Finger Football Introduction:
Paper football, which goes by various names like FIKI football, finger football, flick football, or tabletop football, is a tabletop game that takes loose inspiration from American football. In this game, two opponents sit across from each other at a table, and they use a small triangular piece of folded paper as the "ball." The objective of the game is to slide this paper "ball" back and forth across the table, trying to score points against your opponent.
This game is particularly popular among students in primary, middle, and high schools in the United States and is often played during free time or as a form of friendly competition.
Gameplay:
The origins of paper football are somewhat disputed, but it gained significant popularity in the early 1970s and was frequently played at churches in Madison, Wisconsin. In fact, the youth group at Grace Baptist Church regularly organized events and competitions around this game, including monthly championships.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how the game is played:
Setting Up: To begin, you need a flat tabletop as the playing surface. Each player takes a turn being the "kicker" or the one who initiates the game.
Creating the Ball: The paper ball, which is the centerpiece of the game, is made by folding a small piece of paper into a triangular shape. The size of the paper and the precision of the folding can vary, but the standard size is a small triangle that's easy to handle.
Kickoff: The game starts with a kickoff. The player designated as the kicker places the paper ball on the table, typically near the center, and suspends it using one hand's index finger at the upper tip of the paper triangle. With the other hand, the player flicks or "kicks" the ball using their thumb and index finger. The objective is to make the paper ball slide smoothly and land on the opponent's side of the table.
Scoring a Touchdown: If the paper ball manages to hang off the edge of the opponent's side of the table without falling off completely, it's considered a "touchdown," and the player who scored earns a point.
Field Goal: After scoring a touchdown, the player who earned the point has the opportunity to make a field goal. To do this, the player flicks the paper ball, once again resembling a kickoff, but this time they aim to pass it through their opponent's "goal post." The goal post is formed by placing both wrists parallel to the table's edge, with the tips of both thumbs touching each other and both index fingers pointing straight upward. Successfully sending the paper ball through the goal post results in earning one additional point.
Final Words:
Continuing the Game: The player who conceded points initiates the next kickoff, and the game continues in this manner, with players taking turns trying to score touchdowns and field goals.
Paper football is a simple yet engaging tabletop game that requires dexterity and strategy. It's often played for fun and is a popular pastime among students, fostering friendly competition and skill development in a casual and enjoyable way.
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