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Balloon Match

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Balloon Match

Team Building Activity: Balloon Match

Category: Team Building Time: ~10 minutes Group size: 8–20 (two teams) Focus: Planning • Positioning • Communication

Objective

Engage the group in a high‑energy, strategic game that promotes planning, teamwork, positioning, and communication in a fun, active setting.

Materials

  • Two balloons per team
  • Open room with two opposite walls serving as team goals
  • Tape or cones to mark boundaries (optional)

Preparation & setup

  • Select a spacious, obstacle‑free room with two clear opposite walls.
  • Assign one wall as each team’s goal and mark boundaries if needed.
  • Provide each team with two balloons; keep spares nearby.

Step‑by‑step instructions

  1. Form teams: Divide into two equal teams.
  2. Assign goals: Each team defends one of the two opposite walls (their goal).
  3. Planning phase (3 minutes): Teams strategize and choose fixed positions. Once play starts, players must remain in place.
  4. Gameplay (5 minutes): Teams try to hit the opponent’s goal wall with their balloons to score. Players may only interact with balloons from their fixed spot.
  5. Scoring & winning: Tally goals. Team with the most points at time expires wins.
Rules summary
  • Players cannot move from their fixed positions after placement.
  • Only balloons move; no physical contact with opponents.
  • Strategic positioning during planning is crucial; no repositioning later.

Safety considerations

  • Keep the play area clear of hazards and tripping risks.
  • Handle balloons gently; avoid popping near faces/ears.
  • Discourage rough play; emphasize respect and awareness.

Facilitator tips

  • Encourage collaboration on initial placement (reach, defense, passing lanes).
  • Prompt concise communication cues during play (names, quick calls).
  • Use a visible timer to enforce planning and gameplay phases.
  • After the round, reflect on decision‑making, adjustments, and teamwork.

Debrief & reflection

  • Who guided your placement strategy? Why?
  • What factors influenced your chosen position?
  • How did you react to the opponent’s setup?
  • What would you change next time?
  • Parallels to planning and collaboration at work?

Alternative/related activities

Paper Plane Blitz

Teams have 5 minutes to build and launch planes at a target wall; most hits wins. Emphasizes rapid planning and execution.

Chair Island Escape

Teams use chairs as “islands” to cross the room without touching the floor. Promotes route planning, creative problem solving, and teamwork.

Estimated time breakdown

Activity partDuration
Team planning3 minutes
Gameplay5 minutes
Debrief & reflection2 minutes
  • Building High‑Performing Teams – roles, coordination, cohesion. View package →
  • Communicating with Clarity & Impact – crisp handoffs and alignment. View package →
  • Creative Problem Solving & Decision Making – structured experimentation. View package →

Free assessment tools & quizzes

FAQ

Can players move after placement?

No. Fixed positions are part of the challenge; only balloons move during play.

How many balloons should be in play?

Two per team works well. For larger rooms, add one extra shared balloon to increase pace.

What if a balloon pops?

Pause briefly, replace with a spare, and resume. Do not award or remove points for accidental pops unless stated upfront.

What room size is ideal?

A small hall or large meeting room. If space is tight, shrink the field and shorten gameplay to keep control and safety.

How do we prevent dominant players from taking over?

Enforce fixed positions and encourage quick, inclusive call‑outs so everyone participates.

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