Gotcha
… another sneak peek at the content that is NOW available featuring 100′s of play & adventure-based activities at playmeo.com…
At A Glance
Standing in a circle with their index fingers pointing downward into their partners’ open palms, everyone tries to catch the juxtapositioned finger at the same time.
Benefits
- Extremely fun
- Triggers raptures of laughter
- Tons of variations
- Sharpens reflexes
- Any size group
Time: 5 – 10
People: 2+
What To Do – Step by Step
- Form a circle, including yourself, facing inwards and standing side by side.
- Ask everyone to hold our their right hand palm-facing up towards their right-hand side neighbour.
- Ask everyone to place the end of their left pointer finger into the open palm of their left-hand neighbour.
- On “GO,” everyone attempts to catch the finger of their partner in their right palm while also avoiding their finger being caught by their left-hand neighbour.
- A person who successfully catches a finger in their palm yells “GOTCHA!”
- Repeat several times, or try one of many variations.
What To Do – Narrative
Ask your group to form a circle, including yourself, facing inwards and standing side by side.
By way of demonstration, hold your right hand out to your right hand side (about shoulder height) with your palm flat and facing upwards, extend the index finger of your left hand, and place it into the flat and open palm of the person on your left.
Look around, and your group should be inextricably linked. Next, explain that on the command “GO” – which, incidentally, works pretty well to start a game – everyone should attempt to catch the finger of the person on their right, that which is pointing downward, touching the centre of their palm, while at the same time, avoid being caught by the person on their left.
Of course, jocularity prevails in one instantaneous trigger of energy – it’s my favourite part, and never fails to produce plenty of excitement and laughter. Ask people to shout out “GOTCHA!” when they happen to catch their neighbour’s finger.
Now, you could try to move on, but I doubt you will want to. Not only will your group want to do it over and over again, but there are oodles of variations to try (see below).
My biggest Gotcha group? Two-hundred and fifty! Spectacular.
Practical Leadership Tips
There are ample moments of humour here. Observe the way in which the palms of some people that started out as flat are slowly curling with each round. Or the proclivity of folks to not want to touch their finger tip on their neighbour’s palm, lest they get caught!! It’s all so funny.
Activity Variations
- Try this again several times, switching palms from the right to the left (to benefit our left-brained friends), ie the left palm is facing upwards, and a right index finger is extended.
- Cross your arms as you play, ie extend the right palm in front of your chest to point toward the person on your left, and place your left index finger into the waiting palm on your right.
- Try all variations with your palms upside-down, and index fingers pointing up.
- Regular set-up, but this time each person attempts to catch the finger sitting in their right palm with their left hand. Try it. Hilarious.
- Original set-up, add a further challenge. Instruct people to place their right foot directly above, but not touching the left toes of their right-hand side partner. On “GO,” you try to tag the foot of your partner, whilst trying to avoid being tagged and performing the usual finger and palm routine.
- Everything above, but groups of only two or three or whatever.
Useful Framing Ideas
I’d like you to imagine that when it comes to lunch, we will all be seated in a five-star restaurant, and served from silver trays and cloches. Hold out your right hand as if you are holding a tray of your most favourite, gourmet lunch you can think of. Hmmm mmmm, my tray is vegetable lasagne. What’s yours? Now, move your tray in the direction of the person on your right-hand side so that they can see your lunch. At the same time, I’d like you to extend your left pointer finger and place it into the tray of the person on your left…
To be successful, it is critical that any group is connected in some way to one another. The connections need not be physical or indeed, visual, but there will always be some form of connectedness between a group of people that fuels their success. On many occasions, the link will be as simple as their shared values. What are the most important values of this group?
… extracted from playmeo.com – the world’s leading source of online content for play & adventure-based learning activities.
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Me You You Me
(You’ll note a few NEW features in this activity write-up,
just a precursor to what’s in store in my new online activity resource
www.playmeo.com – launching July 2012).
At A Glance
Walking inside the perimeter of a circle, each person introduces his or her name and repeats the name of every other person they are greeting in a particular sequence.
Benefits
A know-your-own-name-game classic in the making
- Triggers spontaneous laughter
Highly interactive- Deceptively simple
What You Need
- 5 minutes
- Nil equipment
- Recommend 10 – 20 people
What To Do
Start by asking your group to form a circle. Using your example as a demonstration, step in front of the person who was standing to your left. Shake this person’s hand, and simply say your own name. Nothing else, no “How do you do,” or “My name is…,” simply state your name. Next, whilst still shaking hands, instruct your partner to say his or her name. Pretty easy so far, but it’s not over. Here comes the fun part.
