If your backyard is finally set up and you’re ready to enjoy it to the fullest potential, you might be considering your backyard gaming potential. You and your family should be able to spend time outdoors together. If you’re struggling to come up with ideas for what you play as a family, we’ve got you covered.
We’re diving into the world of backyard sports to help you figure out what would be most suitable for you, your kids, family, and friends. We’ll guide you through the history, rules of the games, and all the equipment you’ll need to play.
Cornhole
Cornhole is a game that was created by Heyliger de Windt. When the game initially started, the aim was to throw through a square hole instead of a round hole. His version of the game was somewhat similar to horseshoes, but he was the first to use bean-bags and a slanted board.
De Windt eventually sold the rights to his game where it was marketed as “Faba Baga.” Over time the rules were modernized and changed to adapt to a more suitable way to play. Now we even have an American Cornhole League that is featured on ESPN.
If you want to play a game of cornhole in your backyard, all you need is a few sets of bean bags and two cornhole boards. You can make cornhole boards yourself, but it is easier to buy the premade ones. They come in all different varieties and materials too.
The rules of the game are relatively simple. There are multiple frames of play. During each one, each player throws four bean bags and attempts to get them through the hole in the opposing teams’ board. At no point during the throw is the player allowed to step over the foul line.
Scoring depends on where the bean bag lands. The most points are awarded for getting the bag into the hole, but points can still be given if it falls somewhere on the board. The hole is worth three points while one on the board is worth a single point. Play continues until one team or player reaches 21 points.
Of course, there are some variations on the rules, and you can add in more challenging regulations, such as points being docked or multiplied if a bean bag knocks another bean bag off the board, etc.
Cornhole can be played with doubles, singles, or in a crew format.
Wiffle Ball
Wiffle ball is meant to be played like a downsized version of baseball. In 1953, David Mullany designed a new type of ball for his son. This new ball was lightweight and curvable so that he and his friends had a better chance of hitting it. The ball made a “whiffing” sound when struck, hence the name, Wiffle ball.
Wiffle ball is incredibly popular, and there are even world championship tournaments for the sport and those most passionate about it. It is straightforward to play, and you only need a small amount of equipment to make it work. You’ll need a triangular area with different zones for scoring. You’ll also need a Wiffle ball and a Wiffle bat.
The rules of Wiffle Ball are very similar to baseball as the game is based on it. The object is to hit the ball into designated scoring zones so you can move ahead to each base. Hitting past the farthest zone is considered a home run. You have to run past the final base to score a run for your time.
One of the main differences between Wiffle ball and baseball is that you aren’t allowed to steal bases. You should also agree upon the number of innings you want to play before each game begins. The usual amount is six.
Find some best wiffle ball set here.
Bocce Ball
Many believe that Bocce ball dates back to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Except back then they may have played with a rock instead of an official Bocce ball. The Bocce we know today originated in France and Italy. The word “bocce” comes from the Italian word, “boccia,” meaning “ball.”
The rules of Bocce can be somewhat complicated to learn initially, but once you understand the fundamentals, it becomes an engaging and fun game to play.
Bocce ball consists of eight balls and a smaller object ball known as the pallina. Each team has four balls. You should be sure to purchase at least two sets of balls in different colors so that the teams will know which balls belong to which group.
The game begins by rolling the pallina to a member of the team (you can decide who starts with something as simple as a coin toss). The object of the first pallina throw is to get the ball in play on the court. Then each team will take turns throwing their Bocce balls towards the pallina. The nearest ball is awarded the most points.
The first team that reaches 16 points is declared the winner. You should only throw the balls underhanded, and you need to be sure you heed the foul lines, so no one is throwing from an unfair distance advantage.
Discover some of the best bocce ball set here.
Lawn Twister
The game of Twister has been around for a while. Initially, it wasn’t called Twister but Pretzel. It was based on a project Reyn Guyer was working on in promotion for a shoe polish company. Guyer created a polka dot paper mat and decided it would be better as a game. He and his office workers tested it out, and then the Milton Bradley Company took the idea and made it into their own.
It can be challenging to play a game of Twister outdoors. Keeping the plastic mat in place while you have kids (or adults) trampling across it may make it slide across the grass. However, you can make a Twister board in the grass by using spray paint.
To ensure you’re making perfect circles, you can use a piece of cardboard with a circle cut out to outline each spot. You will need four different colors of spray paint. If you want to ensure the paint will wash off your lawn, it is recommended you use contractors marking spray.
The rules are the same as the board game. You will need to get a spinner or make one yourself. Whatever color and body part you land on must be followed. If the board lands on the right hand and the color red, you must put your right hand on the color red, and so on. The first player who falls loses.
Croquet
Croquet caught on in the United States during the 1960s. Before that, it was often played in England. Although the beginning origins of croquet are a little difficult to trace, it was initially viewed as a woman’s game. Nowadays, it is played by many people of all genders, and there are several national tournaments and competitions held annually.
Before you can begin playing croquet, you will need to own the proper equipment. You’ll have to get the ball, mallets, and wickets (the hoops you will aim the balls through). Typically you can buy these items in specialized sets.
There are different versions of croquet, but the most popular one people play by is golf croquet rules. There are four balls in different colors. You must play in the order of blue, red, black, then yellow. You cannot move the hoops on the field to alter the gameplay.
The first person who goes is the striker. They strike the blue ball to start the game. The goal is to try and get the ball through each hoop. To score a point, the ball must run through the hoop in the right direction. It is similar to golf except instead of trying to get the ball into a hole; you’re trying to hit it through a hoop with your mallet.
As you can see, there are tons of games you can add to your backyard with relative ease. Most backyard games don’t require much construction at all. You’ll need to purchase the proper equipment and make sure you have the right amount of people to play with, and you’ll be all set.
If none of the games here are of much interest to you, there are plenty of others available such as life-size Jenga, outdoor Yahtzee, bean bag and horseshoe tosses, capture the flag, rugby, flag football, games with rebounder, and more. If you have a pool in your backyard, then you’ll open the door for even more fun activities.
Another great area for games is concrete. If you buy some simple sidewalk chalk, you can create four-square areas, hopscotch, and more! You’d be surprised how much fun a box of chalk can be.
Having a backyard is an excellent way to encourage your family and your children to go outdoors and play. Adding in the right equipment to play games will make your yard a hotspot.