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Nicofiends activity

Power Play

A passing game where teams are offered quicker ways to score, then discover the catch after they have made their choice.

What it explores

Power Play explores tempting offers, missing information and quick decisions. Teams begin with a simple passing game. They are then offered an easier way to score, but the full rule is only revealed after they accept. A second offer raises the stakes and gives players another chance to decide.
Time
15 to 20 mins
Age
Ages 8 to 18
Setting
Sports Clubs, Youth group, Community setting
Group size
4 to 16 players

Activity at a glance

Best for

Tempting offers, hidden catches, quick decisions and spotting when important information has been left out.

You’ll need

Ball Cones Bibs

Key message

Something can sound appealing when you only hear the good part. Getting the full picture can change your choice.

How to run it

  1. Mark out a small playing area and split players into two teams.
  2. Players pass and move within the area. Defenders can intercept but should not tackle.
  3. Round 1: Five completed team passes score one point. Play briefly so everyone understands the game.
  4. Round 2: Offer teams a Power Play. Three passes can score one point. Ask whether they want to accept.
  5. Once they accept, reveal the catch. If they lose possession before completing three passes, the other team scores one point.
  6. Let each team use the offer once.
  7. Round 3: Offer another Power Play. This time, two passes can score one point.
  8. Once they accept, reveal the new catch. If they lose possession before completing two passes, the other team scores two points.
  9. Finish with one short final round

Discussion prompts

  • Why was the quicker option tempting?

  • Did knowing there was a catch make you more cautious the next time?

  • Did the first Power Play change how you thought about the second offer?

  • Would you rather hear the full rules before making your choice?

  • What made the offer sound appealing before you knew everything?

Reflection

The Power Plays offered a quicker route to scoring, but players did not hear the full rule until after making their choice.

The second offer gave them another decision to make after experiencing the first catch.

Sometimes an offer can sound very different once the missing information is revealed.

Download printable materials

Link To Smoking, Vaping or Nicotine

Messages about smoking, vaping or nicotine products can focus on what sounds appealing and leave other information out.

Someone might hear about fitting in, feeling confident, flavours or what friends are doing without hearing as much about nicotine dependence or how difficult stopping can become.

Power Play gives young people a simple way to experience what it feels like to make a choice before knowing the full story.

Adapting the activity

Make it Easier

Use four passes during normal play and three passes for the first Power Play.

Make the playing area larger or give players more time on the ball.

Make it Harder

Give teams five seconds to accept or refuse each offer.

Make the playing area slightly smaller or increase defensive pressure through interceptions.

Safety Note

Keep the game non contact.

Use clear playing boundaries and a ball suitable for the age and confidence of the group.

Defenders can intercept passes but should not tackle, grab or make physical contact.

Adapt space, movement and player roles so everyone can take part.

Keep discussion general and do not ask young people to disclose personal nicotine use.

Ready to Run The Acitvity

Download the activity PDF or go back to the resource hub to find another activity.

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