Dont Crash into Me Game

Don’t Crash into Me is a fast pace group activity that requires teamwork 

Benefits of Activity 

• Encourages teamwork
• Promotes creativity
• Improves communication
• Highlights Improvement

Required Props

• Flat Rubber Markers or duct tape for indoors 
• 1 Hula Hoop per group of 2 teams 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Dont Crash into me Activity 

• Make sure you have some flat rubber markers, enough for each person in the group.
• Lay the markers on the ground in two parallel lines, spaced about 6 meters apart. The markers themselves should be spaced about 1 meter from each other.
• Take the hula hoop and place it in the center of the two lines marked out.
• Divide the group into an even number of two teams, and have each team stand on a marker. Teams will be facing each other.
• The two teams must work together, players on both sides must swap positions by going through the hula hoop. This must be done as quickly as they can.
• When the team officially tries to complete the task, it must be done without anybody touching each other at any time.
• Give teams at least three official tries, and then determine the fastest time.

Prepare for the game, by obtaining some flat rubber markers, there should be one for each member in the group. If you can’t find these markers, try out some different colored tape cut into lengths. Form two parallel lines with the markers, these two lines should be about 6 metres apart from each other. As for each separate line, space the markers out at a distance of about 1 metre from each other.

Lastly, place the Hula hoop in the centre of the two parallel lines. Divide a group into two teams, both with the same number of players. Have these two teams stand on the markers that represent the two parallel lines. Each team will then be facing each other.

Each team member has their own spot; now explain that the two teams must work together to swap sides. This must be done as fast as possible; however, members can’t just move over. Players must make sure to place a body part inside the hula hoop as they move across the centre.

The most obvious body part to use would be the foot, but inform players that they can be creative with this part of the game. They don’t have to be limited to using the foot only. Another rule, players are not allowed to make physical contact with each other as they pass through the centre. This might be difficult when players move through the hula hoop. Players can be encouraged to say “Don’t Touch Me” if necessary, so as to keep everyone focused.

Give teams a few minutes then have them make their first attempt, which will be the point of reference going forward. After this attempt, allow teams to discuss and come up with a better strategy.  Let them try it out once or twice before they officially attempt a second try.

The exercise requires teamwork as well as a certain amount of problem-solving skills. However, the main focus should be on the team’s constant improvement and also quality control.

Observe the following during the exercise:

• The manner in which decisions were made
• How the group handles their planning and action strategy
• What risks players will take in order to record the fastest time.

Contextual Framing Ideas for Don’t Crash into Me 

Many of us, if not all, may find it difficult to keep certain behaviors in check. Think about driving your car and keeping to the speed limit. There are laws in place and those that enforce those laws, to keep us or catch us from doing wrong. Even in our day to day lives, such as productively using our time for something we should be doing, rather than avoiding some responsibility. The next exercise offers the opportunity for you to assume some responsibility.

 When it comes to successfully completing a larger task, it is easier to break it down into smaller actions. Once mastering these smaller actions, the more productive you will become. ‘Time and Motion’ is what this course of action is often referred to, and mainly highlights the progress of improvement. This is the main aim of the game ‘Don’t Touch Me.’

Many coaches and corporations use the term ‘continuous improvement,’ which is seen as a process whereby you reach optimum productivity. The process involves developing and coming up with better ways to finally achieve success in a certain area. The game we are about to play involves you trying to work out the best way to swap places with your teammates.

Facilitators and Leaders Tips

Take note, when players ‘move through the hula hoop, they shouldn’t use their whole body. Players only have to step in and out, as long as they don’t make contact with each other in any way.

Players do not have to line up on the other side in the order they were on their original side. You could make them play in order if you wish, in order to challenge the group more.

As facilitator or leader of the program, you may find it difficult to observe, if people touch each other during the activity. Simply hand over this responsibility to the group, they can then monitor themselves. This helps the group to determine their own quality control, which involves them relying on themselves instead of an outside authority figure.

Since you are measuring the fastest time and there will be a lot of movement going on, make sure players have one foot on their ‘new’ spot before you shout out “Stop.” You can use a number of different props besides the markers and the hula hoop.

Some other ideas include:

• You can use court lines
• Draw chalk lines or use tape
• Use chairs

Paper markers or anything that can slide on the floor may not be a great idea, as it can move from its spot when players run around. This could also be a hazard, you don’t want people slipping and falling.

Debriefing and Reflection Strategies

Here are some questions to ask the group, which will help them to process their experience of playing the game ‘Don’t Crash into Me.’

• What methods did the group use to complete the task successfully?
• What method did you find the most effective?
• Did you find the group taking risks? What were the risks and were they necessary?
• Did you find it difficult to perform your own quality control? Did anybody try to avoid the responsibility?
• What did the group do in order to constantly improve their performance?

Variations of Don’t Crash into Me Activity 

• More Lines: Place more than two parallel lines on the floor, you can create a square, a triangle etc. You can then add one or more hula hoops into the center. The game is played the same as the above, with players swapping positions.
• Circle Challenge: You may find yourself with an odd number of players, in this case, you can form a circle with markers. The hula hoop will then be in the middle and players can move to any other spot, besides the four that are closest to them at the start of the game.
• Introductions: have players swap positions without having to go through the hula hoop. The rule of ‘no touching’ must still be in play.
• In order: Team members must swap positions in the same order they started with.