Beach Ball Pass

Name and Purpose

Beach Ball Pass turns a simple toss into a get-to-know-you conversation starter.
Players learn names, discover common interests, and practise listening in a low-pressure way.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 8-30 players | 10-20 minutes | Open circle in a gym, classroom, or grassy area

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Before the session, write one get-to-know-you question in each section of the ball.
Arrange the group in a standing or seated circle.
Toss the ball gently to a player.
That player states their name and answers the question closest to their left pointer finger.
They toss to someone who has not yet caught the ball. Continue until everyone has had a turn.

Setup and Boundaries

Set up a circle large enough that players have room to catch without crowding
Signal: one raised hand = pause; two claps = bring it in
Check the space for trip hazards before play begins
Write questions on the ball ahead of time. Sample questions: “Do you have a pet?”, “What is your favourite season?”, “What is something you are good at?”, “Where would you travel if you could go anywhere?”, “What is a food you love that surprises people?”

How to Play

Staff member starts by tossing the ball to any player.
The catcher says their name, then looks at their left pointer finger and answers the question closest to it.
If a question does not feel right, they may answer any question on the ball instead.
They toss the ball to someone who has not yet caught it.
Continue until everyone has had at least one turn.
Optional second round: remove the name requirement and focus on more interesting questions.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Catch and toss the ball; answer questions verbally
S (Support): Keep track of who has not yet caught the ball and call out suggestions
Q (Quiet): Answer with a short word or phrase instead of a full sentence
O (Observer): Stand in the circle and join in when ready; can take a turn when comfortable

Inclusion Adaptations

Players may answer any question on the ball, not just the one under their finger, to reduce pressure
For players with limited mobility, the ball can be rolled along the ground or passed hand-to-hand

Stewardship Moment

The beach ball is reusable across many sessions. Wipe it clean after use and store it properly.
Reflection: “We just learned a lot about each other from a few questions. What is one question you wish had been on the ball?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “We are going to toss a ball around and answer fun questions. You choose how much to share. For those not comfortable answering out loud, pointing to your answer or giving a one-word reply is another option.”
Mid-game check: After 4-5 rounds, pause. “Everyone still having fun? Thumbs up, sideways, or down.”
Opt-out/re-entry: Players may pass the ball without answering by saying “pass” and can rejoin whenever ready.

Risks and Mitigation

Overly personal or embarrassing questions written on the ball: pre-screen all questions for kindness and appropriateness before the session
Ball lands out of reach or causes someone to lunge: encourage gentle underhand tosses; staff model this first
One player dominates or steers who gets the ball: gently redirect to players who have not yet had a turn

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Name Echo”: go around the circle; each person says their name and the group echoes it back
“One Favourite Thing”: quick-fire round where each person names one thing they are excited about this week

Debrief Questions

What? “What is one thing you learned about someone here that you did not know before?”
So What? “Why does it help a group when people know more about each other?”
Now What? “Is there someone here you would like to learn even more about this week?”

Cleanup and Reset