The person who first introduced him or her self (you in the case of this demonstration), now repeats (says) the name of the person they are greeting (you’re still shaking hands by the way). Again, nothing more, just repeat their name. And, to finish, your partner repeats (says) your name back to you.
That’s it, you can now unclasp sweaty hands, and move on to the next person to your right in the circle. So, if I were starting, and the name of my left-hand side neighbour was Ruby, our exchange would sound like this – “MARK,” “RUBY,” “RUBY,” “MARK.”
This exact process of back-and-forth greetings continues with each greeter (you, initially) moving to his or her right, and shaking the hands of the next person in the circle. And, as they do, this movement causes the outside of the circle (which has just been greeted) to follow behind the first person (you) effectively curling inside itself. For example, by the time you get to the third person in the circle, the first person you greeted will have joined you inside the circle and started to greet the second person in line. Get it?
In essence, everyone gets to walk on the inside of the circle and greet everyone once, and then resume their original position in the circle. At which point, every other person will greet them a second time as these folks step inside the circle and return to their original spot in the circle.
Trust me, this really is very simple, it’s just not very easy to comprehend when you are only readings words off a page. And I can almost guarantee, inside the time it takes for the first few exchanges to occur, the group will erupt in guffaws as one or more people mix up their names. It’s astonishing how often people say the wrong name at the wrong time.
Leadership Tips
You’d be mistaken to think that this exercise was all about learning names. Yes, some folks may pick up a few names, but it’s all about taking subtle risks, sharing and above all, laughing.
With especially large groups (see variation described below), as the two tails of the inner circle meet and start to pass each other, one of two events may occur – (a) the action stops because no one knows how to deal with the chaos, or (b) the group will battle on trying to successfully greet everyone per the rules. Either way, it doesn’t matter, provided you generated lots of non-threatening interaction and laughter.
Variations
- Got a large group of say 30 or 50 people? Two options (a) you can split this number into several smaller groups (and continue as above), or (b) if you would prefer to keep them all together, start the initial greetings to the left and right direction of the break in the circle at the same time. That is, you get one ‘snake’ started off to your left, and then after a few exchanges, leave the head of that snake and start a new one on the right hand side of the circle from whence you were standing. The two snakes will eventually meet in the middle and collide, and chaos will reign. But that’s OK, some groups will persist to make it work, others will just look to you and say “HELP!” Just smile.
- Exchange the use of a name with something interesting about yourself, eg honest, fun, thirty-two, Brazilian, etc. That was not meant to sound like a personal ad, but you get the idea. So, it may sound like “BUFFED,” “FINNISH,” “FINNISH,” “BUFFED.”
Framing Ideas
How often have you just been introduced to someone new, or that person told you their name, and literally three seconds later, you realise you’ve forgotten their name? It’s as if you never even heard it! Embarrassing, I know! And the truth is, most of us would prefer to avoid that person (for the rest of the party, or work shift, etc) than face the ignominy of fessing up and admitting to have forgotten that person’s name. This exercise says it’s OK to forget someone’s name, and that it’s OK to ask someone to repeat their name to remind you.
Most people are inclined to suggest that they are not very good at remembering people’s names. I don’t think this is true, but most of us would rather lower people’s expectations than face the embarrassment of getting a name wrong. This exercise re-frames this awkward social phenomenon by saying that it’s OK to ask someone to repeat their name, because this interaction says “I care to know your name”, and not that “I’m stupid and forgot.”
Sourced from ‘No Props: Great Games with No Equipment’ and adapted for use in playmeo.
Ubuntu Cards
One of the most exciting NEW props you can use to invite interaction and fun
At A Glance
A set of unique double-sided picture cards which present an endless array of conversation starters and opportunities to interact within a group.
What You Need
- 1 x set of Ubuntu cards
What To Do
These cards are my latest, favourite prop – here’s just one of a zillion of ways to use them…
Distribute one card (there’s 54 in the pack) to each person in your group. Describe that that there are two sides to each card, every one of them different.
On one side, there is a large picture of a unique object such as a hammer, a rubber chook or a model train. On the other side, there are 8 smaller images selected from the 54 larger items. Somehow (and I’m not a mathematician) any two cards will have one item in common among these 8 images. Crazy, I know! But it works every time.
Ask everyone to mingle and find a partner. On the count of “1, 2, 3″ each person flashes the 8-image side of their card to their partner. The first person to identify the common image / object, earns a brownie point!
