10 Energy-Burning Games for Your Youth Group

If your youth group arrives buzzing with energy, the best way to start your session is with a fast-paced game that gets everyone moving. These high-energy favourites require little to no prep, minimal equipment, and work brilliantly in halls, gyms, or outdoor spaces. Whether you need a five-minute icebreaker or a full-session energiser, these games will keep your young people laughing, running, and fully engaged.

1. Non-Stop Tag

Non-Stop Tag turns classic tag into complete chaos. Everyone is “on it” at the same time. If you get tagged, you sit down. But if the person who tagged you gets tagged, you’re back in the game. If two players tag each other simultaneously, they settle it with Rock–Paper–Scissors. The round doesn’t stop until only one person is standing. Fast, frantic and brilliant for big groups.

2. Puna

A high-intensity frisbee game using 2–4 soft foam frisbees. The players who start “on it” must throw the frisbee before they can move. Once thrown, they can chase it down to throw again. Anyone hit becomes “on it.” A secret timer adds pressure — whoever is holding a frisbee when the timer goes off is eliminated. Last player remaining wins. Great for agility and quick reactions.

3. Ant Eaters

Scatter chairs randomly throughout the room — these are the “safe spots.” Choose 1–2 players to be the Anteaters. Their job is to chase everyone else while tagging them and saying “ant, ant!” If tagged, a player must immediately sit on the nearest empty chair. Once a chair is taken, it can’t be used again. The last player still running (not sat on a chair) wins. High speed and guaranteed laughter.

4. Death Ball

Everyone lines up on one side of the room. Two players stand in the middle armed with large soft balls. Players must sprint to the opposite wall without getting hit. If hit, they either join the throwers or are out — you decide the rules. The tension builds as fewer runners remain. Last one standing wins. A perfect adrenaline-pumping game.

5. Balloon Stomp

Each player ties a balloon to their ankle with string. The aim: pop everyone else’s balloon while protecting your own. No pushing, but quick footwork and constant movement are key. The last player with an unpopped balloon wins. Simple, safe, and seriously competitive.

6. Bench Ball

Set up benches or mats at each end of the playing area. Each team has a “catcher” standing on their bench. Players pass the ball up the court and try to throw it to their teammate on the bench. If caught, the thrower joins them on the bench. First team to get all players onto their bench wins. This game burns energy fast and builds teamwork.

7. Dragon Tag

Start with every player as a single dragon (one person). When two dragons battle, one tries to tag the other. If you lose, you join the winner’s dragon by placing your hands on the shoulders of the person in front. Dragons grow longer as they win, making them slower but stronger. Keep going until one giant dragon exists. Perfect for strategy, teamwork, and hilarious chaos.

8. Dodgeball

A reliable high-energy classic. Divide the room into two sides, throw in soft balls, and play. If you’re hit, you’re out — unless you’re using variations where catching a ball brings someone back in. You can play fast elimination rounds or timed matches. Ideal for large groups with lots of energy to burn.

9. Shark-Infested Custard

Create “islands” on the floor using cones, paper, mats, or hoops. The floor is the custard — players can’t step in it. Remove islands one by one every round, forcing players to leap, cling, balance and strategise. Last one able to stay on the islands wins. Great fun and surprisingly physical.

10. Fire Ball

Players stand in a circle and pass a ball around. If someone drops it, they must sprint around the outside of the circle and get back to their spot before the ball is passed all the way around and returned to them. If the ball reaches their spot first, they are out. It’s frantic, fast and gets hearts racing.