I’ve been meaning to blog about these inflatable resources for quite some time now, the Throw & Tell ™ balls are inflatable resources that wire absolutely fantastic that are not only good for “get to know you” activities, but also for worship, camps, bible study, building trust and more…
One might think that the balls are only for children and youth, but you’d be wrong, the questions are good enough and the throwing around of the ball is a lot of fun, even for those in the older age bracket (they just need to be able to catch). Simply inflate, gather and throw the ball around, when someone calls out “stop” or “time” whoever has the ball will need to check their right or left thumb and answer the question at hand…
Use the balls regularly and people will get used to the concept and answering the questions, they can seem a little frightening at first, but over time people find them to be a lot of fun, I regularly use them at work and ministry.
Purchase from Throw & Tell Balls from:
Group Publishing (US)
Mediacom (Au)
The Throw & Tell Life Application Ball
The Life Application Ball is aimed at younger age groups and is designed to help the group talk about the “lesson” that you might be focusing on, either in bible study, Sunday school, kids club, devotion, camp… It’s probably my least favourite of the collection, as it seems to presume a little too much about what direction you’re taking and doesn’t seem to allow for much deviation.
Questions include “How will you live out the bible point in a friendship?” “sum up the bible point in three words or less,” and sing one line from a song that reminds you of the bible point.”
The Throw & Tell Attention Grabber Ball
The Attention Grabber Ball is also aimed at younger aged groups, but could also be used in older groups of young people if you’re wanting shorter, easier questions. Great as an ice-breaker or just a get to know you activity these questions will have you thinking, sharing, laughing and getting to know each other better.
Questions include “who’s your favourite cartoon character and why?” “make up a new rule foe school,” tell a groaner joke” and describe the pet that you wish you had.”
The Throw & Tell Prayer Ball
I’m yet to grab this ball, as it’s a new one to the line, but this one has 53 prayer prompts and discussion starters including poverty, the sick, the community etc. The discussion starters and prayer options will help you and the young people in your group to talk, pray, share, think, react…
Prayer points include “Ask God to help you cheer up someone that is feeling sad,” “pray for someone who is smaller than you,”tell God how you feel about him,” tell a friend 3 things that you are thankful for.”
The Throw & Tell Storyteller Ball
This ball is one of my favourite’s in the series, full of great sharing opportunities the ball has questions that will encourage people to dig a bit deeper and share stories with each other. I’ve really enjoyed using this ball in my ministry at camps, bible studies, worship, training events… It’s a fantastic tool and a lot of fun to play as well.
Questions include “describe the perfect day in detail,” “tell about a really disappointing event in your life,” “think of a close friend and share one great thing that person has done for you” and “Talk about the scariest thing that has ever happened to you, and tell it in super fast-forward speed.”
The Throw & Tell Icebreakers Ball
This is a fun resource, questions that engage the group in a less structured way and throw at them a series of random get-to-know-you questions. This ball’s questions are slightly easier to answer than the storyteller one, and require a little less thought, but you’ll find they’re still very brilliant questions and will allow your group to talk about things that are a little deeper than “what’s your middle name?”
Questions include “If you had to spend 36 hours in complete solitude, what would you do with your time?” “If your alter ego was a book character who would it be and why?” “what’s one talent you wish you had and how would you use it?” and “what is the greatest invention of the last century?”
