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Woman playing a quick group energiser called Gotcha

Gotcha

Quick group energiser to boost focus & create laughter.

  • Extremely fun
  • Spontaneous laughter
  • Sharpens reflexes
  • Any size group
  • No props

Step-by-Step Instructions

This quick group energiser creates instant engagement through a simple challenge of speed and reaction time. Gotcha brings immediate energy to any gathering as participants focus intently on catching fingers while protecting their own. Perfect for meetings or training sessions that need a short break, this fast-paced energiser requires no equipment or preparation. The combination of physical touch, surprise and friendly competition makes it an effective way to wake up tired groups and build a positive atmosphere in just minutes.

Gotcha – Quick Group Energiser
  1. Form a circle, including yourself, facing inwards and standing side by side.
  2. Everyone holds their right hand palm-facing up towards their right-hand side neighbour.
  3. Everyone places the end of their left pointer finger into the open palm of their left-hand neighbour.
  4. On “GO,” everyone attempts to catch the finger of their partner in their right palm while also avoiding their finger being caught by their left-hand neighbour.
  5. A person who successfully catches a finger in their palm yells “GOTCHA!”
  6. Repeat several times.
  7. If time permits, try or invent a variation.

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Contributor

Add your Comments...

Have you played this activity? What worked, what didn't work? What type of group? Do you have useful advice for other users? Do you know a fun variation?

Comments (4)

  1. jeWElle de Mesa

    Same with Mr Littlefield, ehem – we use hot/magic words as cues to catch-release/get-go/grab-run. Super helpful as a segue/as an introduction to a topic, or debriefing activity. Entry level could be: Magic words written on a wall. Level-up could be: nothing written, all memory.

    Reply
  2. Jit Raya

    It was very nice warm up and simple to explain to the group, Thank you very much

    Reply
  3. David Piang-Nee

    Definitely one of my go to activities especially at the initial part of a camp. Usually do the pair variation first and ask participants to introduce themselves then build up to whole group throwing in the other variations in as well.. very flexible activity and great to generate initial energy

    Reply
  4. Chad Littlefield

    So much fun in a large group! Fun to blend it in with a group’s content too by telling a story relevant to them using “hot words” that actually reinforce learning and content as well. Brilliantly simple and filled with laughter, guaranteed!

    Reply

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