Team Building Activity: Squid Game

Category: Games & Activities

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Overview

This team building activity is a fun and safe recreation of the famous “Red Light, Green Light” challenge from the Squid Game series — minus the danger, of course! It’s great for building energy, sharpening focus, and encouraging light-hearted competition among team members.

Objective

To reach the finish line without getting caught moving. This activity builds alertness, concentration, and quick reaction — perfect for warming up groups or reinforcing attention-based learning.

Time Required

15–20 minutes

Tools/Items Required

• Masking tape (to mark the base and finish lines)
• Open space (at least 100 feet long)

Setup

1. Use masking tape to create two 10-foot-long lines: one for the base/start line and one for the finish line, approximately 100 feet apart.
2. All participants should stand behind the start line.
3. The facilitator stands near the baseline, facing away from the players.

How to Play

1. Facilitator says loudly: “1, 2, 3, freeze!”
2. Participants move toward the finish line while the facilitator’s back is turned.
3. When the facilitator says “freeze” and turns around, anyone caught moving must return to the start line.
4. The first person to cross the finish line wins — and so does their team.

Debrief & Discussion

• What strategies did team members use to advance while avoiding penalties?
• Was there a leader or someone helping coordinate movement?
• What was more effective: speed or timing?
• How can this apply to focus, timing, and coordination in real work scenarios?

Trainer Tips

• Run multiple rounds and rotate the facilitator.
• Introduce minor variations like “double freeze” or team coordination (e.g., no one wins until all team members reach the line).
• Use this as a metaphor to open discussions about taking risks, following instructions, or dealing with setbacks.

Alternative Activities

1. Human Knot Challenge

Time: 15–20 minutes

Objective: Enhance problem-solving, communication, and teamwork under pressure.

How to Play: Have everyone stand in a circle. Each person grabs the hands of two different people (not next to them). The group must work together to untangle themselves into a full circle without letting go of hands. The activity requires patience, coordination, and communication.

Debrief: Discuss what strategies worked, how communication improved or broke down, and how participants felt working through confusion. Highlight the importance of listening, adjusting roles, and non-verbal cues.

2. Blindfold Navigation

Time: 20 minutes

Objective: Build trust, leadership, and team coordination.

How to Play: Create a simple obstacle course using cones, chairs, or office supplies. Pair participants. One is blindfolded, the other is the guide. The guide can only give verbal directions to help the blindfolded teammate navigate through the course. Switch roles afterward.

Debrief: Ask how it felt to rely solely on someone’s instructions. What made communication easier or harder? How did trust develop or break down during the activity?

Related Training Material

For more structured team development, explore our Team Building Skills Training Material Package.