US20200306607A1

US20200306607A1 - Throwing and kicking game for indoor and outdoor play

Info

Publication number: US20200306607A1
Application number: US16/829,926
Authority: US
Inventors: Chad A. Larsen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-03-27
Filing date: 2020-03-25
Publication date: 2020-10-01

Abstract

A throwing and/or kicking game is described, with a ball or projectile being thrown at a board having a plurality of voids cut therethrough. At least one of the voids may allow a player to gain yards, at least one void may allow a player to lose yards, and at least one void may allow a player to lose possession of the ball to a second player. Additionally, one or more throwing stations located at varying distances from the game board may be provided such that a throwing station farther from the game board allows a player to earn more yardage than a throwing station closer to the game board. A scorecard is also provided to track yardage gained, downs, score, possessions, and quarters of the game.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application 62/824,915, filed Mar. 27, 2019, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a kicking or throwing which may be played outdoors or indoors. More specifically, the present invention relates to a new game which allows players to throw a ball towards a target and earn points for their team.

BACKGROUND

American football is a popular sport, both for spectators and for players. Many games (for example, NFL and college-level games) attract numerous spectators. One drawback of the game may be the field required to play the game, which is over 100 yards long and has erected on each end large goal posts. Some recreational players may desire to play the game without having access to a football field. Thus, there is a need for a kicking and/or throwing game to allow recreational players to enjoy some of their favorite rules and play of football without having access to a football field.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Herein is described a system for playing a game comprising: a game board configured to be mounted to a framework and a net attached thereto, the game board having a plurality of voids there in for receiving a ball, at least one of the plurality of voids to allow a player to gain yards, at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the player to lose yards, and at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the player to lose possession of the ball to a second player on an opposing team; a net for attachment to the game board such that the net may receive the ball that passes through at least one of the plurality of voids; and a scorecard comprised of a quarter-tracking section, a down-tracking section, a possession-tracking section, a score-tracking section, and a yardage-tracking section.
According to one aspect, the yardage-tracking section of the scorecard is comprised of ball marker section to mark the position of the ball on the field and a first down marker section to track the yardage needed to earn a first down.
According to another aspect, the at least one of the plurality of voids to allow a player to gain yards has a smaller diameter than the at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the player to lose possession of the ball to the second player on the opposing team.
The system may further comprise instruction information concerning the playing of the game. The instruction information may further comprise scoring information, and in some configurations scoring is achieved only by moving a yardage-tracker within the yardage-tracking section of the scorecard past a goal line.
According to another aspect, a method of playing a game is described, the method comprising: selecting a game board, the game board having a plurality of voids there in for receiving a ball, at least one of the plurality of voids to allow a player to gain yards, at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the player to lose yards, and at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the player to lose possession of the ball to a second player; selecting a distance from the game board, wherein the distance from the game board determines the amount of yards gained when the ball passes through at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the player to gain yards; and throwing the ball at the game board.
The method may further comprise the step of keeping track of yardage earned via a scorecard, the scorecard comprising a yardage-tracking section. In some aspects, the method may further comprise the step of keeping track of a quarter of the game via the scorecard, keeping track of a down of a possession via the scorecard, keeping track of the possession via the scorecard, and keeping track of a score via the scorecard, the scorecard comprising a quarter-tracking section, a down-tracking section, a possession-tracking section, and a score-tracking section.
In some configurations, the method of playing the game may include the step of marking positions for at least a first throwing station and a second throwing station, and wherein the step of selecting a distance from the game board comprises selecting at least one of a first throwing station and a second throwing station. In some methods of play, additional yardage may be gained by throwing the ball from a throwing station located at a farther distance from the game board.
In some configurations, additional throwing stations may be provided, for example, the step of marking positions may comprise marking positions for at least a first throwing station, a second throwing station, a third throwing station, and a fourth throwing station.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate what are currently considered to be specific representative configurations for carrying out the invention and are not limiting as to embodiments which may be made in accordance with the present invention. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

The drawings are illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims. The various elements of the invention accomplish various aspects and objects of the invention. Not every element of the invention can be clearly displayed in a single drawing, and as such not every drawing shows each element of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a view of one type of game board that may be used to play the game described herein.

