Ninja
Ninja
A Fun Youth Group Game
Watch the Tutorial Video
Ninja is a fast-paced game that challenges players to strike each other’s hands while dodging attacks of their own.
Overview
Ideal # of Participants: Any!
Where to Play: Indoor / Outdoor
Age of Participants: Elementary School / Middle School / High School
Approximate Time to Play: 5 to 10 Minutes
Materials Needed: Nothing!
How to Play Ninja
Start in a Circle
Have everyone stand in a circle with their hands folded together in front of them.
On the count of three, everyone strikes a ninja pose!
The game is now ready to begin.
Take Turns Making a Move
Ninja is a turn-based game, so pick someone to go first and continue clockwise around the circle.
When it’s your turn, you get to move in one fluid motion.
You can make a quick attack, dodge someone else’s potential attack, or move into a more advantageous position. You can even use your turn to get out of an awkward position that might make you an easy target.
Once you’ve finished your movement, you must stay in whatever position you’re in until your next turn.
Attack Other Players' Hands
Your goal is to strike the hands of the players around you, while they try to dodge your attacks.
Getting hit in the hand counts as a hit, but being hit in the wrist does not.
Because you only get one fluid motion on your turn, you have to decide whether to attack another player or use your movement to protect yourself.
Keep Track of Which Hands Are Out
If you manage to hit someone’s hand, that hand is out of the game.
The player must turn their open palm into a closed fist to show that the hand has been eliminated.
However, losing one hand doesn’t eliminate a player completely. You’re only out when you’ve lost both hands.
That means you can keep playing with one hand remaining, but you’ll have fewer options for defending yourself.
Keep the Turn Order the Same
The turn order always stays the same, even if players move around and end up standing between people they weren’t originally next to.
Continue moving clockwise through the original order.
If the group gets too spread out, you can pause and refresh the circle if needed so everyone can continue playing comfortably.
Be the Last Ninja Standing
Keep taking turns attacking and dodging until only one player has at least one hand remaining.
That player is the winner!
Rounds are typically short, so you can easily play multiple rounds to give students another chance to win!
Lesson Handout
Want to make this easy to share with your volunteers or students? Download the “Ninja” 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.
