Pass the Hoop

Ages

6 and up

Players

8 to 40

Time

10 minutes

Place

open space

Energy

active

Group size

Medium group (9 to 20), Large group (over 20)

Good for

Children, Teenagers, Adults, All ages together, Office

What you need

One or two hula hoops. A stopwatch.

How to play

1. Everyone stands in a circle. Two neighbours put a hoop over their joined hands, then all join hands.
2. On "Go", the first player steps and ducks through the hoop and shrugs it on to the next pair of hands. Hands stay joined throughout.
3. The hoop travels right round the circle.
4. Time the lap. Then challenge the group to beat its own time.

Who wins

The group wins against the clock. With two circles, the first to finish wins.

Variations and tips

• Two hoops going opposite ways, which must pass each other at some unlucky person.
• Use a loop of rope or a tied dupatta for a tighter squeeze.
• Race of lines: teams stand in lines holding hands and pass the hoop from end to end.
• Silent round: no talking at all.

Safety and kindness

People with back, knee or shoulder trouble can stand out and be timekeepers, or pass the hoop over their heads with help. Loose jewellery and dupattas can catch in the hoop; tuck them away.

Common problems and how to fix them

• Players let go of hands. Start that lap again.
• Tall and small players struggle next to each other. That is the fun; neighbours should lift or lower the hoop for each other.

Party plans that use this game

• Office party or team outing

Host tools

Time the round with the party timer, make chits or random teams with the chit maker, and keep the points on the scoreboard.

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• Chidiya Ud 5 to 10 min
• Poshampa 10 to 15 min
• Kokla Chhapaki 10 to 15 min
• Dog and the Bone 15 min
• Fire in the Mountain 10 min

See all 29 party games.