Overview
You guessed it! - Players toss giant rings (hula hoops) around their human partners. The game is very similar to a cowboy lassoing a steer, except that the steer is actually trying to help the cowboy.
Age
Preschool, School-age, Tweens, Teens, AdultsNumber of Players
2, 3 to 4, 5 to 10, 10 to 20Team Division
Buddy up (pairs of two)Competitiveness
Either/or (can be played either way)Difficulty
Attention, please! (a few rules to follow)Indoor or Outdoor
OutdoorsSpace Needed
Medium (a clearable open space the size of a 2-car garage), Large (gym, outdoor field, reception hall)Noise Level
Semi-rambunctiousMess Factor
Clean and tidyPrep Time
No prep time needed!Game Time Length
5 - 15 minutesSupplies
Setup
1. Divide the group into pairs.
2. Have the pairs stand facing each other about 4 feet apart.
3. Give each pair a hula hoop.
4. Designate one person as the "hooper" and one person as the "target".
5. The "hooper" holds the hula hoop in front of them using two hands like they are holding a basket.
6. The "target" places his/her arms overhead, extended, with palms together in a "diving" position.
How to Play
1. On "Go" the "hooper" tosses the hula hoop in an upward direction of "target", trying to hook it over the arms of his/her partner.
2. The partner can bend, sway, and fold to help catch the hoop, BUT the "target" cannot move his/her feet!
3. Once the hula-hoop has been hooked, the partners switch roles!
4. To keep things challenging pairs can increase the distance between themselves
5. Keep track of the number of completed "catches" in a given time frame to determine a winner, or let the pairs play for fun!
Variations
1. "Lasso the horse"-this is the exact same game, except instead of using a human use a chair.
2. Divide the group into teams and play as a competitive race or for fun!
3. You can also Lasso for prizes! Place teddy bears, candy, stuffed balloons, anything about 10 feet away and let each child lasso the prize with a hula hoop to win it! (This is perfect as a carnival game).
Tips
Remember be gentle when tossing the hoops. You do not want to hurt the target.