Perimeter

The Perimeter icebreaker game is a fun and engaging activity that encourages teamwork and collaboration among small to medium-sized groups. Its primary aim is to move a gym ball from one end of the room to another while lying down, with each player passing the ball to the next by using their feet. The challenge lies in maintaining balance and coordination as a group, as the ball must always be balanced on the legs of the players.

Perimeter is an excellent way to foster relationships and build new friendships, especially when teammates are chosen at random. It’s suitable for anyone aged 10 and up and can accommodate larger groups by splitting them into smaller teams that compete against each other. The first team to move the ball from one end of the wall to the other wins the game. This icebreaker is not only a fun physical activity, but it also promotes communication, active listening, and problem-solving skills.

1. Have all players lie down near the wall, propping their legs against it with feet towards the ceiling.
2. Place the gym ball on the legs of the first player and have them move it to the next player using their foot.
3. After passing the ball, the first player runs to the end of the line and assumes the position as the last person.
4. Repeat the process of passing the ball from one player to another and then running to the end of the line.
5. The game ends when the group successfully brings the ball from one end of the room to the other.
6. For larger groups, divide players into teams and make it a competition by having each team move the ball from one end of the wall to the other. The first team to do so wins.

• Yoga ball: A large, inflatable exercise ball that will be used to travel from one end of the room to the other. The ball must be balanced on the legs of team members as it is passed down the line.
• Wall: A sturdy wall that can support the weight of team members’ legs as they lie down and prop their feet against it. The wall will also serve as a guide for the direction in which the yoga ball must travel.

To set up for the Perimeter icebreaker activity, you will need to prepare a space with enough room for small to medium-sized groups to lie down in a line with their legs propped against a wall and up toward the ceiling. Ideally, this should be done in a large room with walls that can accommodate multiple teams if you have larger groups participating. Each team will also require a yoga (gym) ball to use during the game. It is important to ensure that there is enough space between each team to prevent collisions and allow for smooth gameplay. No other materials are needed for this icebreaker activity, but it is crucial to have a clear starting and finishing point for each team to move the gym ball from one end of the room to the other.

1. Gather your group and supplies: Before we begin, make sure you have a yoga ball and access to a wall. Gather your group, which should be between 8-15 people, and find an indoor space with enough room for everyone to lie down in a line with their legs propped against the wall.
2. Position your players: Have all players lie down near the wall, positioning their legs so they are propped against the wall and up toward the ceiling. The ball should start on one end of the line and end up on the opposite side.
3. Place the ball on the first player’s legs: Place the gym ball on the legs of your first player and ask them to move the ball with their foot to the next person using only their leg strength. This can be quite challenging as everyone is lying on their backs.
4. Move the ball down the line: Once the ball moves from the first person to the second person, the first person will need to run toward the end of the line where the human chain ends and assume the position as the last person in line. The next player in line will then use their leg strength to move the ball to the following player, creating a continuous motion down the line.
5. Repeat moving the ball: Continue having players move the ball from one person to another while running down the line to assume their next position. This active and engaging icebreaker fosters teamwork and balance skills, bringing everyone together as they work towards successfully bringing the ball from one end of the room to the other.
6. Make it competitive (optional): If you have larger groups, turn Perimeter into a competitive group game by dividing players into smaller teams. Each team will start moving the ball simultaneously, taking one side of the wall in a room. The first team to move the ball from one end of the wall to the other wins, adding an element of friendly competition to this icebreaker.

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• Promotes Teamwork: Perimeter encourages players to work together towards a common goal, as they must coordinate their movements to successfully move the gym ball from one end of the room to the other.
• Fosters Communication: In order to succeed in Perimeter, players must effectively communicate with each other and listen carefully to instructions. This helps to improve overall communication skills.
• Enhances Problem-Solving Skills: With every new player receiving the ball, the group must constantly adjust their strategy and find new ways to work together to move the ball down the line. This requires quick thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Builds Trust: By relying on each other to successfully move the ball, players build trust in one another. This can help to foster stronger relationships and improve team dynamics.
• Increases Physical Activity: Perimeter is an active game that gets players up and moving. It’s a fun way to incorporate exercise into a group setting, and can help to improve overall fitness levels.
• Encourages Inclusivity: Because Perimeter can be played with any group of people aged 10 and up, it encourages inclusivity and diversity. Players can learn to work together with people of different ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
• Enhances Balance and Coordination: The act of balancing the gym ball on one’s legs requires good balance and coordination skills. By playing Perimeter, players can improve these important physical skills.
• Reduces Stress: Physical activity has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. Playing a fun and engaging game like Perimeter can help to reduce anxiety and promote overall well-being.

