This rhythmic passing game creates a playful challenge that develops coordination, timing and group synchronicity. I Pass This Shoe combines a simple chant with structured passing movements that follow a consistent pattern. Perfect for classrooms, team-building sessions and youth groups seeking engaging, high-energy activities. The synchronized format ensures everyone participates equally while the progressive nature of the exercise builds confidence as participants master the passing sequence. With minimal preparation, this game quickly generates laughter while enhancing rhythmic skills.
I Pass This Shoe – Rhythmic Passing Game
Form a circle, with everyone sitting on the floor (or seated around a table.)
Ask everyone to take off one of their shoes and place it directly in front of them.
Teach the words to this simple ditty:
“I PASS THIS SHOE FROM ME TO YOU.
I PASS LIKE THIS AND I NEVER, NEVER MISS.”
Instruct everyone to pass the shoe in front of them to their left-hand neighbour once for every beat of the song.
Practice the passing of shoes for one full stanza a couple of times.
The group aims to keep one shoe in front of every person at all times.
When the group says “AND I” everyone should hold the shoe that they just picked up for two full beats, although continue to make the ‘passing’ motions.
Practice the passing of the shoes with this new routine.
Aim to sing five full stanzas of the song while still passing the shoes correctly.
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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?
Recently did this as a participant. Great goal oriented activity that requires individual focus to meet it. Playing your part for the success of what whole .. ideal activity and conversation starter for such topics
I still have the ditty stuck in my head… great fun
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thanks for this, mark.
looking forward to trying thiiiiis!
annnnnd with different objects.
(“,)
Mark, I learned this game many years ago.
Let me try to demonstrate what element a team goal requires.
Recently did this as a participant. Great goal oriented activity that requires individual focus to meet it. Playing your part for the success of what whole .. ideal activity and conversation starter for such topics
I still have the ditty stuck in my head… great fun