Over the years, backyard football has become a staple in America. For many families, a Thanksgiving Day game in the back yard is even a yearly tradition. Rules, though, can vary from yard to yard. But one thing is for certain: Backyard football is fun for all ages, no matter what rules you play by.
Choosing Teams
To start, two captains are chosen. Each captain chooses one player at a time from the available pool of players. If there is an odd number of players, it's normal for one player to be "all-time quarterback" and play quarterback for both teams, or the odd lad or lady out will be a substitute when someone on either team needs a breather.
To Tackle or Not to Tackle
If you play tackle, you have to take the ball carrier all the way down to the ground. Tackle football with no pads can lead to some bumps and bruises, so be careful out there. Two-hand touch is another option. The defensive player has to get both hands on the ball carrier at the same time in order for that player to be "tackled."
Offense
The offense gets the ball after kickoff. Depending on the length of the field, kickoffs consist of an actual kick, a punt or a throw. Everyone on offense except the quarterback usually runs a pass pattern. Typically, though, if there are eight or more players, six will go out for a pass and the rest will block for the quarterback.
To start a play, the quarterback usually gets the ball in shotgun formation, or a few yards away from the line of scrimmage. Sometimes a teammate will snap the ball to him, or the quarterback will hold the ball and say "hike." In most pickup games, the quarterback can run the ball once every four downs and also when the defense rushes.
There are a few options for gaining first downs, too. Sometimes, the offense will get four chances to complete two passes. The second completion gives the offense a new set of downs. It's also common to use a spot on the field, such as midfield, as the point to reach for a new set of downs. On short fields, the offense might get four plays to score a touchdown, or they turn the ball over.
Touchdowns typically follow the scoring system in organized football--six points for a touchdown and either one or two points for the conversion following the touchdown. The team that got scored on always walks to the other end of the field for the ensuing kickoff.
Defense
Defense usually plays man-to-man, which means each defensive player matches straight up with an offensive player. Rushing the quarterback is another element. Normally, the defense gets one "blitz" per every four downs. That means they can rush the quarterback as soon as the play starts. On non-blitzing plays, the defensive players usually have to count to five or seven "Mississippi" before rushing the quarterback. If the defense gets an interception or a fumble, they get the ball at that point on the field.
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