Peruvian Ball Game
Peruvian Ball Game is an energetic warm-up exercise in which players stand in a circle and pass an imaginary ball using exaggerated sounds and physical gestures specific to each type of throw. Different throws carry different rules for how the ball can be redirected. The exercise builds group energy, physical commitment, and quick decision-making.
Worth Reading
See all books →
Business Improv
Experiential Learning Exercises to Train Employees
Val Gee
Group Improvisation
The Manual of Ensemble Improv Games
Peter Campbell Gwinn; Charna Halpern
Improv Ideas
A Book of Games and Lists
Mary Ann Kelley; Justine Jones
Improvised Theatre and the Autism Spectrum
A Practical Guide
Gary Kramer; Richie Ploesch
Pirate Robot Ninja
An Improv Fable
Billy Merritt; Will Hines
Acting Through Improv
Improv Through Theatresports
Lynda Belt; Rebecca Stockley
Related Exercises
Pass Ball
Pass Ball is a circle warm-up exercise in which players toss a real or imaginary ball around the group while maintaining eye contact with the intended recipient. Additional balls may be introduced to increase complexity. The exercise builds focus, nonverbal communication, and the habit of making clear offers to specific partners.
Word Ball
Word Ball is a circle exercise in which players toss an imaginary ball while calling out a word, and the catcher must immediately respond with an associated word before passing the ball on. The speed prevents overthinking and trains free association skills. The exercise is a staple warm-up for building group energy and verbal spontaneity.
Sound Ball
Sound Ball is a circle exercise in which players toss an imaginary ball around the group, accompanying each throw with a unique vocal sound. The receiver must catch the ball with the same sound before transforming it into a new one for the next throw. The exercise loosens vocal inhibition and trains the habit of fully receiving a partner's offer before adding your own.
Ball Toss
Ball Toss is a circle exercise in which players throw a ball to one another while maintaining eye contact and calling the recipient's name. As the pace increases or multiple balls enter play, the exercise tests group focus and communication under mounting complexity. It is one of the most widely used workshop warm-ups.
Name Volley
Name Volley is a name-learning exercise in which two or more participants pass each other's names back and forth in rapid succession, maintaining a rhythm similar to a volleyball rally. The exercise develops quick name recall, sustained eye contact, and the physical and vocal commitment that comes from treating someone's name as an object in motion.
Pass Catch
Pass Catch is a circle exercise in which players practice giving and receiving an imaginary object with clear physical intention. The passer must communicate the weight, size, and trajectory of the throw, and the catcher must honor those properties. The exercise develops object work precision and the habit of treating every offer as real.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Peruvian Ball Game. Retrieved March 17, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/exercises/peruvian-ball-game
The Improv Archive. "Peruvian Ball Game." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/exercises/peruvian-ball-game.
The Improv Archive. "Peruvian Ball Game." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/exercises/peruvian-ball-game. Accessed March 17, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.