The Speed Ball

 One of my favourite and most powerful speed team building exercises is called The Speed Ball. It is fun, energising and is surprisingly effective.

Firstly divide a bigger group up into a number of smaller groups. Then agree upon a problem that both teams must solve. Have each team stand opposite one another a few yards apart.

One person starts and throws the ball to another person on the opposite team. They must catch the ball and then add one new idea or possible solution to the problem at hand. They should do this quickly and then throw the ball back to another person on the other team. Each person must catch the ball and add a new idea. This goes back and forth until one team wins (if you drop the ball, cannot think of an idea immediately or throw a bad pass you are out).

Another team records the ideas.

People are amazed at their responses. Because you have to concentrate on the ball and think quickly you have no time to filter or censor your ideas. Your rational mind is distracted which seems to free up your imagination to create new ideas at will. I have seen literally fifty or so new ideas created in minutes at the same time as people are having fun and enjoying a friendly competitive environment.

Ken Hudson