Paper Football: A Classic Game

One of children’s favorite things to do at school is play a game when all of their work is complete.  Many times the game of choice is Chinese Football or Paper Football.  There are many games to play, but football is fun.

Making the Football

There are sites where you can buy paper footballs, but if you are at school most likely you have an 8 ½ x 11 inch piece of paper with you.  Take the piece of paper and place it lengthwise (vertically) in front of you.  Fold the piece of paper in half lengthwise and then unfold it.  Then you either cut or tear the piece of paper in half at the seam.  Now you have two vertical strips of paper.  Place one of the halves lengthwise in front of you and fold it in half vertically.  Next, take the right corner and fold it up and to left, so that the edge is flush with the left side of the strip.  This should look like a triangle.  Continue folding the triangle up until you reach the top, but leave a little extra at the top to fold it into the pocket.  This is to secure the football, so it will not unravel while playing the game.  If you like, you can decorate it, to make it look more like a football.

Rules of the Game

Playing Paper Football is almost the same as American Football.  You need two players sitting opposite of each other at a table.  To determine who will start the game, a coin toss is done.  The winner of the coin toss will begin the game with a “kick off” by holding the ball between his index finger and the table and then flicking it with his opposite hand to the opposite side of the table.  Wherever the ball lands is where the game begins.  Each player is allowed three flicks to try and get a touchdown.  If at any time the ball goes over the edge of the table, the opposite player gets the ball.
To score a touchdown, a player must flick the ball so that some of the football is hanging over the edge of the table.  This gives the player six points just like in American Football.  Once a touchdown is made, that player gets a chance to “kick” a field goal.  A field goal is made by the opposite opponent forming a field goal with his hands, and the winner holding the ball between his index finger and the table and flicking the football between the goal posts.  A field goal is worth one point.
In professional Paper Football, there are more rules, but in school just have fun.
Vic writes about sports and paper football games.  If you are looking for a great site to buy a paper football game, then check out Action Mat Football.