How to Organize a Turkey Bowl Football Game

The more people you have playing, the more space you'll need. Most families have their turkey bowls in their backyards—but even if you don't have a big backyard, you can still organize a game! Look around for a park or vacant lot within walking distance of the house where everyone will be gathered for Thanksgiving.^[2]

• You don't need a huge area to play with 8 to 10 people. Even if you have larger teams, the field still doesn't need to be as big as a regulation football field.
• A total length of 6 to 10 yards is usually plenty. Take into account the age and fitness level of the people playing as well.

Silly team names and mascots can make the game even more fun. Encourage everyone to get into the spirit of the game. You can get as serious about "team spirit" as you like—some people even create cheers and fight songs.^[3]

• If you get really into it, you could even make T-shirts for each of the teams.

Backyard touch or flag football kits are usually less than $100. You might want to skip this if you've already got a football and some cones or other markers you can use to mark the field boundaries. But if you're planning on playing every year, a kit is a worthwhile investment.^[4]

• Some kits are more expansive than others, but most at least include a football and some cones to mark the boundaries of the playing area. More expensive kits have flag belts (for flag football) or mesh jerseys for players to wear over their clothes to distinguish teams, which you probably won't need for a game you play once a year.
• You don't even have to use a football if you don't want to. A different ball gives your game a distinct vibe and makes it wholly yours.

Passing around a trophy from year to year is a fun tradition. It doesn't have to be super fancy—a foam football glued to a vase and spray-painted gold will work (and only set you back a few bucks). You don't have to go football-related, either. Hunt online or at thrift stores for a cheap lawn statute or centerpiece you can paint to look like a trophy. It's unique and will come into a life of its own as it's traded through your family.^[5]

• You could also have a prize for the winner. For example, you might have each player pitch in $5 and then combine the money to buy a gift card for the prize.

Circulate the rules before the game so everybody's on the same page.^[6] You'll usually follow a simplified version of regular football rules, with the offense getting 4 chances or downs to get the ball to the other team's end zone. Touchdowns can be 7 points since there's no kicking.^[7]

• Instead of playing for a set period of time, choose a score you're going to play to—21 (3 touchdowns) is good.
• The defense typically counts out loud 3-5 "Mississippi's" after the ball is snapped before they rush the quarterback.^[8]

Use orange cones or similar markers for the corners. Measure the total length of the field, then mark the center. Mark the end zone for each team an equal distance from the center.^[9]

• If you're using other markers for the corners of the field, make sure they're not something someone could easily get hurt on if they ran into them.

Get somebody not playing to flip the coin for you. Pick a representative from each team to call the coin toss. The winner chooses whether their team will start at offense or defense.^[10]

• Any old coin will do, but if you have a special collectible coin, that might add a nice touch.

Use a cone or flag to mark your line of scrimmage. The person playing center snaps the ball back to the quarterback and the game is on! The defense counts down, giving the quarterback a fair shot to pass the ball before they come after them.^[11]

• Continue to play following basic football rules, but don't get too technical. If after 4 downs the offense hasn't scored, the other team gets the ball at the last line of scrimmage.

Let everyone have a chance to participate and have fun. If you're the quarterback, don't always throw the ball to the person in peak physical condition—give your other teammates a chance. Compliment everyone for good plays, regardless of which team they're on. Remember that your ultimate goal (apart from winning and wiping that smirk off your cousin's face) is to have fun.^[12]

• Take a time-out to cool off if things are starting to get heated or people are getting too physical. Around a thousand Americans end up in the emergency room from a turkey bowl-related injury, and you don't want to be one of them.^[13]