Teamwork Games

Games and group activities are the best icebreakers one could think of. Be it shy students at high school or awkward employees at the workplace, everyone finds a way to unwind themselves through these games. Teamwork games not only help you to get to know your colleagues but also unleash certain qualities in you, which even you yourself may not be aware of. In kids, teamwork games can inculcate a feeling of 'oneness' and enhance their leadership qualities.

Teamwork Games for Adults

Build a Castle
This game can be played in a group of 10 to 15 adults, divided in a group of 3 - 4. Let the team members sit in a circle with a model of castle and materials like clay. When the whistle blows one person of a team starts building castle as per the model. When the whistle blows again, the clay is passed to the next person and he starts building the castle from where the first person left. The game continues until the castle is made. The first team to make the castle is declared winner. This is a great teamwork game as each member's contribution counts.

Pass the Baton
This game is apt for large groups of more than 40 - 50 people. Divide the teams in at least 8 to 10 people. This game can be simultaneously played by all the teams. Make the team members from every team stand in a line. A baton is provided to the first person standing in each line. When the whistle blows the person is supposed to pass the baton to the next person in line, from between his legs. Similarly, the second person passes it to the third and so on. When the baton reaches the last person in the line, he is supposed to run with the baton and occupy the first position in the line. The game continues until the person originally at first position resumes his place. The first team that completes the task is declared winner.

Fill the Bottle
This game can be played immediately after the above game, without disturbing the arrangement of the teams. Every team gets a bucket full of water, placed in front of the first person in the line. There is an empty soda bottle at the end of the line, behind the last member. When the whistle blows, the first person takes handful of water and passes it to the next person and refills again. The second person passes the water to the third person and so on, without spilling too much water. The last person fills the soda bottle with whatever little water he receives. The game continues until the whistle blows again. The water collected by each team is measured and the team that collects maximum water, wins the game.

Teamwork Games for Kids

Blind Workers
The game is to be played in teams of three, with one leader per team. Every team leader receives a model of project they are supposed to make (e.g - castle, bridge, etc.). The team also receives building material for their project. The model is accessible only to the leader, whereas only the members are allowed to actually work with the material. The leader studies the model and directs his teammates to replicate the model by merely giving verbal instructions to his teammates. The team that finishes the task first is declared as winners. This is a great game to teach kids the importance of giving accurate instructions and executing them equally accurately.

Avoid the Obstacle
Get a few items in a room, which will need the kids to 'walk around', 'step over' or 'duck under', in order to pass. Every team consists of 3 kids, with one kid blindfolded. The blindfolded kid starts at one end of the room and is required to reach the other end in order to win the game. Meanwhile, he has to rely completely on the instructions ('walk around', 'step over' or 'duck under') of his teammates to avoid the obstacles in his path. This game not only reinforces the team spirit but also fosters trust in kids.

Tug of War
This is a favorite game that can be played by kids and adults alike. Being one of the simplest games, it can be played at social gatherings, community outings or children's fun fairs. Do I need to explain the rules and instructions to play this very popular game?

You can find your own teamwork games that can be played at office parties or social gatherings. Sports like basketball, baseball are also good games that rely on great teamwork.