Back-to-Back Pictionary: A Hilarious Icebreaker Activity for Team Building

What is Back-to-Back Pictionary?

Back-to-Back Pictionary is a variation of the classic 'Back to Back Drawing' icebreaker activity. In this version, participants work in pairs, sitting back-to-back. One person (the 'drawer') is given an object or word to draw, while the other person (the 'guesser') must try to guess what the drawing represents. The catch is that the drawer can only use their finger to draw on the other person's back, and the guesser must interpret the drawing based on the sensations they feel.

This activity promotes communication, teamwork, and creativity, as participants must work together to convey and interpret the drawings without seeing them.

Materials needed for Back-to-Back Pictionary

• 2 Pieces of Paper (Per pair)
• 2 Pencil or Pen (Per pair)

How to play Back-to-Back Pictionary

• Pair up participants: Have participants form pairs, ensuring that each pair sits back-to-back.
• Assign roles: Designate one person as the drawer and the other as the guesser.
• Give instructions: Explain that the drawer will use their finger to draw on the guesser's back, while the guesser tries to identify the drawing.
• Start the game: Provide a word or object for the drawer to draw. Set a time limit for the drawing and guessing process.
• Switch roles: After a round, switch the drawer and guesser roles, allowing each participant to experience both sides.
• Continue playing: Repeat steps 4 and 5 for several rounds, encouraging participants to come up with creative drawings and guesses.

Benefits of Back-to-Back Pictionary

Team building activities are far more than just fun and games. They pack a punch when it comes to the range of benefits they can deliver. Some of the benefits of Back-to-Back Pictionary include:

• Improves communication: Back-to-Back Pictionary requires clear communication between the drawer and guesser, enhancing teamwork skills.
• Fosters creativity: Participants must use their imagination to convey drawings without the use of visual cues.
• Promotes problem-solving: Both the drawer and guesser need to think creatively to overcome the challenge of communicating through touch.
• Builds trust: This activity encourages participants to rely on each other and trust their interpretations.

Why we like Back-to-Back Pictionary

We love Back-to-Back Pictionary because it's a fun and interactive way to break the ice and get people laughing. It encourages teamwork, communication, and creativity while also adding an element of surprise and challenge.

Reflection questions for Back-to-Back Pictionary

Reflection questions are a great way to help your team process their experience after playing Back-to-Back Pictionary.

1. What were the challenges you encountered during the activity? This question prompts participants to reflect on the difficulties of communicating through touch and how they overcame them.
2. How did you adapt your communication style? This question encourages participants to consider the different approaches they used to convey their drawings.
3. What strategies did you find effective for understanding the drawings? This question invites participants to share techniques they found helpful in interpreting the drawings.

Which skills does Back-to-Back Pictionary build?

• Communication - Communication skills are essential for icebreakers and team building because they facilitate effective and open dialogue, allowing team members to connect and understand each other better, which leads to improved collaboration and problem-solving.
• Teamwork - Teamwork skills are crucial for icebreakers and team building because they foster effective communication, encourage collaboration, and promote a sense of unity among team members, leading to better problem-solving and increased productivity.
• Creativity - Creativity skills can greatly enhance icebreakers and team building by allowing participants to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions and ideas. This promotes collaboration, boosts morale, and fosters a positive and innovative environment within a team.
• Problem-solving - Problem-solving skills are essential for icebreakers and team building as they help break down barriers, foster creativity, and encourage collaboration, resulting in stronger relationships and more effective problem-solving within the team.