Overview: “Footsies” is along the lines of the Milton Bradley game “Twister” in that you get twisted around but without the use of a mat or spinner.
Logistics:
Ideal for ages 12-22
Best played with 5-10 students
No equipment needed
Time: Takes 5-15 minutes
How to Play ‘Footsies’
Start the game by having all players stand in a circle about a shoulder-width apart. Select one person to be the first striker and have him or her start the game by moving one of his or her feet (this foot is called the striking foot) to touch one of the feet of the person to the left of them. Once the striker decides which foot he or she wants to move while striking foot the other foot becomes the pivot foot. The pivot foot cannot be lifted off the ground. Once the first striker has made his or her move, he or she has to freeze both feet in the position in which he or she came in contact with the other person and must remain frozen until his or her next turn. The foot of the person who was struck becomes the next person’s striking foot for his or her turn. The game progresses by going around the circle in a clockwise motion (to the left), having each player take his or her striking foot and striking the next player.
As the game progresses, players will begin to find themselves in positions that make it hard to remain balanced so people will begin to be eliminated. Players are eliminated if they touch the ground with anything other than their feet, if they lose their balance, if they try to catch their balance by grabbing another person, if it is their turn and by mistake move the foot that was not touched by the previous striker’s foot or if they move their feet out of turn. If someone is eliminated, the next person in the circle continues on with the game choosing which ever foot he or she wishes to use as the striking foot.
As people are eliminated, there will begin to be gaps in the circle making it harder for strikers to reach the foot of the person next in the circle. If while attempting to reach the foot of the person next in the circle the strikers loses his or her balance or breaks any of the other rules, he or she is eliminated. Note that strikers don’t necessarily have to lift their striking foot when striking, but also can scoot a foot across the ground in order to remain balanced; once contact is made with the other person’s foot, the striker’s feet must freeze.
As the game goes on, players will find they are getting very close to each other and it becomes harder to remain balanced. Players are allowed to touch each other, but they cannot grab, push, bump or brace other players to try and make them loose their balance.
Fun Game Twists:
1. Have students play the game with their hands in their pockets, whick makes it harder to balance.
2. Have students play the game with their hands on their heads, which makes them more top heavy.
3. Have players play the game without showing their teeth (curling their lips over their teeth or keeping their mouth shut), which makes the game funnier and more entertaining.
4. When a player strikes, he or she has to say the phrase, “I like playing footsies with you my sweetie,” or “Look, Mom, no hands,” this makes the game awkwardly funny.
5. Blend game twists 3 and 4; this makes the game hilarious.
Bio: Les Christie, a veteran of four decades in youth ministry, is the Guru of Games. Les is the author of 15 books including: Best-Ever Games for Youth Ministry. He is Chair of the Youth Ministry Department at William Jessup University in Rocklin, California.
Kevin Pense is one of his favorite students.
