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Chopstick relay race

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Chopstick relay race

Team Building Activity: Chopstick Relay Race

Category: Team Building Time: 15–20 minutes Group size: 8–20 (two teams) Focus: Communication • Collaboration • Precision • Support

Objective

Build team communication, collaboration, precision, and mutual support in a fun relay: pass ice cubes down the line using only chopsticks—no hands.

Materials

  • One pair of chopsticks per participant
  • Two trays of ice cubes (one per team)
  • One large plastic cup per team
  • Chairs or bench seating for two rows (optional but recommended)
  • Towels or paper towels (for drips)

Preparation & setup

  • Seat each team in a single row, side by side.
  • Place the tray of ice beside the first person in each row.
  • Place a large plastic cup beside the last person in each row.
  • Hand out one pair of chopsticks to every participant.
  • Wipe/dry the floor near trays and cups to prevent slips.

Step‑by‑step instructions

  1. Form teams: Divide participants into two equal teams and seat them in rows.
  2. Explain the goal: Transfer as many ice cubes as possible from the front tray to the cup at the end using only chopsticks.
  3. Rules:
    • Move one ice cube at a time.
    • Only chopsticks may touch or carry the ice (no hands or other body parts).
    • Pass the ice from person to person down the line into the cup.
  4. Start the relay: On your signal, first players pick up an ice cube and pass it to the next teammate, and so on until dropped in the cup.
  5. Winning: After time expires—or when trays are empty—the team with the most cubes in the cup wins.

Safety tips

  • Keep floors dry to prevent slips; place towels near trays/cups.
  • Use plastic cups and trays (no glass).
  • Encourage steady, careful movements to avoid strain.
  • Offer practice time for those new to chopsticks.

Facilitator tips

  • Coach clear, calm handoff cues (e.g., “ready… go”).
  • Prompt teams to choose a pacing strategy and simple roles (starter, stabilizer, finisher).
  • Cheer progress; celebrate precision as much as speed.
  • Add a visible timer and mid‑round check‑ins to keep energy high.

Debrief & discussion

  • What made precision and coordination hardest?
  • How did communication shape performance?
  • Which strategies or roles improved flow?
  • Where did team support boost confidence?
  • How do these lessons apply to handoffs at work?

Variation ideas

Timed relay

Run strict 90–120 second rounds. Reset trays between rounds; best total wins.

Obstacle course

Place a simple obstacle (e.g., a low divider) between the front and back to encourage creative problem‑solving and steadier handoffs.

Estimated time breakdown

Activity partDuration
Setup & instructions3–5 minutes
Relay race10–12 minutes
Debrief & discussion5 minutes
  • Building High‑Performing Teams – roles, coordination, cohesion. View package →
  • Communicating with Clarity & Impact – crisp handoffs and feedback. View package →
  • Creative Problem Solving & Decision Making – structured experiments under time. View package →

Free assessment tools & quizzes

FAQ

What if people can’t use chopsticks?

Give a 60‑second practice round or provide training chopsticks. For strict rules, keep standard sticks but allow one reset drop per person.

Is it messy?

Not much—use trays, plastic cups, and towels. If needed, swap ice for cotton balls or pom‑poms.

Do we need chairs?

Seated rows help stability. Standing lines work too; keep spacing safe and floors dry.

Any accessibility adjustments?

Shorten rows, allow seated play, widen handoff spacing, or use larger objects (e.g., sponge cubes). Focus on safe, comfortable motions.

Get started today

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