Giant Gaga
A Fun Youth Group Game
Watch the Tutorial Video
If your youth group loves gaga ball, this giant gaga ball game is going to take things to the next level! It keeps all the excitement of the original version, but with a massive twist — a huge ball and a bigger play area.
Overview
Ideal # of Participants: Ideally 6 to 30
Where to Play: Indoors
Age of Participants: Middle School / High School
Approximate Time to Play: 20 to 45 Minutes
Materials Needed: One Exercise Ball
How to Play Giant Gaga
Step 1: Learn the Classic Gaga Rules
If you’re not familiar with regular gaga, here’s a quick rundown:
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The game is usually played in a small octagon or hexagon pit, every person for themselves.
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The ball is thrown into the middle, and everyone must touch a wall until the third bounce.
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Players use their hands to hit the ball into others’ lower legs.
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If the ball touches you below the knee, you’re out.
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If the ball flies out of the arena, whoever touched it last is also out.
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You can’t touch the ball again until it hits someone else’s hand or a wall.
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The last person standing wins!
Step 2: Set Up for Giant Gaga
In Giant Gaga, all the same rules apply — but the scale changes dramatically.
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Instead of using a small pit, play in a large enclosed area with four (or more) walls.
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Use a big exercise ball instead of the standard gaga ball. (A 19-inch ball works great, but any large, bouncy ball will do.)
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For example, you can play in half of a basketball court, using tables on their sides to create a fourth wall if needed.
Step 3: Play the Game
Once your play area is ready, it’s time to unleash the chaos!
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Players hit the large ball toward each other just like in gaga.
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In Giant Gaga, if the ball hits you from the waist down, you’re out.
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Instead of leaving the play area, sit down where you are — you’re still a part of the game!
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Sitting players can still redirect the ball toward the remaining players, making the game even more intense.
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The last person standing wins!
Lesson Handout
Want to make this easy to share with your volunteers or students? Download the “Giant Gaga” Lesson Handout (PDF) below!
More Youth Group Games
Looking for more creative youth group ideas? Explore our free Youth Group Game Index — it includes 80+ short, easy-to-lead tutorials that you can filter by group size, location, and materials.
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The best way to teach a lesson is through active learning, that’s why we produce high-quality Game-Driven Lessons — youth group curriculum that has a fun game that ties into the lesson you want to teach. Check out our membership program ActuallyFun PRO to get these Game-Driven Lessons for a discounted rate, as well as tons of other benefits that help take your youth ministry to the next level!
