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• Category: Warm-Up, Focus, Energy, Listening, Teamwork
• CLICK HERE to download PDF

Zip Zap Zup

How To Play

Here’s how teachers can lead “Zip Zap Zup” in their classrooms:

• Setup: Have all students stand in a circle.
• Introducing the Actions: Guide students through the core actions step-by-step:
  1. “On the count of three, clap once.” (Count “1-2-3,” and they clap.)
  2. “Now, clap, scuff your foot forward, point, and make eye contact with anyone in the circle.” (Count “1-2-3,” and they perform the actions.)
  3. “Now do all that and say ZIP!” (Count “1-2-3,” and they perform actions and say “ZIP!”)
  4. “Then ZAP!” (Count “1-2-3,” and they perform actions and say “ZAP!”)
  5. “Now ZUP!” (Count “1-2-3,” and they perform actions and say “ZUP!”)
• Game Play Mechanics:
  • Player One: Starts the game by performing the actions (clap, scuff, point, make eye contact) and powerfully saying “ZIP!” to another player in the circle, sending all their energy and focus.
  • The Next Player: The player who received the “ZIP!” immediately performs the same actions and says “ZAP!” to a new player, passing the energy.
  • The Third Player: The player who received the “ZAP!” performs the actions and says “ZUP!” (or a pre-established variation like “ZOP,” “BOP,” etc.) to yet another player.
  • Continuing the Cycle: The game continues with players repeating the actions and cycling through “ZIP,” “ZAP,” “ZUP” (or the established variations), always passing the energy to a new person.
• Key Principles for Players:
  • Eyes on the Game: When it’s not their turn, students should follow the game with their eyes, listening with 100% focus.
  • Accept and Pass: When it’s their turn, they simply accept the “offer” and pass it on with full energy, hyper-focusing on the next player with eye contact, pointing, and clear diction.
  • Have Fun! Emphasize that mistakes are part of the game and nothing to worry about. Encourage students to laugh them off and stay focused. The goal is to keep the energy high and “explode with energy” when it’s their turn.
  • No Judgment: Reinforce the idea that there’s “no way to go wrong in improv.” Students should suspend judgment, accept everyone, and view perceived “flaws” or mistakes as gifts that contribute to the fun.

Tricks & Variations

Here are some ways teachers can adapt “Zip Zap Zup”:

• Speed Control: Start the game slowly to ensure understanding, then gradually increase the speed as the group becomes more comfortable and responsive.
• Direction Changes: Introduce a special command like “ZIP ZAP” (said by a player when it’s their turn) to reverse the direction of the game.
• Skip a Player: A player can say “ZAP ZAP” when it’s their turn to skip the next person in the circle and send the energy to the person after them.
• Alternative Words: Encourage creativity by allowing students to suggest other three-word sequences (e.g., “Boop Beep Bop”) once they’ve mastered the original.

Benefits

“Zip Zap Zup” offers several key benefits for students:

• Enhances Focus and Presence: Requires players to be intensely present, attentive, and reactive to the flow of the game.
• Boosts Communication and Connection: Promotes clear non-verbal cues (eye contact, pointing) and energetic verbal delivery, building rapport and a shared rhythm within the group.
• Fosters a Lighthearted Atmosphere: The game’s simple rules, energetic pace, and focus on fun over perfection create an enjoyable and low-pressure environment for all ages.
• Builds Energy: It’s an excellent way to quickly raise the energy level of the room and get everyone engaged.
• Encourages Teamwork: By focusing on passing energy and accepting all “offers,” students develop a strong sense of collective responsibility and support.

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