FIG. 2 is a view of one type of scorecard that may be used in play the game described herein.

FIG. 3 is a view of another scorecard that may be used in play the game described herein.

FIG. 4 is a view of the scorecard of FIG. 3 with scorecard markers placed thereon.

FIG. 5 is a view of a game board as it may be placed on a framework and with a net connected thereto.

FIG. 6 is another view of the game board of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is another view of the game board of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following provides a detailed description of particular embodiments of the present invention. Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the various elements of the illustrated configurations will be given numerical designations and in which the invention will be discussed so as to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is to be understood that the following description is only exemplary of the principles of the present invention, and should not be viewed as narrowing the scope of the claims which follow, which claims define the full scope of the invention.
It will be appreciated that various aspects discussed in one drawing may be present and/or used in conjunction with the embodiment shown in another drawing, and each element shown in multiple drawings may be discussed only once. For example, in some cases, detailed description of well-known items or repeated description of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. The reason is to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art by avoiding the following description from being unnecessarily redundant. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided in order for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and these are not intended to limit the gist disclosed in the scope of claims.
It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
Reference in the specification to “one configuration” “one embodiment,” “a configuration” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the configuration is included in at least one configuration, but is not a requirement that such feature, structure or characteristic be present in any particular configuration unless expressly set forth in the claims as being present. The appearances of the phrase “in one configuration” in various places may not necessarily limit the inclusion of a particular element of the invention to a single configuration, rather the element may be included in other or all configurations discussed herein.
Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of configurations of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more configurations. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of products or manufacturing techniques that may be used, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that configurations of the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
The present disclosure is not limited to any particular structures, process steps, or materials discussed or disclosed herein, but is extended to include equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art. More specifically, the invention is defined by the terms set forth in the claims. Terminology herein is used for the purpose of describing particular aspects of the invention only and is not intended to limit the invention to the aspects or configurations shown unless expressly indicated. Likewise, the discussion of any particular aspect of the invention is not to be understood as a requirement that such aspect is required to be present apart from an express inclusion of the aspect in the claims.
It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, singular forms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” may include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a void” may include one or more of such voids, and reference to “the scorecard” may include reference to one or more of such scorecards.
As used herein the term “generally” refers to something that is more of the designated adjective than not, or the converse if used in the negative. For example, something maybe said to be generally circular even though it is not completely circular.
As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint while still accomplishing the function associated with the range.
As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member.
Sizes, proportions and other numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of “about 1 to about 5” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5, etc., as well as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, individually. This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value as a minimum or a maximum. Furthermore, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described.
The present invention generally relates to a method for playing a throwing or kicking game. While the invention will generally be discussed herein as being played with a football, the term “football” is not limiting, and any other type of suitable ball or projectile may be used. Similarly, while voids in the game board are referred to herein and discussed as being color-coded, any system for marking the voids in the game board may be used (such as words, numbers, symbols, etc.).
According to one aspect, the system for playing the game may generally comprise a game board 10 (see FIG. 1), which may be attached to a framework 15 (not shown in FIG. 1) to hold the game board 10 in a generally vertical position such that the entire front of the game board is presented to a player (see FIGS. 5-7 for game board 10 attached to framework). The framework and/or game board 10 may also be attached to a net 18 such that a football thrown through one of the voids in the game board is captured by the net. In some configurations, the framework 15 may be comprised of a plurality of inter-locking or otherwise connecting pieces that can be easily built and torn down for ease of transport and storage. (For example, sections of PVC pipe and connectors.)
The game board 10 may have a plurality of voids therein for receiving a ball (and if a net 18 is attached, the ball may be caught within net 18 whenever a ball passes through a void). At least one void 24 may allow a player to gain yards, at least one void 27 may allow a player to lose yards, and at least one void 30 may allow the player to lose possession of the ball to a second player on an opposing team.
The game may also be played using a scorecard 20 (see FIGS. 2-4). The scorecard 20 may comprise a symbolic football field, including a quarter-tracking section 33, a down-tracking section 35, one or more possession-tracking sections 37, one or more score-tracking sections 40, and a yardage-tracking section 45. The yardage tracking section may include a symbolic football field having 100 yards and a goal line at each end of the field. In some configurations, the yardage-tracking section 45 may be comprised of ball marker section 50 to mark the position of the ball on the field and a first down marker section 52 to track the yardage needed to earn a first down (see FIGS. 2-4). One or more pegs or other trackers 58, such as a yardage tracker or yardage-marker 58 (see FIG. 4) may be provided to track progress of the game where holes are provided in the scorecard 20. Other suitable means for moveable trackers may also be used in conjunction with the scorecard.
The game may also be played from varying throwing distances from the game board. In some configurations, one or more “throwing stations” may be marked on the ground at varying distances from the game board. In one configuration, a first throwing station may be approximately 10 feet or 3 paces from the game board, a second throwing station may be approximately 15 feet or 5 paces from the game board, a third throwing station may be approximately 20 feet or 7 paces from the game board, and a fourth throwing station may be approximately 25 feet or 9 paces from the game board. See Table I, below. Any number of throwing stations desired can be used (such as only a single throwing station, two throwing stations, three throwing stations, four or more, etc.). Additionally, the throwing station(s) may be located at any desired distance. For example, with younger players, the first throwing station may be only from about 1.5 meters to about 2.1 meters (from about 5 feet to about 7 feet) from the game board, the second throwing station may be from about 2.1 meters to about 3 meters (from about 7 to about 9 feet) from the game board, etc. Other distances may be chosen based on the age and the skill of the players, as well as the desired challenge. One of the advantages of the game described herein is that the distance from the game board for each throwing station may be customized, allowing a simple way for the difficulty of the game to be widely varied. Even small children can play the game at a throwing station very close to the game board, and even adults with excellent throwing skills can be challenged by having the throwing stations at far distances from the game board. Table I sets forth exemplary locations of the throwing stations for adult play and youth play. These are given by way of example only, and other suitable distances may be chosen by players.

