Beanbag Battle
Beanbag Battle
A Fun Youth Group Game
Watch the Tutorial Video
Beanbag Battle is a fast-paced throwing game where two teams compete to move a trash can across the playing area by making shots with beanbags.
Overview
Ideal # of Participants: Up to 20
Where to Play: Indoors / Outdoors
Age of Participants: Elementary School / Middle School / High School
Approximate Time to Play: 10 to 20 Minutes
Materials Needed: Beanbags, Cones, Hula Hoops, Laundry Basket or Trash Can
How to Play Beanbag Battle
Set Up the Playing Area
To create the playing area for Beanbag Battle, place seven hula hoops next to each other on the floor in a line. In the middle hula hoop, place an empty trash can, laundry basket, or other large container. Finally, we need to mark an area that the players will need to stand behind. On either end, place a small cone about 15 feet (5m) away from the closest hula hoop.
Gameplay
Split your group into two teams, and have each team line up on opposite sides behind their cone. Give the first player in line for each team a beanbag, or some other sort of object that they can throw. When the leader says “Go,” the first player from each team will try to throw their beanbag into the trash can in the center.
If you miss your shot, the player who threw the beanbag will retrieve it and hand it to the next person in line so that they can try again. However, if you successfully make a shot, you get to retrieve your beanbag and move the trash can one hula hoop closer to the opposite team. You will also hand your beanbag off to the next person in line, who will continue to try to advance the trash can.
If both teams make a shot at the same time, the trash can obviously just stays where it is. The teams then continue trying to move the trash can toward the opposite side.
How to Win Beanbag Battle
Your team’s goal is to advance the trash can to the farthest hula hoop, and then make one final shot. If you successfully do this, you will earn a point for your team. However, this is easier said than done.
You may have noticed that the more progress your team makes, the more difficult your shot becomes, while it gets easier for the other team. This creates an advantage for the losing team and makes it possible for them to fight their way back into the game.
The measurements we recommended should make this work well, but make sure that your players are far enough away that it’s still possible to make enough progress against the other team to win. You can play first team to win 5 rounds to determine the overall winner.
Lesson Handout
Want to make this easy to share with your volunteers or students? Download the “Beanbag Battle” Lesson Handout (PDF) below!
Where Games Meet God's Word...
Most leaders just look for games to play, but miss their true value. When used well, games help teach your lesson, because experiential learning is by far the most effective way to teach a lesson that sticks.
If you want to see this principle in action, check out Uplift, our FREE youth group lesson that is built for engagement. It contains a fun game, but then your students’ experience from the game ties into the Christ-centered message you’ll teach.
