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Paper Football

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Paper Football

Description

Tear a strip from any sheet of paper, fold it into a tight triangle, and take turns flicking it across a table. The other player forms goalposts with their fingers. First to score three goals wins the round. All you need is paper and a table.

What to prep

  • paper
  • table
Cost: FreeBest time: Anytime

Play guide

  1. 1Tear or cut a strip of paper about 3cm wide and 20-25cm long from any sheet of paper.
  2. 2Fold one corner diagonally to the opposite edge, then keep folding the same way until you have a tight triangle with a small flap tucked in. Parent folds the first one and shows the result - it should be a firm, flat triangle about 3-4cm across.
  3. 3Sit at opposite ends of a table. The goalkeeper makes goalposts by touching both thumbs together and raising both forefingers straight up.
  4. 4The kicker places the triangle flat on the table near their edge and flicks it with one finger toward the goalposts. A goal is scored if the triangle passes through the upright fingers without touching them.
  5. 5Take turns kicking and keeping goal. First to score three goals wins the round, then swap roles.

Success signals

Your child successfully flicks the triangle (even if it goes sideways at first) and gets excited when it slides toward the goal. They want to swap roles and try being goalkeeper. They ask for "one more round" after the first finishes.

If it's tricky

The triangle unfolds during flicking: The fold is too loose - refold tighter, tucking the final flap firmly into the pocket. Parent can pre-fold a replacement quickly. Your child can't get the flicking motion right (the triangle goes straight up instead of sliding): Show them to keep their finger almost flat to the table when flicking - a low angle keeps the triangle on the surface. Your child gets frustrated at missing goals: Move the goalposts much closer to start - even halfway across the table - and gradually move them back as their aim improves.