The object of this Minute to Win It game is to roll hula hoops across the floor so that they end up around soda bottles. This game is played in pairs on the show, but it's easy enough to change it to an individual game if you'd rather play it that way.
The Goal
Seven full soda bottles are placed on the floor with enough space around them that they can be "ringed" by hula hoops. Your job is to roll the hula hoops from a specified distance and get them to land so that they're ringing some of the soda bottles. This game isn't really all that tricky, and if you're playing has half a team you've got a pretty good shot at winning it. If you're using this one as part of a Minute to Win It party or actual competition, it's a good game to use early on as most people will be able to beat it.
Equipment Needed
The other nice thing about this game is that it doesn't take much equipment to play. And hey, you can use the soda later as refreshments. Here's what you need to set up and play Hoop de Loop:
- Six full 2-liter soda bottles
- A number of hula hoops
- Masking tape, chalk, or string to mark a foul line
- A one-minute timer
Hula hoops can usually be found at a dollar store or discount toy store - don't spend a lot of money on these unless you think you'll get a lot of use out of them in the future.
How to Play
Before you jump in and play there's just a bit of setup required. Place the soda bottles, with enough space between them for hula hoops to rest comfortably around them, in two rows. One row is meant for each player on a team - if you're playing individually you can use three bottles, or leave all six out to make the game a bit easier. Using masking tape, chalk, or a line of string, mark a foul line at whatever distance you're comfortable with. This is the line that players will have to stand behind to roll the hula hoops. (The official rules don't state what this distance is, so practice with the hoops a few times to see what works best.)
When you're ready to play, place the hula hoops between the two players (or beside a single player). Start the one-minute timer. Players then begin rolling the hoops, one at a time, trying to get them to land so that they circle the soda bottles. Three successful ringers wins the game.
The Rules
There's enough leeway in the official rules for Hoop de Loop that you're pretty free to make up your own. There are two things to remember though:
- Players must stay behind the foul line. If one of them steps over, the game is done.
- You can only roll one hula hoop at a time.
It's suggested that you use backspin to roll the hoops, though the players on the actual show didn't hold fast to this rule. Try it out and see if you want to incorporate it.
Tips and Tricks
One general tip for this game: Don't play on grass. It's just really difficult to aim rolling plastic hoops on that kind of surface. Carpet can be tricky too.
The blueprint with video instructions for this game can be found at NBC.com.