TABLE I

Exemplary location of throwing stations

STATION

1	STATION 2	STATION 3	STATION 4

For adult	10 FT OR 3	15 FT OR 5	20 FT OR 7	25 FT OR 9
play	PACES	PACES	PACES	PACES
For youth	5 FT	7 FT	10 FT	12 FT
play

In some configurations, the game may be played with 2 players, and in other configurations the game may be played with 4 players. Additional players may be used for teams of larger groups (such as two teams of 3 players, 4 players, etc.). Any amount of players desired may be used for the teams, and each player may rotate having a turn at a possession. In one configuration, each of the two teams may have 2 possessions per quarter of the game (if the game is played with 4 quarters). In other configurations, each team may have one possession, three possessions, or more, but it may be preferred to allow each team to have the same number of possessions to ensure fairness. The game may be played with 4 quarters (similar to standard American football), 2 halves, or any number of “innings” or divisions desired. Exemplary matchups for a configuration with 2 possessions per team per quarter for teams of 1-2 players are shown for 1 vs. 1, 2 vs. 2, and 1 vs. 2 in Table II.

TABLE II

Exemplary matchups for 2 possessions per team

1 VS 1 (SINGLES PLAY)	2 VS 2 (TEAM PLAY)	1 VS 2

2 POSSESSIONS PER	1 POSSESSION PER	SINGLE
TEAM/PER QUARTER	TEAM MEMBER/PER	PLAY VS TEAM
	QUARTER	RULES APPLY

According to one configuration, a simple version of the game may allow for fairly quick play with fairly simple rules. In this configuration, there may be fairly quick-moving possessions and limited penalties compared to other, more complicated rules. This may be advantageous if a quick game is desired, or if there are many people who want to play the game.
According to another configuration, a more complex set of rules may be followed. This configuration may provide more entertainment and satisfaction for players who enjoy American football and are very familiar with its rules. The more complex version may allow opportunities for an in-depth experience with not just throwing, but also kicking, with additional scoring options, penalties, and strategic decision-making (more similar to standard American football).
According to the simplified version of the game, players may first set-up the game board on the framework, including the net to catch any balls passing through the voids in the game board, and mark one or more throwing stations. The players may decide which player or team goes first (such as by flipping a coin, paper-rock-scissors, etc.). If desired, the teams may swap at half-time which team goes first. The player or team who goes first may be designated as the offense, and have a chance to throw a ball at the game board. The other player or team may be designated as the defense, and may be in charge of keeping track of the score, yardage, downs, possessions, other information, etc., on a scorecard (such as a scorecard shown in FIGS. 2-4).
As the first team assigned to offense begins, a kickoff may be indicated by placement of the yardage marker, for example, on the opponent's 25-yard line on the scorecard (other placements could be used, depending on the desire of the players). The first possession by the offense may begin here, with first down and 10 yards to go.
The offense player(s) may then choose a throwing station and throw the ball at the game board from that throwing station. Or, if no separate throwing stations are desired, the player may just throw the ball at the game board from a designated point. If separate throwing stations are used, yardage may be allocated to each throw based on the distance from the game board and the difficulty of successfully getting the ball into a particular void in the game board. That is, the farther a player is from the game board, the more yardage may be gained. And the more difficult the void is to throw into, the more yardage may be gained. For example, for a game board with color-coded voids, yardage may be assigned according to Table III. Other yardage assignments may also be made.

TABLE III

Exemplary yardage assignments for color-coded voids and throwing
stations
YARDAGE ASSIGNMENTS

STATION

1	STATION 2	STATION 3	STATION 4

BLUE = 5 YDS	BLUE = 10 YDS	BLUE = 15 YDS	BLUE = 20 YDS
PURPLE =	PURPLE =	PURPLE =	PURPLE =
10 YDS	20 YDS	30 YDS	40 YDS
GREEN =	GREEN =	GREEN =	GREEN =
15 YDS	30 YDS	45 YDS	60 YDS
YELLOW = −10	YELLOW = −10	YELLOW = −10	YELLOW = −10
YDS	YDS	YDS	YDS
RED =	RED =	RED =	RED =
TURNOVER	TURNOVER	TURNOVER	TURNOVER

