Pulse

The Pulse icebreaker, also known as the Electric Current Game or the Electricity Game, is a dynamic and engaging activity that is especially suitable for large groups. Its purpose is to break the ice and encourage interaction among participants in a fun and interactive way. The game involves forming two teams of equal size, who stand in long human chains while holding hands. A small object, such as a tennis ball, is placed on a chair at the end of each line. The referee flips a coin, and if it shows heads, the two people at the front of each team must quickly squeeze the hand of the person next to them. This action continues down the line until someone grabs the object on the chair. If the team successfully grabs the ball when heads is flipped, they win a point. The first team to reach a predetermined number of points wins the game. Overall, the Pulse icebreaker is an excellent way to promote teamwork, communication, and quick thinking in a lively and entertaining setting.

1. Form two teams of equal size and have each team member hold hands to create two human chains.
2. Place a chair with a small object on it at the end of the two lines.
3. The two players at the front of each line watch the referee, while everyone else closes their eyes, faces downward, and remains silent.
4. The referee flips a coin and quietly shows it only to the first two players at the front of each team.
5. If the coin shows “Heads,” the two people at the front of the line must squeeze the hand of the next person in line as quickly as possible.
6. The squeezed player then squeezes the next person’s hand and so on, passing the “electric current” along the line.
7. The goal is to be the first team to grab the object on the chair when heads is flipped.
8. If a team successfully grabs the ball but heads was not flipped, the point goes to the other team.
9. After each coin flip, wait several seconds before flipping again until the coin shows “Heads.”
10. The first team to score 10 points wins the game.

• Coin: A coin will be used by the referee to determine when the “electric current” should be passed along the human chains.
• Chair: A chair is needed at the end of each human chain, with a small object placed on it for teams to grab and win points.
• Small Object (e.g. Tennis Ball): The small object serves as the target for teams to grab in order to score points. Placing it on a chair at the end of each human chain creates a clear goal for the teams.

To set up for the Pulse icebreaker activity, also known as the Electric Current Game or the Electricity Game, you need to form two teams of equal size. You can do this by having each player pair off with another person and then have each team face each other. Instruct each team to hold hands to form two long human chains, with a chair and a small object such as a tennis ball placed at the end of the two lines. The referee stands at the front of the two teams. Before starting the game, make sure all players close their eyes, face downward, and remain silent. The referee will flip a coin and quietly show it only to the first two players at the front of each team, who must then quickly squeeze the hand of the next person in line if “Heads” is shown. The goal is for each team to grab the object on the chair as soon as heads is flipped and the electric current reaches them. The first team to score 10 points wins.

1. Form two teams: I start by dividing the group into two equal-sized teams, either by having people pair up or by counting off. Each team stands in a line, facing the same direction, and holds hands to create two human chains.
2. Set up the playing area: At the end of each line, I place a chair with a small object (like a tennis ball) on it. I position myself at the front of the room as the referee.
3. Begin the game: I instruct everyone to close their eyes, face downward, and remain silent. In each round, the two players at the front of each team watch me as I quietly show them a flipped coin.
4. Pass the pulse: Whenever the coin shows heads, the first two players squeeze the hand of the person next to them in line, who then quickly squeezes the next person’s hand, and so on. The goal is for each team to react quickly and be the first to grab the object on the chair when heads is flipped.
5. Score points: If a team successfully grabs the ball when heads was flipped, they earn a point. However, if they grab the ball but tails was actually flipped, the point goes to the other team instead. I continue to flip the coin until it shows heads, at which point we start a new round.
6. End the game: The first team to reach a predetermined number of points (e.g., 10) wins the game. Encourage everyone to have fun and enjoy this fast-paced, quick reflex action icebreaker!

