Loser Ball
Imaginary ball thrown around the group and people spectacularly miss catching it.
by Erica MarxGoal
accepting mistakes as gifts for the scene
support others, group bonding
Instructions
Everyone throws around an object work ball around the circle, but nobody can catch it no matter how hard they try. And rather than being upset that they couldn't catch it, the rest of the circle cheers wildly as if failing to catch the ball was the best thing they've ever seen. The more spectacularly someone fails at catching the ball, the more excited the group should be.
The ball is thrown to a person, preferably by naming that person ("here John") or some other way to focus the group on the catcher. He catcher misses the ball, drops it, fumbles, or whatever, as long as he fails.
Option
The rest of the group finds something praiseworthy about what the catcher did and states this E.g. "Good move!", "Great energy!" etc.
Background
Origin Attributed to Jill Bernard.
Author
I lead a team that helps multi-stakeholder groups tackle high-stakes, complex work with clarity and connection. We design and guide strategic planning sessions, workshops, retreats, and conferences where people think well together, make sound decisions, and take coordinated action. Our team is trained in improvisational theater, and as active members of the International Applied Improvisation Network, we bring adaptable, creative methods that build trust, surface essential perspectives, and keep momentum strong. We also share what we know, offering facilitator training that blends inclusive process design with the flexibility and presence of improv.
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