Is it on your bucket list to break a world record? Perhaps you want to achieve something new, or it’s a New Year’s resolution for you. Whatever the reason, there’s nothing stopping you from at least attempting to break a world record in 2020 – what a year to do it in too. 

You only have to open one page of the Guinness World Records book to see the many weird and wonderful things that people do to break a record and a quick search of the internet; you’ll come across tons of ideas all over the place. Even on the Cheshire Vehicle Supplies blog page lists the record of how man how many humans can you fit into a Ford Transit? In 1965, 48 students from Barking College near London crammed themselves into a Ford Transit and got a world record for it. So, you see, if you’re not sure what you would want to do, you can find ideas, examples and inspiration everywhere. But why not start here with this list?

Most tennis balls held in one hand

Who said they had to be sensible? This one could be something you practise for the next 11 months. The current record is 26 tennis balls though, so it’s quite a lot, and the rules are that the tennis balls must be placed one at a time with the spare hand, and all the balls must remain in place for a minimum of five seconds once the last ball has been put in position. Just also make sure there’s no dog around as they can be very distracting when it comes to tennis balls. 

Most circles around the leg with a basketball in 30 seconds

The current record for this is 68, and the rules say that you may use a standard size football or basketball, and any drops of the ball during the attempt will disqualify you.

Fastest time to type the alphabet backwards on an iPad

While this is currently under review, the record it potentially just 2 seconds. The rules say that it must be attempted on an unmodified iPad with official firmware, and it may be typed uppercase or lowercase with no errors in between.

Fastest time to drink 500ml of water

The current record for drinking 500ml of water is 2.35 seconds, so if you know you’re really good at downing pints, then perhaps you can beat this? You must use clear glass, and no spillages are allowed. 

Most pushups with claps in one minute

77 is the current record, and the rules say that you can’t bend your knees or waist, and your body must be lowered into a 90-degree angle each time. 

Fastest time to assemble Mr. Potato Head while blindfolded

Currently, the record is 16.17 seconds. Think you can beat that? The rules say you must only use your hands, and you have to attach all included accessories in their proper, anatomically correct positions. If you don’t already have a Mr. Potato Head, then perhaps it’s time to get one so you can get practising.