According to a simple version of the rules, a player whose turn it is to thrown for offense may throw from any throwing station and any time. It may be desirable to require additional rules for the players throwing. These may include, for example, requiring that players keep their feet (and/or body) behind the throwing line, no leaning over the line, requiring the players to throw the football in a certain amount of time, etc.
Any pass attempt by an offensive player during their turn to throw at the game board that does not pass through a void in the game board may be considered an incomplete pass. Similar to American football, this may cause the down to advance by one (which the defensive player/team can track on the scorecard 20) and the offensive team gains no yards. Any throw that passes into a penalty void (such voids may be marked yellow, for example), may, similar to American football, cause a loss of yardage (for example, loss of 10 yards as may be marked on the yardage-tracking section 45, or more specifically, on the of the ball marker section 50 of the yardage-tracking section 45, on scorecard 20 by the defensive team/player) and the down to be re-played. In some configurations, the opposing team may choose to decline a penalty if it may be to their advantage.
Any pass attempt that passes into an interception void (such void(s) may be marked red, for example), may, similar to American football, cause the defensive team to immediately take over possession from the existing yard marking of the ball on the field (as indicated by the yardage-tracking section 45, or ball marker section 50 of the yardage-tracking section 45, of the scorecard 20), with a first down and 10 yards to go.
And also similar to American football, for every ten yards a player successfully earns, a first down is made. Players/teams are given 4 attempts or downs to convert to a first down. The defensive player/team may track the attempts or downs on a down-tracking section 35 of the scorecard 20. Play continues as teams move the ball downfield (as tracked on the yardage-tracking section 45 of the scorecard 20) until a first down is converted or a touchdown is achieved. If a team is unable to score a touchdown or convert to a first down, the team may on the fourth down choose to throw the ball again or declare a punt. In some configurations it may not be allowed to declare a punt.
Where a punt is allowed and declared, the yardage tracker may be moved down the field (for example, about 30 to about 50 yards down the field) and the opposing team/player may take possession with a first down and 10 yards to go. For a simplified version of the game, no additional passing attempts may be used when a punt is declared. If the punt touches the goal line or beyond, the punt may be considered a touchback and the yardage marker may be moved to the 25-yard line (similar to a kickoff).
Scoring in the simplified version of the game may also be similar to scoring in American football (or any other specific scoring system may be used). For example, for a touchdown, 6 points may be awarded. Or, considering no additional extra-point or two point conversion is used in a simplified version, 7 points may be awarded for each touchdown. In some configurations, exact yardage may be not needed to achieve a touchdown, but rather any completed pass into a yardage-gaining hole on the score board that would take the ball to the goal line or beyond (i.e., take the yardage marker on the scorecard 20 to the goal line or beyond) may be considered a touchdown. Once a touchdown is achieved, the points are added on the scorecard 20 and the opposing team then begins their next possession.
In the event the score is tied after each team has completed all their allowed possessions during the regular gameplay, an overtime period may be provided. Overtime rules may govern the overtime period.
For example, each team/player may be allowed one possession per overtime period. The players may first decide who gets the first possession (such as by a coin flip, etc.). If any additional overtime periods are necessary, the teams may swap who gets the first possession. The yardage tracking may begin at the 25-yard line for each possession.
According to another system and method described herein, another set of rules which may be more nuanced than the simplified rules, may be used to play a throwing and/or kicking game. This set of rules may allow for additional strategic decisions and may be more satisfying for experienced players.
Play may begin and proceed in the manner described in the simplified version above, but may include additional options. For example, players may be allowed to distract their opponents. Defensive players may be allowed to distract the offensive players, but a limit on where they can distract may be placed. In some configurations, defensive players may only be allowed to distract outside the throwing stations and throwing lanes (i.e., they cannot block the game board). Defensive players may also be prohibited from touching the offensive players. If defensive players violate these limitations (such as by distracting within the throwing station or touching an offensive player), a defensive offside penalty may occur. This may allow the offensive team to gain yardage (as tracked in the yardage-tracking section 45 of the scorecard 20) and for the down to be re-played. For example, 5 or 10 yards may be awarded to the offensive team.