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• Balance: Playing Perimeter requires participants to balance the yoga ball on their feet while lying down and passing it along to the next person in the group. This helps improve body awareness and stability, making it easier for players to maintain their balance in various physical activities.
• Teamwork: To successfully move the gym ball from one end of the room to another, each player must coordinate their movements with their teammates. This fosters a sense of collaboration and cooperation among group members, helping them work together more effectively towards a common goal.
• Communication: Since players need to pass the ball along in a chain while lying down, clear communication becomes essential for success. Players learn to articulate their intentions and listen carefully to others, which can translate to better communication skills in other areas of life.
• Agility: As players move the ball down the line by running towards the end of the human chain, they must change direction quickly and adjust their speed accordingly. This improves reaction time and agility, making it easier for participants to navigate through different situations both on and off the “playing field.”
• Problem-solving: Perimeter presents a unique challenge that requires groups to figure out how to best coordinate their movements to successfully move the gym ball across the room. This encourages creative thinking and problem-solving, as players experiment with different strategies to find what works best for their team.

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As someone who enjoys both fun and physically engaging activities, I find the Perimeter icebreaker to be a fantastic group game. The main reason I like it is that it encourages teamwork in a unique way, as participants must coordinate their movements to successfully pass the gym ball down the line while lying on their backs. This aspect of the game not only makes it enjoyable but also helps foster relationships and build trust among group members.

What sets Perimeter apart from other icebreakers is its simplicity in preparation and materials needed. All you need is a yoga (gym) ball and a wall, making it easy to organize and play almost anywhere. The game’s rules are straightforward, yet the challenge of balancing and passing the ball keeps players engaged and focused on working together.

Another reason I appreciate Perimeter is its flexibility in terms of group size and age range. It caters to small and medium groups with ages 10 and up, making it an excellent choice for various settings such as schools, corporate events, or social gatherings. Moreover, the game can be adjusted for larger groups by dividing participants into smaller teams, adding a competitive element that can further enhance the overall experience.

Lastly, Perimeter aligns with my preference for active games that require balance and coordination. The physical aspect of the game keeps me engaged and motivated throughout the activity. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate some light exercise into a group setting while still having fun and building connections with others.

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• Tip: Provide different sized balls Consider having yoga balls of varying sizes to accommodate players with different abilities and comfort levels. This will ensure that everyone can participate and enjoy the game, regardless of their physical attributes.
• Tip: Use softer surfaces If possible, try playing Perimeter on a softer surface like grass or carpet to reduce the risk of injury from falls or impacts. This will help create a safer and more inclusive environment for all players.
• Tip: Encourage communication Emphasize the importance of clear communication in Perimeter to make sure everyone feels involved and heard. Encourage players to use descriptive language, ask for assistance when needed, and listen actively to their teammates’ ideas and concerns.
• Tip: Modify the rules Be open to making adjustments to the game based on participants’ needs and preferences. For instance, you could allow players to use their hands or have them work in pairs to move the ball along the chain, providing alternative ways to engage with the activity.
• Tip: Offer alternatives If some players are unable or uncomfortable participating in Perimeter, provide alternative activities that still foster teamwork and connection. This will help ensure everyone feels included and valued during the icebreaker session.

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1. What did you find most challenging about playing Perimeter? This question can help participants reflect on the skills they used during the game, such as balance, communication, and teamwork. It can also highlight areas where they may need improvement or additional support.
2. How did you feel when working with a new group of people during the game? This question can help participants reflect on their experiences forming new relationships and building trust with others. It can also provide insight into how comfortable they are with meeting and working with new people.
3. What strategies did your team use to successfully move the gym ball from one end of the room to the other? This question can help participants think about the importance of collaboration and planning in achieving a common goal. It can also encourage them to consider how different approaches and strategies can impact their success.
4. How do you think playing Perimeter could benefit your group or team outside of this icebreaker activity? This question can help participants make connections between the skills they used during the game and real-world situations where those skills may be useful. It can also encourage them to think about how they can apply what they learned from the game to other areas of their life.
5. What did you enjoy most about playing Perimeter, and would you be willing to try similar active group games in the future? This question can help participants reflect on their overall experience with the game and consider whether they might benefit from participating in similar activities in the future. It can also provide feedback to facilitators about what types of icebreakers are most enjoyable and effective for participants.

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