Zip Zap Zop: Rules for the Drama Warm-Up Circle Game

Zip zap zop is a quick circle game that drama teachers, improv groups and youth leaders use as a warm-up. Players pass an imaginary bolt of energy around the circle by pointing at each other and saying “zip”, “zap” and “zop” in order. It sounds easy, but as the speed goes up, people start saying the wrong word or freezing, and that is where the laughter comes from. It needs no equipment and takes only a few minutes.

What you need

• About 6 to 20 players. Bigger groups can split into two circles.
• Enough space to stand in a circle where everyone can see everyone else.
• A fair way to choose who starts, such as the random name picker.

How to play

1. Everyone stands in a circle, facing inward.
2. The first player claps their hands together, points them at another player in the circle, makes eye contact and says “zip”.
3. That player then points at someone else and says “zap”.
4. The next player points at someone and says “zop”.
5. The pattern repeats: zip, zap, zop, zip, zap, zop, as fast as the group can manage.
6. A player who says the wrong word, hesitates too long or points at nobody in particular has made a slip.

What happens after a slip depends on the group. In a warm-up, the player who slipped simply starts a new round, and nobody is out. In a competitive version, that player sits down, and the game goes on until only two or three players are left. Many drama teachers prefer the no-elimination version, because the point is to get everyone focused and relaxed, not to leave people sitting out.

A fair random starter

Who starts does not change much, but it is nice to pass the job around. Let the random name picker choose the first player, or use a random number generator to pick a number and count round the circle. After a slip, the player who slipped can start the next round, which keeps things moving.

How long until a mistake?

How many passes can a group make before someone slips? It depends mostly on how often each player makes a mistake. The table below is a simple estimate that assumes each pass has the same small chance of a slip. “Slip” is the chance of a mistake on a single pass, “Avg” is the average number of passes before the first slip, “Half” is the number of passes by which half of all rounds have ended, and “20+” is the chance of making at least 20 passes in a row without a slip.

So a calm group that slips on about 1 pass in 20 gets past 20 passes only about a third of the time. When the leader speeds things up, the chance of a slip goes up, and rounds get much shorter. Real groups also get better as they warm up, so these numbers are a rough guide, not a prediction.

Warm-up tips

• Start slowly. Let the group get the pattern right before you speed up.
• Insist on eye contact and a clear point, so everyone knows who has the energy.
• Celebrate slips with a laugh or a cheer. A relaxed group plays better.
• Set a group goal, such as 30 passes without a slip, instead of putting people out.
• Keep it short. Two to five minutes is enough as a warm-up.

Variations

• Zip zap boing: a player can say “boing” and hold their hands up to send the energy back to the player who passed it.
• Other words: use “bibbity, bobbity, boo” or three words from a lesson.
• Silent version: pass the energy with a clap and a point, and no words at all.
• Two energies: start a second zip on the other side of the circle once the group is confident.
• Name zip: say the name of the player you point at instead of “zip”, which helps a new group learn names.

For more circle games, try telephone, hot potato or Simon says. Our list of classroom games has more ideas you can pick at random.

FAQ

How do you play zip zap zop?

Players stand in a circle. The first player points at someone and says “zip”, that player points at another and says “zap”, the next says “zop”, and the pattern repeats as fast as possible. A wrong word or a long pause is a slip.

What is the point of zip zap zop?

It is a warm-up for drama and improv. It helps players focus, react quickly, make eye contact and stop worrying about mistakes.

Are players out in zip zap zop?

It depends on the group. In most warm-ups nobody is out and the game just restarts. In a competitive version, players who slip sit down.

How many people do you need for zip zap zop?

At least five or six. It works best with about 8 to 15 players.

Who goes first in zip zap zop?

Anyone can. A name picker is a fair way to choose, and after a slip the player who slipped can start again.