Raise your hand if you have multiple tennis balls in your Facilitator Bag of Tricks... Did you raise your hand? I have bags of them. It's such a simple prop that is so versatile.
Chris and I had a blast recording our most recent episode of our podcast - Activities Using Tennis Balls. We popcorned back and forth and came up with several different activities using this simple, round orb.
Here's one of my favorite activities using tennis balls and other tossable round objects called 7-Up.
This activity is one I like to use with groups that need a good challenge. I like it because it sounds ridiculously easy to achieve, but it is actually quite difficult. It will naturally surface conflict and competition in groups. Group members will start to challenge the rules and cut corners to achieve success, and they will ask the facilitator for clarification of the rules. It’s also one you can use with easy-to-source items.
Props Needed: Seven tossable items for every 10 people. These could be koosh balls, rubber chickens, bean bags, tennis balls, hackey sacks, etc.
Activity Directions:
This activity is somewhat involved but quite worth the effort to learn. Circle up the players and let them know that you will be introducing Tossable Objects into the group 1 at a time. The activity must follow a certain set of rules. If a rule is broken, the activity starts over from the first object.
Rule 1: Players must start each toss from a circle position. You, the facilitator, will be adding an Object each round. Tell the group that you are going to toss the Object up into the air with the aim of the Object landing in the center of the circle (you will always toss your Object in this manner).
Rule 2: All tosses must be at least as high as the tallest player in the group and players may not move positions.
Rule 3: Objects cannot touch the ground. At this point you will say, “1, 2, 3 toss” –tossing the first Object you are holding on the word ‘toss.’ So, someone in the group will want to catch the Object—don’t want to violate a rule! After the first toss and successful catch, add:
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This physics phenomenon will have your participants talking about the ‘Buzz Words’ of teamwork in a unique way.
Virtual Playground Games
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Where in the World is Michelle?
Have Bag, Will Travel!
Michelle is usually in 3-4 different locations each month. She often leads Open Enrollment workshops so you can find a training near you to attend! Or you could piggyback onto one of her existing trips and have her come and facilitate a training for your group. View our full Event Calendar.
