about group members’ strengths and weaknesses, and gain insight on how to work together. This Michigan State University Extension article is part of a series on icebreakers that can be done with simple supplies that group facilitators often already have on hand or could be acquired easily. A video of the activity is also available on MediaSpace.
Duct tape handcuffs
Supplies needed
- Duct tape
- You will need enough duct tape to create one set of duct tape handcuffs for each participant. Directions for creating handcuffs listed below.
Directions:
- Before the activity, make duct tape handcuffs by using the following instructions.
- Take a long piece of duct tape (4 – 5 feet in length) and fold it in half on itself so the sticky side is not exposed. See below.
- Fold the end of the duct tape over to make a loop large enough for a person to easily fit their fist through. Use a short piece of tape to close that loop. See below.
- Repeat on the other end, making a second loop. The end results will look like the image below.
- Take a long piece of duct tape (4 – 5 feet in length) and fold it in half on itself so the sticky side is not exposed. See below.
- Break the group into pairs and give each participant duct tape handcuffs.
- Interlock the handcuffs on each participant by passing one set behind the other. See image below.
- Ask participants to break free of each other without taking off the handcuffs. This is difficult. Let the group struggle and get frustrated.
- The trick is to loop the handcuffs through the wrist-hole and over the other person’s hand.
- Debrief:
- Why was this difficult?
- Does it seem easy, once you know the technique?
- How does this apply to other things?
MSU Extension and the Michigan 4-H Youth Development program help to prepare youth as positive and engaged leaders and global citizens by providing educational experiences and resources for youth interested in developing knowledge and skills in these areas. This article is part of the 4-H Advisory Groups Toolkit. For more information about 4-H learning opportunities and other 4-H programs, contact your local MSU Extension office.
