You have 9 ACTIVITIES left to open for FREE today. To get unlimited access Sign-Up Now
Login
People passing a soft ball in a circle, as seen in name-game called Toss-A-Name Game

Toss-A-Name Game

Interactive name-game with many fun variations.

  • Simple
  • Playful & fun
  • Very effective
  • Ideal for new groups
  • Highly interactive

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Form a circle, facing the centre.
  2. Ask everyone to say their name as they pass a soft tossable (ball) to their left-hand neighbour.
  3. Once the item returns to the beginning, repeat this process in the other direction.
  4. Next, instruct the person with the tossable to call the name of another person in the circle to attract their attention, and then pass the tossable to them.
  5. Continue this process for a few minutes, and then introduce a second tossable to involve more people.
  6. Introduce three, four or more items as appropriate.
  7. Once this pattern has been reinforced, ask everyone who receives an item to say “THANK YOU” to the person who tossed it to them, using the tosser’s name.
  8. After several minutes, stop the passing, and ask one or more volunteers to identify as many names in the circle as they can.

Resources Premium

Video Tutorial Premium

How To Play Narrative Premium

Practical Leadership Tips Premium

Social-Emotional Learning Premium

Health & Wellness Programming Premium

Popular Variations Premium

You Might Also Like... Premium

Useful Framing Ideas Premium

Reflection Tips & Strategies Premium

Program Templates Premium

Source Premium

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 (2)

  1. jeWElle de Mesa

    thanks for this, mark.

    loooooving the layer of thank you. plus the framing of getting to know as many names as possible.

    annnnnd the chicken! you know me – i may attach a yey! to this.

    (“,)

  2. David Piang-Nee

    Love to use this game at the start of a leadership or Initiative session :). Great for getting names for participants and myself to get to know the group.

    Also run it with a timed version so beginning of challenges for the session to see how quickly we can get around the circle, essentially a combination of Toss a Name game and Warp Speed.

    Love this variation Mark that involves the whole group naming a participant who receives the Rubber Chicken.. genius way of not putting anyone on the spot!

No Props No Problem

Brand NEW book featuring 150+ outrageously fun group games & activities. Scan QR codes to connect to tons of digital content including video tutorials.

Add to Cart
Free eBook:
Top Ten Icebreakers & Group Games

Download our free 28-page ebook jam-packed with outrageously fun activity ideas.