Parachute play is a means of involving a lot of people in one activity where they are working together as a team, co-operating towards a common goal and, although they may not realise it, exercising at the same time. This team work and co-operation developed during parachute play can have a knock-on effect and act as a spring board to other activities.

Because the chutes are so portable a session can be set up anytime, anywhere, indoors and out, and because parachute play is not so obviously seen as a physical activity, the person who would normally shy clear of joining in sports or team games will often be drawn into the fun. Perhaps it is the less competitive atmosphere and equal status of all the players and the fact you cannot lose or fail, that attracts them so much.

If a parachute is used to its full potential, the games can be organised at various levels of intensity. From the gentle stretching exercise of Mushroom, where the players are evenly distributed around the chute and, from ground level the children gradually lift and raise the chute above their heads until it is filled with air, to the full burn-out of Roundabout, where the players hold the chute taut at waist level and start moving in a clockwise direction, walking at first, then jogging and building up to a run. There are of course many other games with levels of energy in between.

Those leaders keen to burn some energy, limber up or simply gel their group before moving onto other activities should find a twenty minute session of parachute games does the trick. Those leaders looking for something a bit more in depth can devise an ongoing balanced programme of games and build up the skills of the group. The more often the games are played, the more proficient the players become as they develop techniques, tactics and strategies. Anyone who has played parachute games for an hour or more will know just how exhausting it can be, but also how rewarding.

Apart from games and exercises, parachutes can be used for dance and as a stimulus for. movement and pattern, either as a prop or in their usual form to achieve the end result.

So how is this all achieved?

To achieve anything in parachute play participants have to work together, be constantly aware of each other and have prompt reactions. They quickly learn they cannot succeed unless they work together.

Take the game Rollerball as an example - the chute is held at waist height and a large ball is introduced onto the rim. The players need to create a Mexican wave effect with the chute by bending and stretching in unison. The ball will travel around the rim gathering up speed as it goes. It takes concentration, total co-operation and a fair amount of skill to achieve this but once it has been mastered then a second ball can be introduced travelling in the opposite direction, and then a third. This game is not just physically testing but mentally as well.
 

Many of the games involve constant movement across, under and around the chute, which means that those players who began playing side by side will quickly find themselves mixed and re-mixed throughout the session. The person who may be isolated or left out in other situations is on equal terms in all parachute games and a valued member of the group. It is an excellent way of breaking down barriers.

Crossovers explains this -- players crouch down holding the chute to the floor. As the chute is raised above their heads in a full stretch to achieve Mushroom, the leader calls out a condition. Everyone to whom that statement applies lets go off the edge and crosses under the chute and over to the opposite side, or to where there is a gap, and holds onto the rim as the chute descends back to the floor. The conditions can be as simple as 'if you are wearing white' or an opinion such as 'if you think the next Olympic Games are to be held in Birmingham'. The players themselves can think up conditions to find out more about each other.

What are the benefits of the games?

Because many of the games are quite specific in the way in which the chute is controlled, players develop physical co-ordination, body management and skills of control. Long sessions take a fair amount of stamina and strength and, with some of the games, determination and perseverance. Listening skills also come into their own and there is a great deal of anticipation and response throughout the play, which demands concentration and observation. Players also need to be aware of space, not just to avoid colliding but to understand the different levels of play. They travel over, under, around and through the chute, reinforcing their understanding of prepositions and concept of direction. All this together promotes self-discipline and self-awareness.

Games like Crossovers can be adapted to encourage and create new movements, simply by extending the conditions – ‘everyone wearing blue, crossover as low to the ground as you can get' try slithering, spiralling, rolling, skipping, hopping and jumping, etc.

Simple rhythm movements con be achieved by swing and sway - the players stand around the edge holding the chute with both hands. A rhythmic sway is started by swinging the arms from left to right, which again needs the group to co-operate. By keeping the swing going, but altering the height of the arms and body, a variety of effects can be achieved. Add some music and some easy steps and the beginnings of a group dance is possible. Add a Mushroom and some skipping crossovers together with some weaving in and out of players holding up the chute and, with a bit of imagination all sorts of ideas can be developed. The players themselves could be set the task to put movement of the chute to music.

We at SeamStress believe parachute play should be totally integrated and no one should be left out for any reason other than they do not feel comfortable with the game. We have had the odd occasion when a child has preferred to watch Tent the first time and join in later. Tent is when the chute is mushroomed and all the players pull the chute down behind them and sit on it. A large tent is formed and they are inside. Many games can be played inside the tent. Games can and should be adapted or even new ones developed to meet the needs of individual groups. There are no hard and fast rules with parachute play, only the obvious safety one.

Any player with a special need should be able to participate by adapting the games slightly, slowing down the movement of the chute to allow them more time to crossover or by choosing a 'buddy' to partner them. There is no reason why wheelchair players should not move under and over the chute with the other players. Wheels will do no more damage than shoes, and the chutes are easily repaired should it be necessary.

We have developed a chute which has a removable centre large enough for a wheelchair player to come through, so that they can join in celebration. This is when the chute is mushroomed and a person who has a birthday, or has achieved something special, or to whom someone wants to say 'Thank you' appears through the centre of the hole as the chute descends, giving the opportunity for all the other players to congratulate their team mate, by song or word or cheering.

Also, for players who are chair bound but are able to hold onto the rim of the chute, there are several upper body exercises incorporated within the games that can be adapted to chair height, or, if the players prefer to be placed out of their chair and onto the floor, can be played at floor level.

This article has been written to give you a taster of the potential of parachute play, not just as a way of uniting and socialising a group of players but as a real tool for use in physical activity programmes. Its 'power' is in its integration and adaptability.

I have played parachute games with adults and their babies, right through the age range to the eldest player being 74 years of age. The abilities and disabilities of the players have covered a wide range, but every session has offered something for everyone, and just as importantly it has always been a lot of fun.

Sally Wilkins is co-founder of SeamStress Ltd, a small company of educationalists, who make playchutes and train others in their use. They have compiled a booklet of games which is available for £4.00.

Back to Articles Index

SeamStress Home Page