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Team relay

Hula Hoop Pass

Also called Pass the Hoop, Hula Hoop Circle

The team holds hands in a circle and passes a hula hoop all the way around without letting go.

people
8–60
time
10 min
energy
High
materials
Cheap to buy
Kids-safeChurch-safe
Watch it played
What you need1
How to play4

Before you start

Teams of 6–12 stand in a circle holding hands. Two neighbours unclasp, put their arms through the hoop and hold hands again.

  1. 1Pass the hoop all the way around the circle by stepping and ducking through it.
  2. 2Nobody may let go of their neighbours' hands. A broken grip sends the hoop back to the start.
  3. 3The hoop must return to the starting pair.
  4. 4Fastest team wins, or most laps in 60 seconds.
What to say3
  1. 1“Hold hands — don't let go no matter what!”
  2. 2“Duck, step, twist — help each other through!”
  3. 3“Almost around! Last two people!”
Host tips3
  • Hand-holding is the problem in a corporate or mixed-gender conservative crowd, not the hoop. Offer the scarf version up front so nobody has to object.
  • Small kids' hoops are impossible for adults and someone gets stuck. Buy adult-size hoops.
  • Teams discover that helping the person through is faster than leaving it to them. Let them figure it out — that's the team-building moment.
Variants2

  • Two hoops

    Send two hoops in opposite directions. They must cross somewhere in the middle.

  • No hand-holding

    Players hold the ends of short scarves or ribbons instead of hands. Easier for office groups.

Safety2
  • Players get tangled and lose balance — clear the area and do it on grass or a non-slip floor.
  • Seniors, people with back problems and pregnant guests should be judges, not players.
Good for

Occasions

Team buildingSchoolBirthdayRetreatFiestaReunion

Venues

Indoor, largeOutdoorChurch hall
If this one dies early3