Beach Ball Questions
Write questions on a beach ball, toss it around - whoever catches it answers the question under their thumb.
10-20 min
6-30 people
medium
basic
About This Game
Beach Ball Questions adds playful randomness to icebreaker questions. Write different questions all over a beach ball. Toss the ball around the circle - whoever catches it answers whichever question is closest to their right thumb. Creates movement, surprise, and fun.
Objectives
- Answer icebreaker questions playfully
- Add physical movement to sharing
- Create randomness and surprise
- Lower pressure through play
How to Run This Game
Facilitator Script:
"[Before session: Write 15-20 questions all over a beach ball with permanent marker. Questions like: Favorite vacation? Hidden talent? First job? Dream superpower? etc.]"
Actions:
- Use inflatable beach ball
- Write questions in different sections
- Mix light and deeper questions
- Make questions visible
Tips:
- • Do this prep in advance
- • Use permanent marker
- • Space questions evenly
- • Include variety
Facilitator Script:
"We're using this question ball! I'll toss it to someone. Catch it, look at the question closest to your right thumb, answer it, then toss to someone else. Ready? Here we go!"
Actions:
- Show the ball
- Demonstrate thumb placement
- Toss to first person
- Keep energy moving
Tips:
- • Stand in circle
- • Encourage gentle tosses
- • Everyone should get at least one turn
Facilitator Script:
"[Person catches ball] Great catch! What's your question? ... Awesome answer! Toss it to someone who hasn't gone yet."
Actions:
- Each person: catch, read question, answer (30-60 sec)
- Toss to someone new
- Continue until everyone has shared
- Ask follow-up questions if time allows
Tips:
- • Keep answers brief (1 min max)
- • If same question comes up: pick different one
- • Can play music while ball is in air
Facilitator Tips
- Prep beach ball with 15-20 questions beforehand
- Sample questions: favorite childhood memory, hidden talent, bucket list, spirit animal, proudest moment, worst fear, first concert
- Ball adds playfulness and unpredictability
- Can reuse ball for different groups
Common Challenges & Solutions
Variations & Adaptations
All work-related questions: career goals, proudest project, best collaboration
Deeper questions for established teams
teams have used this game