Gameplay
8+ Players 👥
3-5 Minutes ⏱️
What You’ll Need
A group of energetic players
Space to run
3 lines marked on the floor (chalk, tape, cones, etc.)
Setup
Mark 3 lines: One in the center and one on either side, each 10–20 feet apart.
Divide the group into two equal teams and have them line up facing each other across the center line.
How to Play
Face off: Each player stands across from another on the center line.
Chant and act: All players say together: “Rock, Paper, Scissors, SHOOT!” and on "shoot", perform one of the following:
Rock = Crouch
Paper = Star Jump (arms and legs out like a jumping jack)
Scissors = Split Jump (one arm and leg forward, the other back)
Resolve the round:
If it’s a tie, repeat the chant and action.
If one wins (Rock beats Scissors, Scissors beats Paper, Paper beats Rock), then:
Loser runs to their safety line.
Winner chases and tries to tag them before they reach it.
Tag or escape:
If tagged, the loser is out.
If they reach the line first, they’re safe and go to the next round.
Repeat: Players line up with new opponents each round.
Final round: Continue until only one player remains standing!
Say Something Like
“Alright everyone, get ready for the ultimate showdown—Human Rock Paper Scissors! You’ll be using your whole body to play this classic game, but beware—if you lose a round, you’ve got to run fast or you’re OUT! Let’s see who can out-jump, out-split, and outsmart the competition!”
Variations
Team Knockout: Keep score by teams—each tag removes a player from the opposing team.
Add a Twist: Introduce new gestures like “Lizard” or “Spock” for older groups or extra chaos.
Discipleship Teaching Points
Quick choices matter! This game gives an easy on-ramp to talk about making wise decisions in the moment, and learning to react with clarity, even when under pressure.
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
Secular Teaching Points
Encourages fast decision-making, sportsmanship, and physical activity. Great for breaking the ice and getting kids moving and laughing.
This game idea was submitted by the Josh Barriger. If you want to support him, head over and buy him a coffee!
Keywords: rock paper scissors, active, chase game, quick thinking, decision-making, gym game, tag, movement
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