In some variations, offensive players cannot put their foot across the throwing station line or lean over the line. While this is also prohibited in the simplified version of the game, in a version that is more complex, a foot over the line or leaning over the line may cause an offensive false start. The offensive false start may cause the offensive team to lose yardage (as tracked in the yardage-tracking section 45 of the scorecard 20) and for the down to be re-played. For example, 5 or 10 yards may be lost by the offensive team. In some configurations it may be desirable for an offensive false start to lose the same amount of yards which are gained by a defensive offside penalty.
In some embodiments, rules may be provided to allow for kickoff return and/or punt return. In such embodiments, teams may be given one pass attempt for return yardage. For a kickoff return, for example, the ball may be placed at the 25-yard line on the yardage-tracking section 45 of the scorecard 20. The receiving team may be given one attempt from any throwing station for possible return yards. If an incomplete pass occurs (i.e., the ball does not pass through one of the yardage-gaining voids in the game board), the receiving team starts at the 25-yard line for their first down and 10 yards to go. A kickoff penalty may also be used. This may occur when the ball passes through a void that causes the team to lose yards. In this scenario, a kickoff penalty occurs and the ball is moved back 10 yards, where possession then begins at that point for their first down and 10 yards to go.
For a punt return, once the yardage has been marked accordingly for the punt, teams are given one pass attempt for return yardage. As described above, a punt return penalty may be provided for if a player on a punt return throws the ball into one of the voids that results in yardage loss. This may be treated as a holding on the return, the yardage for the team may be reduced (for example, by 10 yards), and possession begins at that point for their first down and 10 yards to go.
For both kickoff returns and punt returns, a provision in the rules for a turnover may be given. For example, any ball thrown into the interception void on the game board for a kickoff/punt return may result in a kickoff/punt return turnover, i.e., a fumble. The possession for the offensive team ends immediately and the defensive team takes over. The defensive team may be awarded one attempt for the fumble return yards.
To make the play even more varying and satisfying, in one version of the rules, once a player has completed a pass to gain yardage from the first throwing station, that player must make at least one attempt from a throwing station that is farther away (i.e., throwing station number 2, throwing station number 3, etc.) This may reduce muscle memory and/or attempts to stand at the easiest throwing station for an entire possession. If the player passes the ball into a void that reduces yardage, this may be taken as a “holding,” and the yardage may be reduced (for example, as tracked on the yardage-tracking section 45 or of the scorecard 20, the yardage may be reduced by 5 or 10 yards, etc.). Any throw of the ball into a void that results in interception will turn possession immediately from the offensive team to the defensive team. In some configurations the defensive team may be awarded one attempt for interception return yards (i.e., to gain yards as a result of the interception). The defensive team may then take over possession at the tracked yardage (as indicated by the yardage-tracking section 45 of the scorecard 20) for their first down and 10 yards to go.
In another configuration, a rule may be provided for a turnover/interception that occurs on the final possession of the second or fourth quarter. Under these circumstances, the defense may be awarded 3 passing attempts to return the ball's location (as indicated by the yardage-tracking section 45 of the scorecard 20) for a touchdown from the yardage marker where the turnover occurred. This may not be counted as an official possession.
According to another aspect, a touchdown may be scored any time the yardage of the ball is past the touchdown line (exact yardage is not needed). In other configurations, exact yardage may be required to score a touchdown. After a touchdown, the team who scored the touchdown may be given the chance to attempt an extra point (for example, via a kick or throw attempt) or a 2-point conversion. In a configuration that allows the team to elect to kick for an extra point, the ball is placed on the kicking tee at throwing station 1. The game board may have field goal posts represented on it. Any kicked ball that hits the game board or field goal posts or goes over the board in between the posts is considered good.
In some configurations, kicking attempts may be judged by both teams. To help with fair judging, players may want to use a smart phone to video record a kick for possible further review by both teams. Players may be allowed only 1 full step away from the ball for an attempted kick. In some configurations, because of the difficulty of kicking, no additional penalties and/or turnovers may be possible when kicking.
In a configuration that allows the team to elect to throw for an extra point, points may be awarded according to Table IV. That is, from throwing station 1 (the closest to the game board), the extra point may only be awarded for passing the ball through some of the yardage-gaining voids. For other throwing stations farther from the game board, the extra point may be awarded for addition voids. See Table IV for exemplary scoring for the extra point.

