Football is one of the most popular organized team sports in America, but for kids who are just out at the park for a good time, putting on pads and helmets for a full game may not be realistic. Many other football games can provide hours of enjoyment when kids are getting together to run around and have fun.
Touch Football
A more leisurely and casual form of competitive football, touch football gives kids the opportunity to get out on the field and use the same skills and plays used in regular football, but without the bulky equipment and complicated rules. In touch football, rather than tackling, players just have to touch the person with the ball in order to end the play. Not only does this make playing easier, it makes it safer and can help avoid injuries. In many cases, the rules on downs are modified for touch football, since running plays are less frequent. For example, instead of having to advance the ball 10 yards in order to gain a new set of downs, teams might be required to throw two completed passes past the line of scrimmage for a first down. Backyard touch football rules can usually be made up on the fly, making it a flexible and fun game for everyone.
Flag Football
For a little more challenge, flag football is another game option for kids. In flag football, players wear a fabric belt around their waist, with two flags on either side attached to the belt with Velcro or another adhesive material. Instead of tackling, defensive players attempt to strip a flag away from the player with the ball in order to stop the play. For kids without access to flag football belts and flags, colored scarves or handkerchiefs tucked into the pockets or sides of the shorts can work just as well. Like touch football, flag football is relatively relaxed in terms of rules, and teams can determine their own rules for downs, scoring and other aspects of the game.
Punt, Pass and Kick
Punt, pass and kick is a skills competition that tests various football abilities and can be done by any number of kids. Points are awarded according to the distance kids are able to pass, punt and kick the football. The competitor with the best all-around score is declared the winner. Winners can also be declared for the best score in each individual competition. The National Football League even holds a nationwide punt, pass and kick competition for kids ages 8 to 15.
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