Zip Zap Zop

How to Play

Setup

1. Form a standing circle with 8–30 people so everyone can see each other's faces. Leave arm's-length space between players.
2. Explain the 3-word cycle and goal: keep a smooth, rapid pattern of 'Zip' -> 'Zap' -> 'Zop' repeating, using clear eye contact and a precise pointing gesture.
3. Demonstrate with two volunteers. Model: strong single word, one-hand point (arm extended from chest, not sweeping), and establish eye contact before speaking.
4. Choose a mode: cooperative (no one is out; reset on mistakes) or competitive (mistakes lead to stepping out). Share the time box (3–5 minutes) and that you'll increase speed once the group locks in.
5. Safety and accessibility: allow seated participation if needed; pointing can be replaced with an open-handed gesture.

How to Play

1. Select a starter. They lock eyes with someone across the circle, point clearly, and say 'Zip'.
2. The receiver immediately locks eyes with a new person, points, and says 'Zap'.
3. The third person continues by pointing to someone else and saying 'Zop'. The sequence then loops: 'Zip' -> 'Zap' -> 'Zop' -> 'Zip'...
4. Keep the rhythm brisk. Encourage decisive choices: see the person, point, say the word, then relax your arm.
5. If someone hesitates, says the wrong word, or points without eye contact:
   • Cooperative mode: laugh it off, everyone takes a breath, and resume from the last correct word (or restart at 'Zip' if confusion persists).
   • Competitive mode: that player steps out, the circle closes in, and the next correct word continues.
6. Increase challenge after 60–90 seconds by nudging the tempo faster or reminding players to sharpen eye contact and vocal clarity.
7. End when energy peaks or after 3–5 minutes. Briefly debrief: What helped you stay present? What threw you off?

Rules

1. The word order is strict and repeating: 'Zip', then 'Zap', then 'Zop'.
2. Make visible eye contact before pointing and speaking.
3. Use a single, clear pointing gesture with one hand; avoid double-pointing or sweeping arms.
4. Do not immediately pass back to the person who passed to you (optional rule for added challenge).
5. If two people act at once, play honors the player who established eye contact first; the other resets.
6. Maintain respectful spacing and stay aware of different mobility needs.

Tips

• Start slower than you think, then accelerate once accuracy improves.
• Coach crisp diction and volume; short, confident words keep rhythm tight.
• Encourage relaxed shoulders and steady breathing to reduce flinches.
• Rotate the starter each round to distribute focus and reduce anxiety.
• For new groups, add name reminders before play to boost connection.
• Keep instructions minimal, then learn by doing; momentum builds engagement.

Variations

• Direction Change: Add 'Zing' to instantly reverse the sequence direction; call it only after the group is stable.
• Names Layer: Keep the Zip–Zap–Zop order, but include the receiver's name with the word (e.g., 'Zip, Taylor').
• Silent Pass: Remove words; pass only with eye contact and gesture for heightened nonverbal focus.
• Double Circle: Split 16+ players into two circles to increase repetitions and reduce waiting time.
• Cooperative Streak: Set a team goal (e.g., 45 seconds without an error), then try to beat the record.