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• Builds Quick Reflexes: The Pulse icebreaker requires players to quickly pass on a signal by squeezing the hand of the person next to them. This helps improve reaction time and reflexes.
• Promotes Teamwork: By working together as a human chain, players learn the importance of communication and coordination in achieving a common goal.
• Encourages Focus and Concentration: With their eyes closed and facing downward, players must stay focused on feeling for a hand squeeze and then quickly passing it on to the next person. This helps improve concentration and mental alertness.
• Breaks the Ice in Large Groups: The Pulse icebreaker is an engaging and interactive way to break the ice in large groups, helping people get to know each other better.
• Provides Light Physical Activity: The game involves some movement and physical activity, which can help increase energy levels and break up sedentary activities.
• Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem: Successfully passing on the signal and grabbing the object first can boost players’ confidence and self-esteem, helping them feel more comfortable and engaged in social situations.

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• Teamwork: Playing the Pulse icebreaker requires individuals to work together as a team, passing on the “pulse” or electric current by squeezing the next person’s hand in line. This helps build cooperation and coordination among team members.
• Quick Reflexes: The game encourages players to react quickly to the signal (heads) by passing on the pulse as fast as possible. This can help improve reaction time and decision-making skills.
• Focus and Concentration: In order to win, players must remain focused and concentrated, keeping their eyes closed and faces downward while waiting for the signal. This can help build mental alertness and focus.
• Communication: Although the game does not involve verbal communication, it still requires non-verbal communication as players pass on the pulse through hand squeezes. This can help improve overall communication skills.
• Competitiveness: The game is structured as a competition between two teams, which can help build a sense of competitiveness and drive to win. This can be beneficial in a variety of settings, including sports teams, workplaces, and social groups.

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I enjoy the Pulse icebreaker because it’s a highly engaging and interactive game that is perfect for large groups. The fast-paced nature of the game keeps everyone on their toes, making it an exciting experience for all involved. The use of hand squeezes as a “pulse” or “electric current” traveling through the team adds a unique twist to the traditional passing games, making it more challenging and fun.

What I like most about this icebreaker is that it requires quick reflexes, attention to detail, and communication within the team. These are important skills to develop in any setting, whether personal or professional. Additionally, the game encourages friendly competition and collaboration, helping to build a strong sense of community among participants.

The setup for the Pulse icebreaker is also straightforward and easy to understand, making it accessible for people of all ages and abilities. The materials required are simple and can be found in most settings, making it a convenient option for event planners and facilitators.

Overall, I find the Pulse icebreaker to be an excellent choice for large groups looking for a fun and engaging way to break the ice and build connections. Its fast-paced action, unique gameplay, and emphasis on teamwork make it a standout option in my book.

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• Tip: Use a variety of small objects: To make the game more inclusive for people with different abilities, use a variety of small objects that can be easily grabbed or touched. For example, you could use a soft ball, a bean bag, or even a ribbon. This allows participants to choose an object that is most comfortable for them to use.
• Tip: Modify the rules as needed: If some participants have difficulty passing the “pulse” quickly, consider modifying the rules to give them more time. For example, you could allow them to pass the pulse after a set amount of time instead of immediately. This ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate and enjoy the game.
• Tip: Provide clear instructions: To ensure that everyone understands how to play the game, provide clear and concise instructions. Consider demonstrating the game with a small group before playing with the entire group. This helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and can fully participate in the game.
• Tip: Encourage teamwork and communication: The Pulse icebreaker is a great way to encourage teamwork and communication. Encourage participants to work together and communicate effectively to pass the pulse quickly and accurately. This helps to build trust and rapport among the group, making it a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone.

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1. What was your experience playing the Pulse game? This question can help participants reflect on their emotions and thoughts during the activity.
2. How did you communicate with your team members while playing the game? By asking this, facilitators can encourage participants to think about the importance of non-verbal communication and teamwork.
3. What strategies did you use to pass on the “pulse” quickly and effectively? This question can help participants reflect on problem-solving skills and quick thinking.
4. Did you feel pressure or excitement when you were one of the first two players at the front of the line? Why or why not? This question can help participants reflect on their ability to handle stress and perform under pressure.
5. What did you learn about yourself and others while playing the Pulse game? This open-ended question allows participants to share their insights and observations from the activity, promoting self-awareness and empathy.

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