TABLE IV

Extra Point Passing Chart
EXTRA POINT PASSING CHART

STATION

1	GREEN VOID	BLUE VOID	N/A
	STATION
2	GREEN VOID	BLUE VOID	PURPLE VOID

In some configurations, there may be special rules if a passing attempt for one extra point, the ball passes through a yardage-losing void and/or the turnover/interception void. For example, if the ball passes through a yardage-losing void (i.e., a penalty void), it may be considered holding on the play, and the player may have to move back one station (that is, from throwing station 1 to throwing station 2, or from throwing station 2 to throwing station 3) and replay their attempt. If the ball passes through the interception/turnover void, it may be considered blocked. The extra point may not be awarded, and/or the other team may be given three passing attempts to return the ball 100 yards. If the other team successfully returns the ball, they may be awarded 2 points. During the return attempts, if the ball passes through a yardage-losing void and/or the turnover/interception void, there are no penalties and the return ends.
For a configuration that allows a team/player to elect for a 2-point conversion, a player/team may be given one attempt to score the 2-point conversion. In some configurations, the 2-point conversion attempt may only be taken from throwing stations 2, 3, 4, etc. (i.e., not from the closest, or easiest, throwing station). According to one aspect, the 2-point conversion may only be awarded for passing the ball through specific voids in the game board. For example, see Table V.