From this point, you can take one of many routes. For example, once the match is identified, ask each partnership to have a quick chat to discover at least one thing that they have in common – but – encourage them to look beyond the obvious. Then, each person swaps Ubuntu cards, and returns to mingling and seeks out a new partner. And repeat many times.
Variations
- As above, but this time, partners stand back to back. One person starts by describing one of the 8 smaller objects on his/her Ubuntu card – but, without using the object’s name. They can describe its use, colour, shape, where it may be found, etc. Once a match is discovered, partners turn around and continue to share as above.
- Click here to read several more Ubuntu Card variations posted on the official Ubuntu Collaborative Resource page (as moderated by my good friends Ryan McCormick & High-5 Learning Adventure Center, USA).
If you are already using Ubuntu cards, why not post your favourite variation by clicking here…
Click here if you want to get your own Ubuntu card set?
Copy Claps
Wonderfully engaging non-verbal opener for large groups.
At A Glance
Without saying a word, a leader initiates a series of claps – each one slightly more complex than the one before – inviting the group to copy their moves.
What You Need
- 1 minute
- A large group, the bigger the better
What To Do
Start by saying nothing. Simply get people’s attention (look at video for a good example) and initiate your first simple, single clap. Make it loud and proud. Most folks will follow suit.
Then, respond with two claps (the group copies) and then three claps. By now, the group will have caught on to what’s going on.
You whole object now is to continue to present a series of increasingly complex (yet still fun) claps and slaps until the group reaches the point of utter bemusement. End with a courteous series of claps that morph into applause.
You will now have your group’s attention, they will be smiling, and are ready to hear what you have to say.
Variations
- The sky’s the limit – introduce a variety of sounds from whistles, thigh-slaps, hoots and hollering! Just make it fun.
- See Clapping Game in Count Me In: Large Group Activities That Work (p 86) for another excellent energiser that is guaranteed to raise the energy of your group and make ‘em laugh!
Thanks Nate for sharing this little gem.
Want to make a comment? Please let me and the world know by clicking here…
Train Station Greetings
An hilarious, silly exercise to energise your group.
At A Glance
Two people spy each other on opposite sides of the group and approach one another in ‘slow-motion’ until they are within a metre of each other, and then suddenly they each turn away and look for a new person to start the process over again.
What You Need
- Large group, of say 30+ people
- 5 mins
What To Do
Your sequence and framing of this exercise are very important, so approach with care. If you present when the group is not ready to ‘play’ and act a little silly, it could bomb.
With your group huddled around you (or standing in a circle, doesn’t matter), suggest that you would like everyone to imagine that they are waiting on a train platform in the good old days to meet a long lost friend.
By demonstration, you see them (on the other side of the group to where you are standing) and start waving madly and moving towards them – BUT, in slow-motion. All movements, gestures and sounds are in slo-mo.
By way of a volunteer, ask someone (you have spied) to adopt a similar slo-mo approach to you. Then, suddenly when the two of you are about a metre apart, you discover to your mutual horror that this person is not who you thought it was, and quickly look away.
Eah person then randomly spies a new ‘long lost friend’ (on the other side of the group to them) and they resume the same slo-mo approach toward one another, etc, etc.
Variation
- As above, but perform all of the slo-mo greetings without sounds.
Want to make a comment? Please let me and the world know by clicking here…
Who! by Karl Rohnke
A name game you can play with a large group.
At A Glance
Standing in the centre of a circle of people, a person points to someone and yells “Who” inviting them to trade places, before the new person repeats the sequence.
What You Need
- 5-10 mins
What To Do
Earlier this month, I visited Boston to be a part of Project Adventure’s 40th Anniversary celebrations. What a blast, especially to mix with the likes of Karl Rohnke and many other awesome PA staff and alumni.
Karl, Nate Folan (PA staffer) and I were invited to share a few games with everyone at the welcoming session, and this was Karl’s opener! Click here to view Clap Trap, another fun activity Karl introduced.
Start by asking your group to form a circle. With you in the centre, point to someone (perhaps, who you don’t know) in the circle and yell loudly ‘Who!” This will invite this person to walk towards you, and as you meet you could shake hands and exchange greetings, perhaps even using one another’s name.
You now move into the circle where the second person was standing, inviting the latter to resume the pointing and greeting routine.
Once it appears that the group has grasped what is going on, randomly introduce a second, third, fourth, etc persons into the centre of the circle to ramp up the energy and participation.
