Guide: How to Play Paper Football

Even if you're not a football enthusiast, paper football can be a fun activity to enjoy with friends, classmates, or colleagues. You have the freedom to determine the level of intensity of the game and get creative with your playing field setup.

Choose a suitable flat surface for the game. Ensure it's smooth to avoid any disruptions during gameplay. The size of the playing field will vary depending on the location. Whether it's a school desk or a conference table, the length and complexity of the game will differ accordingly.

Construct goal posts. Goal posts are essential for attempting field goals. Decide whether to create physical goal posts using materials or use finger goal posts.

• For finger goal posts, place your thumbs horizontally and connect the tips. Point both index fingers upwards to determine the height of the goal posts on the field.
• To make physical goal posts, bend two straws and tape them together to form a “U” shape. Cut a small X incision in the bottom of a paper cup. Insert the firm end of another straw into the hole and tape it in place. Wrap the bent part of the straw around the base of the “U” made from the first two straws, and tape it. Now you have a field goal you can place wherever needed.

Create a scoreboard. Keeping score adds competitiveness and fun to the game. Use notebook or construction paper to track scores.

• Draw a vertical line down the center and a horizontal line at the top to create a T. Write each player or team's name at the top of each column. Tally points throughout the game in the respective columns.
• Determine the winning condition, whether it's reaching 35 points first or having the most points after 15 minutes. Adjust as desired.

Advance the ball down the field. Each player aims to move the football to their opponent's side within the allotted attempts.

• To move the ball, position it on your side with one corner slightly off the edge. Then flick the hanging corner with your index finger. For subsequent attempts, lightly tap it forward with your index and middle fingers.
• Flip a coin to determine who starts.

Score a touchdown. Once the football reaches your opponent's side within the attempts, it's touchdown territory.

• A touchdown traditionally earns 6 points, but for simplicity, consider each touchdown as 1 point.
• To confirm a touchdown, check if any part of the football hangs over the edge. Bend down to view the underside of the surface and the football to ensure it crosses the edge.

Score a field goal. After scoring a touchdown, you have the opportunity to score extra points by kicking a field goal. Position the goal posts on your opponent's side of the field and attempt to kick the football between them.

• To kick, place the football vertically on the surface and hold it steady with one finger. When ready, flick the football with your free finger towards the goal posts.

Create a football from an 8 ½” by 11” sheet of paper. Fold the paper in half lengthwise and cut along the fold to create two half sheets. Use standard or colored paper for a personalized touch.

Fold one half sheet lengthwise. After folding, ensure the paper is vertical with the opening on the right. One half sheet is sufficient for one football. Secure the edges with tape or glue for added durability.

• If desired, add tape or glue along the edges for extra reinforcement.

Form a triangular shape at the bottom. Fold the bottom right corner upwards to create a triangle. Repeat until only one fold remains, then tuck the remaining corner into the folds to complete the triangle shape.

• For added realism, draw black lines to resemble stitching on a real football.