Do the handshake hoop
Work with friends to pass a hula hoop around a linked circle of hands without letting go, practicing teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
About this activity
Work with friends to pass a hula hoop around a linked circle of hands without letting go, practicing teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Everyone stand shoulder-to-shoulder in a circle facing inward.
- 2
Step 2
Reach out and hold hands with the person on your left and the person on your right to make a linked circle.
- 3
Step 3
Place the hula hoop over one person's arm while everyone keeps holding hands.
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Step 4
Choose a direction to move the hoop and pick who will start.
- 5
Step 5
Everyone bends their knees slightly to make space for the hoop to move.
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Step 6
The person wearing the hoop wiggles their arm to slide the hoop toward the next person's arm.
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Step 7
When the hoop reaches you slide your arm through the hoop while still holding hands.
- 8
Step 8
Keep repeating the wiggle-and-slide motion one person at a time in the chosen direction until the hoop goes all the way around.
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Step 9
If the hoop gets stuck agree on one new idea to try such as bending lower or moving slower.
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Step 10
Celebrate when the hoop makes a full circle and share a photo or story about your teamwork on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you play the handshake hoop game?
To play, have children stand in a circle and each link hands with the person next to them. Slip a hula hoop over one child's arm into the linked hands. Without letting go, the group must pass the hoop all the way around the circle by stepping through and maneuvering arms. Encourage clear communication and slow, cooperative movements. Time rounds for friendly competition and pause if anyone feels stuck to coach a safer approach.
What materials do I need for the handshake hoop game?
You only need one hula hoop and a safe, open space such as a gym, yard, or cleared classroom area. Optional extras: a stopwatch or phone timer for timed rounds, cones to mark the play area, an extra hoop to increase difficulty, and soft mats for beginners. No special equipment is required, but comfortable clothing and adult supervision are helpful for younger children.
What ages is the handshake hoop game suitable for?
This cooperative game suits children roughly ages 4 to 12. Preschoolers (4–5) can play with smaller groups and extra adult guidance, while school-aged kids (6–12) enjoy larger groups and timed challenges. Adjust expectations for coordination: younger kids may need slower rounds or seated variations. Always supervise closely with very young players to support safety and ensure everyone understands how to move without releasing hands.
What are the benefits and safety tips for the handshake hoop game?
Benefits include teamwork, communication, problem-solving, gross motor coordination, and patience. To keep it safe, clear the area of tripping hazards, remove jewelry that could catch, have children wear closed shoes, and coach slow, deliberate movements. Use smaller groups or seated variations for very young or anxious children. Offer positive encouragement and debrief after rounds to discuss what strategies helped the hoop move smoothly.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of a hula hoop if we don't have one?
If you don't have a hula hoop use a large pool noodle taped into a ring, the rim of a plastic laundry basket, or a flexible garden hose coiled and taped so the wiggle-and-slide motion in the instructions still works.
What should we do if the hoop gets stuck or people can't slide their arms through?
If the hoop gets stuck follow the instruction to 'bend lower' and 'move slower,' have the person wearing the hoop wiggle and tilt their elbow, and briefly loosen hand grips at the wrist to create more room for sliding through.
How can we adapt the activity for different ages?
For preschoolers use a larger, soft foam hoop and adults standing beside them to guide slow wiggle-and-slide steps, while older kids can be challenged by timing laps or using two hoops at once during the same circle.
How can we extend or personalize the handshake hoop game after it goes all the way around?
To extend and personalize the activity decorate the hoop with tape or stickers, try running multiple hoops or timing full-circle runs as a challenge, and then celebrate by taking a teamwork photo or sharing a short story on DIY.org as the instructions suggest.