Icebreakers that get people moving (for both small and large groups)
Icebreakers to ease tension are used in many schools and workplaces, right? Among those, the ones that get people moving seem even more effective at dispelling nervousness and anxiety, don’t they? Here, we introduce icebreakers that involve physical movement.
We cover activities that don’t require much space, ones suitable for small groups, and ones that can be done in teams for larger groups.
Try using them during sluggish morning briefings or before afternoon meetings.
- A collection of icebreakers you can enjoy with a small group
- Team-based recreational activities for adults that are fun even with large groups
- [In a Short Time] Icebreakers and Fun Games That Shine at Morning Meetings
- A simple and fun co-op game that enhances teamwork
- [Elementary School] Quick and Easy! Indoor Recreational Activities Perfect for Lower Grades
- Icebreaker Ideas and Games Collection
- Get the Fun Going! Easy Classroom Games You Can Play at School: Recreational Activities for the Whole Class
- Games you can play with just conversation. Classic and popular activities you can enjoy without any props!
- [Self-Introduction & Games] Icebreaker Ideas Collection
- [For University Students] A Roundup of Fun Games and Recreational Activities
- Recreation Ideas That Truly Excite High School Students! A Fun Collection of Activities
- Recreation popularity rankings for junior high school students
- A roundup of recommended icebreakers for college students
[For Small and Large Groups] Physical Icebreakers (21–30)
Jump, everyone!
It’s a game where everyone forms a circle, holds hands, and jumps in different directions.
Jumping helps develop concentration and a sense of balance.
By moving while listening to the teacher’s instructions, children can build their listening skills and their ability to think about how to move.
When calling out, speak clearly, loudly, and energetically.
Let’s enjoy jump play together—moving our heads as we jump and trying things like hopping on one foot or jumping with both feet.
Reflexes get trained with the ‘snagging clap’
The “Snag Clap Game,” which adults and children can all join and enjoy together, gets more exciting the more people you have.
The rules are very simple: when the leader claps, the participants clap in the same way.
When the leader stops clapping, the participants mimic that movement as well.
The key is to watch the leader closely and react instinctively.
If you clap by mistake, you lose.
It’s a fun game that blends stillness and motion and challenges you to make quick decisions—give it a try!
Minority wins! The Minority Game
This is a game where the people who choose the minority—the less popular answer—win.
First, split into groups and set a prompt and two choices.
Since there are only two options, pick one based on your own thinking.
After choosing, hold a debate—i.e., a discussion—within your group about the prompt.
After the discussion, think again about which option to choose as your answer, then everyone reveals their choice at the same time.
If you picked the minority answer at that moment, you win; if you picked the majority answer, you lose.
No equipment needed! Air catch ball
“Air Catch,” a make-believe game of tossing an imaginary ball without any props, is a very simple team-building activity.
Participants form a circle.
Someone calls another person’s name while miming a throw of the “air ball,” and the next person pretends to catch it and continues in the same way.
The rules are: make eye contact and call the person’s name before you throw.
Once everyone gets used to it, you can increase the difficulty by tossing multiple balls at once or speeding things up.
It builds communication skills and concentration and gets people laughing, making it great for training icebreakers and strengthening team cohesion.
It takes about 5–15 minutes, so give it a try!
Red Light, Green Light!
The ultimate high-tension game that brings out your inner child: “Daruma-san ga Koronda!” The rules are simple: while the tagger says “Daruma-san ga koronda” and turns around, the other players quietly move forward.
If you’re caught moving, you’re out! It’s a classic children’s game, but when adults play, things heat up fast.
A battle of stillness and motion—a psychological showdown.
It’s perfect for company recreation, too.
Sprinting in suits, and that unexpected colleague is surprisingly agile…? With nonstop laughter and surprises, this fresh take on a “stop-and-go” game will bring your team closer together.
Rock-Paper-Scissors Game Jump!
Participants split into two teams and face each other from opposite ends of the room.
When the signal to start is given, play rock-paper-scissors with a teammate; those who win move toward the opposite side by jumping.
Once you reach the other side, play rock-paper-scissors again, and repeat.
It’s a very simple game, so incorporate different types of jumps for the movement: a “rock” jump where you hop with both feet together, then a “scissors” jump that’s like practicing skipping, and next a “paper” jump with your legs spread wide.
It feels like you’re evolving as you go, and it’s a lot of fun.
Outdoor activities: fun games everyone can play together!
This is a game called “Catch.” Choose one person to be the leader, and have the other participants form a circle.
Hold out your right hand with the palm facing up toward the person on your right, and place your left index finger on the palm of the person to your left.
When the leader says “Catch,” quickly close your right hand, and with your left hand, try to pull your index finger away so it doesn’t get caught.
The leader should vary the timing by stretching out “Ca, ca, caaaatch…” or throw in feints by saying something like “Cat!” instead.
It’s a simple game that helps break the ice and get everyone excited, even with people you’re meeting for the first time.