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Elbow Tag Youth Group Game
Elbow Tag youth group game is an active, engaging, and no-prep youth group game that’s perfect for larger groups and requires no equipment at all. This game is ideal for youth groups that want a fun, high-energy activity that encourages movement, quick thinking, and teamwork. It’s also an excellent icebreaker or warm-up game to get everyone loosened up and ready to engage.
With simple rules and minimal setup, Elbow Tag can be played almost anywhere and adapted to groups of any size.
Minimum Players: 6 (3 pairs, with one chaser and one runner).
Ideal Group Size: 10-15 players, allowing for more dynamic rounds and easier role rotation.
Equipment Needed: One of the best parts of Elbow Tag is that it requires no equipment at all! All you need is a group of willing participants and an open space to play.
How to Play Elbow Tag Youth Group Game:
Form Pairs and Spread Out: Start by dividing the group into pairs. Each pair should link elbows and spread out around the play area. Make sure there’s enough space for everyone to move around safely.
Choose Two Players: Select one player to be “It” (the chaser) and another to be the “Runner” (the one being chased). These two players do not link elbows and will start the game unpaired.
The Goal: The Runner’s objective is to avoid being tagged by “It.” The Runner can run up to any pair and link elbows with one person in the pair. When they do this, the player on the opposite end of the pair lets go and becomes the new Runner.
Continue the Chase: The game continues with players switching roles as the Runner links up with different pairs, forcing others to drop off and continue the chase. The round ends when the chaser tags the Runner, at which point they switch roles, or two new players can be chosen.
This game is fast-paced and constantly changing, keeping everyone engaged and laughing. Players need to stay alert, communicate, and strategize to avoid becoming the next target.
Leader Script for Elbow Tag Youth Group Game:
“Alright everyone, we’re going to play a game called Elbow Tag. It’s super simple, and you don’t need any equipment. Here’s how it works:
We’re going to pair up. Each pair should link elbows and spread out across the play area. I’ll choose one person to be “It” and another person to be the “Runner.” The Runner has to avoid being tagged by the person who’s “It.” To avoid being tagged, the Runner can link up with anyone in a pair. When the Runner links up, the person on the other end of that pair has to let go and becomes the new Runner.
The goal for “It” is to tag the Runner, and the Runner needs to stay away from “It” by linking up with different pairs. We’ll switch players each round so everyone gets a turn. Ready? Let’s play!”
Variations and Adaptations:
Elbow Tag youth group game can easily be adapted to suit different group sizes, spaces, and energy levels. Here are a few variations to consider:
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- Timed Rounds: Set a timer for each round (e.g., 2-3 minutes) and see if “It” can tag the Runner within that time. If they can’t, a new chaser is chosen.
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- Add Multiple Chasers: For larger groups, you can add a second chaser to increase the excitement and make the game more challenging. This keeps the game lively and gives everyone a chance to get involved.
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- Smaller Play Area: If you’re in a smaller space, consider reducing the play area’s size to make it harder for the Runner to escape. This will also increase the intensity and help the game move faster.
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- Freeze Tag Twist: Incorporate a freeze tag element where, once tagged, players must stay in place until another player links elbows with them, “unfreezing” them.
Benefits of the Game:
Elbow Tag isn’t just a fun, no-prep game—it also has several benefits that make it an ideal choice for youth groups.
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- Encourages Physical Activity: This game gets players moving without requiring any intense physical exertion, making it accessible for all.
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- Promotes Quick Thinking and Strategy: Players need to think on their feet, assessing which pairs to link up with and avoiding getting too close to the chaser.
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- Team Building: The game encourages teamwork, as players must work together and communicate, especially when they’re linked with someone.
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- Adaptable to Any Setting: With no equipment needed, Elbow Tag can be played indoors or outdoors, making it a versatile option for any youth group setting.
Tips for Youth Group Leaders:
Here are a few tips to help you run Elbow Tag smoothly and keep everyone engaged:
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- Set Clear Boundaries: Before starting, establish clear boundaries for the play area to keep everyone safe and within sight.
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- Rotate Players: For larger groups, ensure everyone has a chance to participate by switching out the chaser and runner every few minutes.
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- Encourage Good Sportsmanship: Remind players that the goal is to have fun, not just to win, and encourage positive interactions among everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What if the group is too large?
If you have a large group, split them into smaller groups and run separate games simultaneously. This will keep everyone actively involved and avoid overcrowding in one area.
Can younger kids play Elbow Tag?
Yes, younger children can enjoy this game too. You might just need to slow down the pace a bit and ensure they understand the linking and switching mechanics.
How do I keep the game interesting for multiple rounds?
Introduce the variations mentioned above, such as adding multiple chasers or a freeze tag element, to keep the game fresh and engaging.