split into 2 teams2 teams

Two fair sides without captains picking

The old way of making two teams, two captains choosing players one at a time, is slow and always leaves the same people standing until the end. This page skips it. The generator opens on Make 2 teams: put the players in the list, press the button, and the names are shuffled and dealt alternately to Team 1 and Team 2. With an even number of players the sides are equal; with an odd number, one side gets one extra player.

When two teams is the right split

• Pickup games. Five-a-side at the park, a basketball run, a volleyball net at the beach.
• Gym class. Dodgeball, tug of war, relay races with two lanes.
• Debates. One team argues for, the other against, and the shuffle decides who defends which side.
• Party games. Charades, drawing games and quiz battles all play best as two teams.

Balancing strong players

A pure shuffle can put the three best players on the same side. If skill matters, draw in tiers: first put only the strongest players in the list and make 2 teams, then do the same with everyone else, and merge Team 1 with Team 1. Each side gets its share of stars and nobody had to be chosen in public.

Odd numbers

With 11 players, one team has 6. You can let the smaller side pick a rotating substitute, swap one player at half time, or give the short-handed team the first possession. To decide who kicks off or which end each side defends, flip a coin.

Need more than two? Try 3 teams or 4 teams. For doubles partners, the random pair generator makes teams of 2.