Zip Zap Boing 👏
An inclusive, simple, energizing team game
Warm up games are an excellent way of raising the energy level of a group and creating a little bit more psychological safety. We’ve played this game with people at all levels in all industries so there is no excuse not to give it a try!
How To Play
Zip Zap Boing is a simple warm up game that works best when physically present and standing in a circle. You'll want at least 5 people and a max of around 16. If you're a large group, you can play it in multiple circles.
Warm-Up Clap:
Start by having everyone stand in a circle. Pass a clap (make a clapping motion) from person to person around the circle. Once it's come back to you, reverse the direction and pass it around the other way.Zip! (Passing in a circle) Now repeat the first step, but this time, each clap is accompanied by the person saying "Zip!". Please with this for 30 seconds or so.
Zap! (Sending across the circle) Next, we add "Zap!" This means passing a clap to anyone in the circle except for the people right next to you or the person who just sent you a clap. Imagine "zapping" the energy across the circle!
Choosing a new direction: If you receive a "zap" and want to "zip" next, pick a new direction (left or right) to send the clap. Play just Zip and Zap for a minute.
Boing! (Sending back) Finally, the trickiest move: "Boing!" This acts like a trampoline, sending the clap straight back where it came from. Instead of clapping, hold up your hands and make a wobbly "boing" noise when you receive one. Now the person who sent it your way gets to make a new choice!
Tips
Make sure everyone is being deliberate about what they're saying and what they're doing with their hands. People often tend to think so much about the game that they put less energy into their actions and the facilitator can help a lot by nudging them to be louder and more demonstrative.
Start slowly and pick up speed gradually. Try to find the sweet spot where everyone is right on the edge of messing-up and you'll find the energy generated by this game is very high.
Modifications
For anyone who has mobility issues, you can play sitting down.
For anyone who has hearing differences, you can play without modification (by watching the actions).
For anyone who has vision challenges, you can play with a small modification where you say people's names when you send them a zip, zap or boing.
You might also be interested in our Retreats and Off-sites service, where we co-design and facilitate retreats and all-hands for a memorable, valuable experience.