You can take the title of this Minute to Win It game literally. Your task is to keep two feathers in the air with only your breath for one full minute.
The Goal
Keep your head up, eyes open, and a steady stream of air coming through your mouth as you attempt to keep two feathers airborne for a full sixty seconds. The game's premise is deceptively simple. This is a really difficult game to complete.
Equipment Needed
The only equipment you really need in order to play this game is a couple of craft feathers. Choose feathers (which you can buy at any craft store or even the nearest dollar store) that are light and fluffy, not the heavy quill-like feathers. The game is hard enough without making it even more difficult! Of course you'll also need a stop watch or other timer as you do with all of these games.
If you wish, you can also mark out a play zone using duct tape or masking tape, or, if you're playing outdoors, use chalk. Make the play zone large enough to allow some moving room but small enough to keep things challenging. If you go this route, players will have to stay within the play zone while keeping their feathers in the air. If you like playing Minute to Win It games by the book then this is the best way to do it. On the actual show, players must stay within the playing boundaries.
How to Play
There's no setup required at all. The player holds the two feathers, and when the timer begins he or she releases them in the air and begins blowing on them to keep them off the floor. Keep both feathers from hitting the ground (or floating outside the play zone) for a full minute and you win the game.
The Rules
The rules for Keep it Up are fairly obvious:
- You can't touch the feathers with any body part
- You must keep both feathers in the air for the whole minute
- If you're using a play zone, you and the feathers must stay within those boundaries for the duration of the game
Tips and Tricks
There's no way around it - this is a difficult game. Try to synch the feathers so that they're not both coming at you at the same time, and don't blow so hard that you'll be gasping for breath after fifteen seconds have passed. There's also some neck strain here, especially if you play for consecutive games. Take it easy and give yourself a break between rounds.
Note: Make sure that you have enough room to play this game safely. Players will be looking up, so there's potential for an accident. Move all furniture and objects away from the play space and stay safe.
The blueprint with video instructions for this game can be found at NBC.com.
Variations
For younger players or those who are really struggling, make the game much easier by using only one feather. You'll actually be surprised at how hard it can be even with a single feather to keep in the air!
You can turn this into a themed or holiday game by using seasonal or holiday colors for your feathers. Mark off the play zone with colored or patterned flags to be even more festive.
Change things up by using a battery operated personal fan instead of your breath. If this proves to be too easy, add another feather or two into the mix.
