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Nicofiends activity

Pressure Shot

A target game where players choose their own level of challenge, even when teammates are shouting advice.

What it explores

This game explores how other people’s voices can affect a choice.Players choose between targets worth different numbers of points. Teammates can encourage them, but the final decision belongs to the player.A second round gives players the chance to choose before anyone else speaks, helping the group compare independent choice with choices made under pressure.
Time
10 to 15 mins
Age
Ages 8 to 18
Setting
Sports Clubs, Youth group, Community setting
Group size
3 to 24 players

Activity at a glance

Best for

Peer pressure, confidence, proving yourself and recognising when encouragement becomes pressure.

You’ll need

Cones, balls and space for three targets.
printable materials

Key message

Good teammates can encourage someone without taking over their choice. You do not have to choose the hardest option just to prove yourself.

How to run it

  1. Set up three target zones:
  2. 1-point target: close and easier.
  3. 2-point target: further away or slightly harder.
  4. 3-point target: the most difficult.
  5. Players can kick, throw, pass or shoot a ball into the target.
  6. Split players into teams. One player takes a shot at a time.
  7. During the first round, teammates can encourage the player and suggest which target they should choose.
  8. Keep all comments positive. Do not allow mocking or comments calling someone boring, weak or scared.
  9. The player chooses a target.
  10. If they hit it, they score the points shown. If they miss, they score no points.
  11. Continue until everyone has taken one turn.
  12. Play a second round.
  13. This time, each player must point to their chosen target before their teammates can speak.
  14. Once the player has chosen, the team can encourage them, but they cannot try to change their choice.
  15. Count the points from both rounds.

Discussion prompts

  • Did the team’s shouting change anyone’s choice?
  • What was the difference between encouragement and pressure?
  • Was it easier to choose before other people spoke?
  • Did anyone choose a harder target to prove something?
  • How can teammates support someone without pushing them?

Reflection

Encouragement helps someone feel supported. Pressure tries to change their decision or makes them feel bad for choosing differently.

The second round gives players space to decide before the group reacts. This can make it easier to choose what feels right for them.

Link To Smoking, Vaping or Nicotine

Pressure is not always nasty or obvious. It can sound like encouragement, teasing, banter or someone saying, “go on, just do it”.

In the game, players had to decide whether to follow the loudest voices or make their own choice.

The same type of pressure can happen around cigarettes, vapes or nicotine products. Someone does not need to prove anything by joining in.

Adapting the activity

Make it Easier

Make the 3-point target larger or move it closer.

Let players practise each target before the scored round.

Give players more time to choose.

Make it Harder

Make the 3-point target smaller or move it further away.

Give players three seconds to choose their target.

Add a third round where teammates can only use supportive comments and cannot name a target.

Safety Note

Use equipment and distances suitable for the age and ability of the group.

Keep players behind a marked waiting line until it is their turn.

Stop comments that shame, mock or embarrass another player.

Keep the discussion general and do not ask young people to share personal experiences of smoking, vaping or nicotine.

Ready to Run The Acitvity

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