Take and Run

The Take and Run icebreaker game is a fun and engaging activity that involves medium to large groups and is suitable for all ages above 8 years old. This active group game aims to encourage teamwork and quick thinking, making it an excellent choice for new friends looking to break the ice. The objective of the game is to be the first player to grab a designated item thrown in the center circle and run back to your team without being tagged by the opponent. To prepare for this game, you’ll need to designate an item as the prize, such as a tree branch or a shirt, and select one extra player to act as the judge. The judge will call out representatives from each team, who must compete to grab the item and bring it back to their team’s safe zone. If the opponent tags the player before they reach their team, the game resets. This active and exciting game is a great way to promote teamwork and encourage friendly competition among new friends.

1. The game requires a designated item, which can be a tree branch or a shirt, and an extra player to act as the judge.
2. Set up safe zones on either side of the room or playing area for the two teams.
3. The judge will call out the names or numbers of one representative from each team.
4. Both representatives must come to the center and try to grab the designated item first, then run back to their respective teams.
5. The player who does not have the item must tag the opponent before they reach their safe zone to reset the game.
6. A team gains points when the player holding the designated item reaches their safe zone without being tagged.
7. The first team to reach 5 points wins the game.
8. If both players are hesitant, the judge can call more players from each team to help.

• Designated item: This can be a tree branch if you’re playing outdoors or a shirt if you’re indoors. Avoid using a ball as it may roll around and make the game difficult to play.
• Extra player as judge: This person will oversee the game, throw the designated item into the center, call the names of the representatives from each team, and determine if a tag has been made before a player reaches their team’s safe zone.

To set up for the Take and Run icebreaker activity, you need to prepare the game area by setting the safe zones of the teams on either side of the room or playing field. Before the game starts, the judge will stand in the middle, hold onto the designated item, and call out the names or numbers of one representative from each team to come to the center stage and compete for the item. If both players are hesitant, the judge may call more players to help their teammates. The goal is for a player holding the designated item to reach their team’s safe zone without being tagged by the opponent, earning points towards winning the game.

1. Choose a Designated Item: I like to use a small object that can be easily grabbed, such as a soft ball or a bandana. If you’re playing indoors, you could use a stuffed animal or a small toy. Make sure the item is safe and won’t cause any injuries.
2. Appoint a Judge: Select one person to be the judge of the game. This person will be responsible for calling out the names of the representatives from each team and ensuring that the rules are followed.
3. Prepare the Game Area: Divide the playing area into two equal sections, with a clear line or marker separating them. These areas will serve as the safe zones for each team. The judge should stand in the middle of the playing area, where they can easily throw the designated item and see both teams.
4. Start the Game: The judge will call out the names of one representative from each team. These two representatives will come to the center of the playing area and try to grab the designated item as soon as it is thrown. Once a player grabs the item, they must run back to their team’s safe zone without being tagged by the opponent.
5. Tagging the Opponent: If the player with the designated item is tagged before reaching their safe zone, the game resets and both representatives return to the center of the playing area. The judge will then call out new representatives and throw the item again.
6. Scoring Points: A team gains a point when the player holding the designated item reaches the team’s safe zone without being tagged by the opponent. The first team to reach 5 points wins the game.
7. Encourage Participation: If both representatives are hesitant to catch the item, the judge can call more players from each team to help their teammates. This encourages participation and creates a fun and inclusive atmosphere.

Back to top

• Encourages Teamwork: I learned that Take and Run is not just about individual skills but also about working together as a team to help each other succeed in grabbing the designated item and bringing it back to the team’s safe zone.
• Improves Reaction Time: The game helped me improve my reaction time, as I had to quickly react when the judge called out my name and move towards the center stage to grab the item before my opponent did.
• Boosts Agility and Speed: Since running back to the team’s safe zone without being tagged by the opponent is a crucial part of the game, it helped me enhance my agility and speed.
• Enhances Confidence: Playing Take and Run with new friends helped me become more confident as I had to communicate and coordinate with them to win the game.
• Promotes Problem-Solving Skills: When both players are hesitant to catch the item, the judge calls more players to help their teammates. This situation promotes problem-solving skills among the players, as they need to figure out how to grab the item and bring it back to their safe zone before the opponent does.
• Provides a Fun and Engaging Experience: Take and Run is an exciting and engaging game that helped me create memorable moments with my friends while having fun.

