Teamwork and cooperation are important skills that can be developed through engaging and interactive activities. In this blog, we explore three exciting partner-based instant activities that not only get students moving but also encourage a spirit of collaboration and mutual support. Using simple equipment like reaction balls, hacky sacks, and beach balls, these activities are designed to challenge partners to work together, communicate effectively, and encourage each other to reach new goals. Each activity provides an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be a good teammate, emphasizing qualities like integrity, focus, and resilience. Dive in and discover fun ways to build strong connections and teamwork skills with your students or group!
Partner Reaction
Partners use a Gopher Rainbow Reaction Ball to get to the highest number of one-bounce catches in a row. If a ball bounces twice, the group must start over at zero and work to beat their record. Tosses must always be underhand and should be around 8 – 10 feet high. After 2-4 minutes, rotate partners and have each new teammate work to beat their previous record.
Variation: Play the same game with a two-bounce catch each time instead of one bounce.
Partner Hacky Sack
Partners use a hacky sack (Gopher Guatemalan Footbag) to get to the highest number of contacts/kicks in a row. If the hacky sack hits the ground, the group must start over at zero and work to beat their record. After 2-4 minutes, rotate partners and have each new teammate work to beat their previous record.
Rules:
1. You may not serve to yourself.
2. You may not hit it more than 3 times in a row.
3. The hacky sack may not touch your arms or hands.
Partner Beach Volley
Partners use a Gopher ClassicPlay 10” beach ball to get the highest number of volleys in a row. Using volleyball passes and sets works best. If the beach ball hits the ground or is hit two times in a row by the same player, the group must start over at zero and work to beat their record. After 2-4 minutes, rotate partners and have each new teammate work to beat their previous record.
Debrief Questions For All Three Partner Instant Activities:
1. You worked with several different partners. Could you share something that one of your partners did that helped you be more successful as a team?
2. What are some other ways that someone could help their partner to be more successful?
(Examples of possible answers– encourage after a mistake, give good controlled tosses or hits, smile and make it fun, stay focused and on task, have integrity, have grit, etc.)
3. What is the most important quality of a good teammate? (Integrity – so everyone can trust you all the time.)
4. Does the phrase “We have grit so we don’t quit!” apply to your effort on this Partner Instant Activity? Why or why not?
