SPUD
SPUD
A Fun Youth Group Game
Watch the Tutorial Video
SPUD is a classic dodgeball game that combines running, quick reactions, and a little bit of strategy. Players scatter when their number is called, but once the ball is caught, everyone has to freeze. The thrower then gets a limited number of steps to try to hit a frozen player.
Overview
Ideal # of Participants: 6 to 30
Where to Play: Indoor
Age of Participants: Elementary School / Middle School / High School
Approximate Time to Play: 10 to 45 Minutes
Materials Needed: 1 Dodgeball
How to Play SPUD
Give everyone a number from one to however many people are playing the game.
The leader will hold the dodgeball in the center of the circle, and everyone else will lightly place their hand on top of the ball.
The leader throws the ball up in the air and shouts the number of one of the other players.
For example, they might shout “7!”
Run When Your Number Isn't Called
Everyone who isn’t number 7 will run away from the ball as fast as they can.
Meanwhile, number 7 will catch the ball and shout “Freeze!”
At that exact moment, all of the runners need to freeze right where they are and keep their feet planted on the ground.
Now number 7 becomes the thrower.
Take Three Steps
The thrower’s goal is to hit someone with the dodgeball.
They can take up to three leaping steps toward any of the frozen players that they want to make their target, and then take aim.
The thrower can choose whichever frozen player they want to target.
Dodge the Ball
If the thrower targets you, you’re allowed to pick up your feet and dodge out of the way in one fluid motion.
Be careful, though, because you’re only allowed one movement.
The second you move either of your feet away from where they were originally planted, you’re now stuck in this new position.
That means you could end up in an even worse spot and be at the mercy of an easy throw.
Decide How to Handle Getting Hit
You could play that if you get hit by the ball, then you’re out.
But generally, it’s more fun for everyone if you just get to play the entire time.
You could also work out a scoring system, but honestly, smacking each other with a dodgeball is enough of a reward to just play for fun.
Start the Next Round
Whoever was the thrower during the last round will be the person that calls out a number this time.
They’ll throw the ball up, call out another player’s number, and the game starts again.
Keep playing as many rounds as you like.
Playing Traffic Jam With a Large Group
This game scales to any group size as long as the teams are even.
However, if you have more than 12 people, I would suggest splitting into two smaller teams that race against each other to be the first to solve the puzzle.
This turns Traffic Jam into a competitive team-building game for youth groups while still requiring students to communicate and work together.
Tips for Playing SPUD
- Use a soft dodgeball. Since students are throwing directly at each other, use equipment appropriate for your group and space.
- Make sure everyone freezes immediately. The game works best when students stop exactly where they are when “Freeze!” is called.
- Enforce the one-movement rule. Students can dodge, but once they move, they have to stay in that new position.
- Remind the thrower about the three-step limit. The thrower can take up to three leaping steps toward their target.
- Don’t eliminate students unless you want to. Keeping everyone in the game usually makes SPUD more fun for a youth group.
- Play multiple rounds. There’s no need to end after everyone has had one turn. Keep going as long as your group is enjoying it.
- Give students enough space to run. Make sure there are no obstacles in the playing area before starting.
Lesson Handout
Want to make this easy to share with your volunteers or students? Download the “SPUD” 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.