Back to top

• Running: Playing Take and Run requires quick movement and agility as players must race to the designated item and run back to their team’s safe zone without being tagged. This helps build endurance and speed.
• Reaction time: Players must be alert and react quickly when the judge calls their name or number, as well as while trying to grab the item and avoid being tagged. This improves reaction time and reflexes.
• Teamwork: Since Take and Run is a group game, it encourages teamwork and communication, especially when multiple players are called upon to help each other catch the item or protect their team’s safe zone.
• Sportsmanship: Learning to handle winning and losing gracefully is an important aspect of playing any game. Players can develop a sense of fair play and good sportsmanship through engaging in activities like Take and Run.
• Decision-making skills: Players must decide when to make a move, either by going for the item or attempting to tag their opponent. This helps improve decision-making abilities and strategic thinking.

Back to top

As someone who enjoys bringing people together and fostering connections, I find the Take and Run icebreaker to be incredibly effective and fun. There are several reasons why this game stands out for me:

1. Accessibility: With no preparation needed and minimal materials required, Take and Run is a game that can be easily set up and played anywhere, making it a convenient choice for various settings and group sizes.
2. Active Engagement: I appreciate that Take and Run encourages physical activity, which helps participants to loosen up and become more comfortable with one another. The element of competition also adds excitement and motivation to the game.
3. Teamwork: By requiring players to work together to outsmart their opponents, Take and Run promotes collaboration and communication within teams. This aspect makes it an excellent icebreaker for new groups, as it helps individuals bond over shared experiences and achievements.
4. Adaptability: The rules of Take and Run can be easily modified to suit different age groups and skill levels, ensuring that everyone can participate and enjoy the game. Additionally, the game’s duration can be adjusted to fit various time constraints.
5. Learning Opportunities: As players engage in strategy discussions and analyze their performance, they can develop problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities. Take and Run offers a valuable platform for participants to learn from one another and grow together.

In summary, I value the Take and Run icebreaker for its convenience, accessibility, and ability to foster teamwork and active engagement. The game’s adaptability and potential for learning make it an ideal choice for various group settings and occasions.

Back to top

• Tip: Use a softer designated item To make the game more inclusive for people of all abilities, consider using a softer designated item that is easier to grab and less likely to cause injury. For example, you could use a soft ball or a scarf instead of a tree branch or shirt.
• Tip: Allow players to choose their own representatives To make the game more inclusive and give everyone an equal chance to participate, allow players to choose their own representatives instead of having the judge call out names. This way, people who may not be as fast or agile can still contribute to their team’s success in other ways.
• Tip: Set up safe zones that are easily accessible Make sure that the safe zones for each team are easily accessible and clearly marked, so that everyone can participate in the game without fear of injury or exclusion. You could also consider setting up chairs or barriers to help define the safe zones.
• Tip: Encourage teamwork and communication To make the game more inclusive and build stronger relationships among players, encourage teamwork and communication throughout the game. For example, you could have players work together to strategize and support each other during play. This will help create a positive and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and included.
• Tip: Modify the rules as needed To make the game more inclusive for people with different abilities or needs, consider modifying the rules of the game as needed. For example, you could allow players to use mobility aids during play or provide extra time for people who need it. By adapting the game to fit the needs and abilities of all players, you can create an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Back to top

1. What did you enjoy most about playing Take and Run? This question can help participants reflect on the positive aspects of the game and what they found enjoyable or exciting.
2. How did you communicate and work together with your team during the game? By asking this question, facilitators can encourage participants to think about the importance of effective communication and collaboration in achieving a common goal.
3. What strategies did you use to try and grab the designated item, and how successful were they? This question can help participants reflect on their problem-solving skills and decision-making processes during the game.
4. Did you experience any challenges or setbacks while playing Take and Run? How did you overcome them? This question can encourage participants to think about resilience and perseverance, as well as strategies for overcoming obstacles and setbacks.
5. What did you learn about yourself and your teammates through playing Take and Run? This question can help participants reflect on the insights they gained about themselves and their group members during the game, such as their strengths, weaknesses, and communication styles.
6. Would you play Take and Run again in the future? Why or why not? This question can help facilitators gauge participants’ interest in playing the game again and understand what they liked or didn’t like about the experience.

Back to top