Variation
- For groups that already have a good level of ‘name-knowingness’, try Fill Me In.
Thanks Karl 
If you know of a fun variation to this game, please add a comment here …
Ice-Breaker Exchange
Simple, non-threatening game to get people interacting and sharing.
At A Glance
Starting with a question card each, partners ask each other the question on their card, before swapping cards and then seeking a new partner to ask their new question.
What You Need
- Set of Ice-Breaker Question cards
What To Do
In advance, prepare a set of ‘ice-breaker’ type questions on a series of index cards – one question per card. There are hundreds of questions you could use, but to save time, click here for a set of 24 great ice-breaker questions ready to print onto index cards. As you develop more questions, make them as open, non-threatening and interesting as possible.
Next, randomly distribute one card per person. Then, ask each person to find a partner who has similar length of hair to them (or any other fun, random way of splitting your group into pairs).
The action starts with each person asking their partner the question on their card. After this person has responded, the partner asks the question on their card. Upon completing this exchange, they swap cards, and then each seek a new partner. Repeat over and over.
Variations
- Form groups of three or more, inviting each person in the group to respond to each question, before swapping cards and forming a new group.
- For more energetic groups, replace the questions with actions. For example, ‘Perform ten star-jumps in a row,’ ‘Shake the hand of five different people within 30 seconds,’ and ‘Run around the outside of the group as quickly as possible.’
If you know of a fun variation to this game, please add a comment here …
Simon Says … Revisited
No doubt you’ve played ‘Simon Says…’ at some point. Maybe it features heavily in your repertoire already? If not, I’d suggest it’s time to add it back in.
Here’s a couple of ideas that came up for me during Michelle Cumming’s recent workshop:
- Rather than eliminate folks who move or flinch when they shouldn’t, ask them to simply count the number of times they make a ‘mistake’ – this option elevates the level of engagement; and
- Use ‘Simon Says…’ to move your group from point A to point B. Everyone starts at one end – in a line or bunched up, it doesn’t matter – and issue a series of commands as Simon moves your group from one side of the gym, or playing field, etc to the other. If someone makes a mistake, ask this person to return to the starting line, or, better still, adopt the above friendlier option.
Have FUNN
Do you know an even better variation? Please let me and the world know by clicking here…
Simon Says Stretch
A golden oldie enhanced with several great variations.
At A Glance
Participants attempt to strictly follow a series of physical instructions on your command, or be eliminated.
What You Need
- Flat, open space.
What To Do
Ask your group to stand directly in front of you, in a circle, in lines, or distributed evenly throughout an area, where every person has ample space to move.
Explain that your name is ‘Simon’ and you are the leader, which means that everything you command must be followed – exactly!
However, the trick is, only those commands that are prefaced with the words “Simon Says…” should be obeyed.
Start by announcing that you will only ever command the following moves: Left Arm UP, Left Arm DOWN, Right Arm UP and Right Arm DOWN. Or, Both Arms UP or Both Arms DOWN.
As with all commands, I recommend that you add a matching movement to your command (or not!).
Explain that once the game starts, if anyone initiates or completes a move without the command “Simon Says…” – or performs the wrong move – they simply add a point to their total. Or, you could simply eliminate them, but aiming to score the least number of points is much more fun!
To build suspense, issue a series of “Simon Says…” commands one after the other, and then quickly follow up with an instruction sans the “Simon Says…” piece.
Variations
- As above, but substitute your commands with any series of fun movements and stretches, such as Jumping Jacks, Sit Ups, Attention, etc.
- Introduce a championship round in which you add the command “Simon Says … Clap Your Hands Once (Twice, etc).”
- Click here for latest fun “Simon Says…” variations.
Do you know a fun variation? Please add a quick comment by clicking here…
When Is An Ice-Breaker Not An Ice-Breaker?
I’ve just finished writing an article for a new Squidoo lens I’ve created which focuses on getting the most out of your ice-breakers and group games.
Click here to find out when an ice-breaker is not an ice-breaker.
Even experienced practitioners will learn something from this post, because I identify five CRITICAL attributes every ice-breaker must have to ensure that it is successful. In fact, I’m betting that much of what you’re calling an “ice-breaker” is NOT an ice-breaker at all!
And, certainly if you’re new to using games and activities, it’s a MUST-read.
Do you agree with me? Click HERE to leave a comment …
PS: If you’re a fellow squid, feel free to LIKE my lens
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Who am I?
Hi, I'm Mark Collard.
This blog shares some of the most successful group games, team-building activities & programming tips I know.
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