In my experience, as simple (and fun) as this group game is, the hardest part is the setup. Over the course of many years, the following steps are as fail-proof as I can make it.
Your ultimate goal is to end up with two concentric circles, one circle of people facing out and the other facing in towards the first. It’s a good idea to share this vision with your group beforehand, so they can understand what’s expected of them.
Invite everyone to find a partner, and then ask the taller of the two to stand aside from their partner and form a large circle (with all of the other tall folk) facing out.
Having watched this first circle form, now ask the shorter folks to effectively form a second concentric circle by standing in front of their partner, ie facing into the circle.
You should now have two concentric circles, two groups of people facing one another. Easy, eh?
Announce that you will soon call out a series of numbers, 1 through 5. Explain that each number represents a particular action that they are to perform as accurately and as fast as possible, most of the time involving the person standing in front of them.
This is to suggest, the person standing in front of them now (their original partner) will not always be their partner.
From here, it’s time to describe each of the different actions associated with the five numbers. To save you the thinking, here are five examples:
- 1 – Perform a High 10 with your partner, using the backs of your hands.
- 2 – Switch places with your partner (inside to outside circle and vice-versa.)
- 3 – Each person steps two spaces (people) to their left.
- 4 – Spin full 360 degrees on the spot & finish facing one another.
- 5 – Perform a High 5 with left hand and Low 5 with right hand with partner.
My strategy is to develop familiarity with these numbers and their associated actions by starting with 1 , 2 and 3 first, and practising these for a few rounds.
Then, when you consider your group has grasped these three actions, introduce number 4 and finally, number 5. Go slowly, and allow ample time for your group to build their speed and accuracy.
When ready, announce that you plan to announce a series of numbers, one after another, and each person’s goal is to respond as quickly and accurately as they possibly can. There’s no particular penalty for getting it wrong, or being too slow – focus everyone’s efforts on having fun and interacting in a positive way.
Here’s what it might sound like: “OK, ARE YOU READY?” …ONE,” then wait two seconds and say “THREE” then wait a few seconds and say “FIVE,” and so on, you get the idea.
With practice, you can launch into a longer series of numbers, such as “2, 2, 3, 5, 4, 1, 2, 5, 4, 1,” etc.
For fun, announce the numbers so quickly it is nigh impossible for anyone to complete all of the actions quickly or indeed accurately. Expect the game to end in total confusion and chaos, but with a lot of smiles and laughter.
If you have an odd number of people, ask one person to assist you by announcing the numbers, or invite a colleague standing by to get involved. This is one of those games where it’s hard for you to get involved.
In the early rounds, be sure that your group is familiar with all of the commands and actions. Build slowly and gather pace when it is clear your group is ready.
If there is an action your group is struggling with, change it. Indeed, consider asking your group to come up with some suggested ways to modify it to make it more successful.
In case it’s not obvious, this is a wonderfully FUNN game. Success is not about ‘getting it right.’ It is purposefully interactive and fun and chaotic, with an emphasis on the latter.
If you really wanted to, you could invite each person to ‘record’ how many times they make a mistake. This introduces a form of accountability and then, if necessary, you could survey these results at the end (if you must.)
A cautionary note on safety. Given the proclivity for confusion and chaos and lots of people moving independently of one another, keep an eye out for collisions. If you see a few close calls, halt the action and take a breather.
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Have you played this activity? What worked, what didn't work? What type of group? Do you have useful advice for other users? Do you know a fun variation?