Why Should You Play Games?
This February we are focusing on the role games can (and should) play in outdoor sport. Who doesn’t like to play games? A well-crafted game can change everything when it comes to learning something new or honing existing skills.
Game play provides people an opportunity to have fun and engage with others, while processing and applying skills they’re still learning. Showing someone how to ride a bike and then taking them on a trail ride seems like a common-sense progression, but it often puts the pressure on, creating anxiety and stress for beginners. A thoughtful game, on the other hand, puts the focus on something less critical than being proficient at a skill, so that people can actually become proficient at a skill.
Not all games are created equal, however, and it is important to understand the difference.
Finite vs. Infinite Games
When it comes to playing games we often default to competitions. Games have rules, we figure, so one game is as good as another. But that’s not true. A finite game is one in which the point of the game is to bring it to a conclusion—someone wins and the game is over.
In an infinite game, not only is there no winner, there is no end-point. The goal of the game is simply to keep the game going. Think about the game of tag. Someone is “it” until they tag someone else, and then that person is “it” until they tag someone else. The point of the game is simply to continue playing.
Both finite and infinite games can play a role in facilitating a positive experience for those learning outdoor sport. Infinite games, however, have several advantages.
With no clear end-point, they allow participants more time to play with and practice skills.
With no winner or loser, those that have less initial success with the skills they’re learning aren’t penalized for it.
Participation is prioritized over “success.” Those that normally self-select out of a competitive environment are encouraged to keep engaging.
Since we’re deep into the winter season in many places, let’s look at the sport of cross country skiing as an example. Here’s a great way to ensure people don’t fall in love with cross country skiing: First, have them stand around in the cold while you explain the complicated nuances of balance, posture, and movement. Have them practice for a few minutes then immediately head out on the trail and ski a few miles.
Inevitably most people will not have absorbed any skills, they’ll just be trying to make sense of it all, and they’ll flail around every twist and bend on the trail as they repeat to themselves that they will Never. Do. This. Again.
Imagine, alternatively, if once you got someone comfortable with falling, stepping, and shuffling around on their skis you then invited them to play a game that got them moving. One of our favorites is called Alaskan Baseball.
Here’s how you play Alaskan Baseball:
Getting Started
With two teams of at least four people each, ask players to line up single file.
Take a tossable item (we like a rubber chicken), and throw it somewhere nearby. Once the object lands-- the fun begins!
Players from each team race to the object.
Whichever team retrieves it first gets to pick it up and hurl it again.
As the other team then chases the chicken, the first team starts to earn “points.”
Scoring
To score, the team must form a tight circle with ski tips pointing into the center. One person is designated as the scorer and their job is to ski as many laps around the circle as possible. The team gets a point for each lap.
Meanwhile, the other team must make their way to the chicken, line up in single file, and pass it from front to back between their legs. Once it gets to the back of the line they pass it forward over each others’ shoulders. As soon as the chicken is back in the hands of the first person in line, it’s their turn to throw it as far as possible.
As soon as the chicken is thrown -- no more points can be scored by the first team. Instead, they have to retrieve the chicken, line up, and begin passing. This gives the other team a chance to start earning points.
Ending the Game
The game usually ends whenever people are too exhausted or laughing too hard to keep playing. You can create a target number of points, and make the first team to reach that number the winner. That’s a finite version of the game, but…
Here’s A Great Variation
Instead of earning points with each lap, tell players that as they take a turn skiing around their group’s circle they have to say each teammates’ name out loud. Make the challenge seeing how many names can get said by each team whenever they take a turn circling up. The game simply continues at least until everyone on both teams has had a chance to ski in circles and say names aloud, and longer if players are still up for it!
Now in an example such as this -- will participants develop perfect ski technique in the process of playing the game? Likely not. Will they start to develop a sense of balance and movement on skis? Definitely. And better yet, they’re less likely to be self-conscious in the process. This is the real magic of games as a learning tool.
For great ideas on creating infinite games, the roles games can play in outdoor sport, and tips to get you started, keep an eye out our latest free guide: Creating a Great Game.
Join in the Fun
It sounds counter-intuitive, but often the best way to teach people to ski, paddle, or ride bikes isn’t just to go skiing, paddling, or biking for hours on end. Instead, it’s to play games. This can create a low pressure, fun, cooperative experience that allows skill development while providing an inviting atmosphere.
To learn more about the role of games in outdoor sport, sign up for our FREE February webinar: Playing Great Games. There are also a number of excellent resources about games out there to learn from. To get started check out playmeo.com and training-wheels.com, and look out for newest free guide dropping later this month!