All Together Now

Name and Purpose

All Together Now is a cooperative challenge where the whole group works to move everyone across the net using a balloon and teamwork.
Players practise timing, gentle volleys, and communication with a shared goal and no opposition.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 8-24 players | 15-25 minutes | Volleyball net or rope strung at approx 1.5m; indoor gym or outdoor field

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Setup and Boundaries

Net height approximately 1.5m; lower if needed for younger players
Mark each side’s boundary with cones so players know the safe space
Signal: 1 whistle = pause; 2 whistles = stop and gather
Check the area under the net for anything players might trip on when ducking through

How to Play

The whole group starts on one side of the net.
One player taps the balloon to a teammate. After tapping, that player ducks or slides under the net.
Play continues: each player taps the balloon to someone else, then crosses under the net.
The last player on that side taps the balloon over the net, then crosses under.
Players who have crossed receive the balloon and continue the process.
Count the number of complete side-to-side crossings the group achieves in the time limit.
Cooperative goal: try to beat your group’s previous record.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Tap, move quickly, and duck under the net to the other side
S (Support): Call out “ready!” to the next player; help coordinate the crossing order
Q (Quiet): Take an extra moment before ducking; move at your own pace
O (Observer): Count crossings aloud for the group; keep score and cheer; rotate in when ready

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who cannot duck under the net may walk around the net post and rejoin on the other side; their pass still counts
Balloon can be tapped with any body part, not only hands
Net height can be lowered to make crossing easier for players of all heights

Stewardship Moment

Balloons that pop should be collected immediately and disposed of carefully (small pieces are a hazard); do not leave balloon fragments on the ground
Reflection: “We all moved together with one balloon. What happened when someone struggled and how did the group respond?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game involves ducking or moving under the net. For those not comfortable going under, walking around the post is another option that keeps you fully in the game.”
Mid-game check: After 5 minutes, pause and check in with a thumbs signal. Adjust net height if needed.
Opt-out/re-entry: Step to the side at any time by raising a hand. Rejoin by tapping the balloon to a teammate on your next crossing.

Risks and Mitigation

Players colliding when ducking under the net: establish a clear crossing order (left to right, or by number); only one player under the net at a time
Balloon popping and startling players: have spares ready; normalise this with a calm response before play starts
Players tripping on the net base or rope: check net anchors and ensure the crossing zone is clear before play

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Balloon Keep-Up”: whole group keeps one balloon in the air for 30 seconds; no player can tap it twice in a row
“Limbo Walk”: players walk under the net at standing height; gradually lower expectations to prepare for ducking

Debrief Questions

What? “What happened when the balloon was about to hit the ground? What did the group do?”
So What? “How did working together as one team (not two sides) change how you played?”
Now What? “When do you work best with everyone on the same side, rather than competing?”

Cleanup and Reset