TABLE V

Exemplary 2-point conversion-earning voids for
various throwing stations.
2-POINT CONVERSION PASSING CHART

	STATION 1	N/A	N/A	N/A
	STATION
2	GREEN	BLUE	N/A
	STATION
3	GREEN	BLUE	PURPLE

In some configurations, if the ball passes through any voids other than the specific voids that earn the 2-point conversion, the 2-point conversion is lost and the other team begins their possession. In other configurations, rules may be provided if the ball passes through a yardage-losing void and/or the turnover/interception void. For example, if the ball passes through a yardage-losing void (i.e., a penalty void), it may be considered holding on the play, and the player may have to move back one station (that is, from throwing station 2 to throwing station 3, etc.), and replay their attempt. If the ball passes through the interception/turnover void, it may be considered blocked. The extra point may not be awarded, and/or the other team may be given three passing attempts to return the ball 100 yards. If the other team successfully returns the ball, they may be awarded 2 points. During the return attempts, if the ball passes through a yardage-losing void and/or the turnover/interception void, there are no penalties and the return ends.
In some variations of the game, rules may be provided for a field goal. In such variations, players may be allowed to elect to either pass or kick for a field goal attempt. The option for a field goal may only be allowed when players are within a certain range of a touchdown (for example, when the players reach at least their own 40-yard line). For variations where kicking a field goal is an option, the ball may be placed on the kicking tee at throwing station 1. Or, in some configurations, the ball may be placed on the kicking tee at various stations depending on the yardage location as tracked by the ball marker section 50 of the yardage-tracking section 45 of the scorecard 20. Table VI provides for exemplary kicking tee or kicking line positions depending on the location of the ball. The game board may have field goal posts represented on it as described above. Any kicked ball that hits the game board or field goal posts or goes over the board in between the posts may be considered good.

TABLE VI

Exemplary kicking tee locations based on yardage location of ball.
FIELD GOAL KICKING CHART

KICKING LINE	STATION	1	STATION 2	STATION 3	STATION 4

FG YARDAGE	30 YARDS	35-40-45	50-55	60 YARDS
	OR LESS	YARDS	YARDS

In some configurations, kicking attempts may be judged by both teams. To help with fair judging, players may want to use a smart phone to video record a kick for possible further review by both teams. Players may be allowed only 1 full step away from the ball for an attempted kick. In some configurations, because of the difficulty of kicking, no additional penalties and/or turnovers may be possible when kicking.
For variations where passing for a field goal is an option, a player may be given one attempt to complete a pass into previously selected voids from various throwing stations. For example, Table VII shows exemplary voids that may earn a field goal at various throwing stations. For throws which pass through voids that cause a loss of yardage (or penalty voids), it may be considered holding on the play, the yardage may be reduced (for example, by 10 yards as marked on the yardage-tracking section 45 of the scorecard 20), and the attempt may be re-played. If, on a throwing field goal attempt the ball passes through an interception/turnover void, the defensive team may be awarded possession. In some configurations, the defensive team may also be awarded one throwing attempt for return yardage.

TABLE VII

Exemplary scoring options for field goal passing.
FIELD GOAL PASSING CHART

30 YDS OR	STATION 1	GREEN	BLUE	PURPLE
LESS
35-40-45	STATION 2	GREEN	BLUE	PURPLE
YARDS
50-55 YARDS	STATION	3	GREEN	BLUE	N/A
60 YARDS	STATION	4	GREEN	N/A	N/A

In some configurations, options may be provided for punting. For example, a punt can be taken simply by moving the yardage marker 58 forty yards towards the opposite goal line. For another option, the ball may be moved 25 yards, and the player may be given one additional passing attempt for additional yardage. A punt landing on the goal line or beyond may be considered a touch back and no return yards are given. The ball may be placed, for example, at the 25-yard line and the receiving team may be given possession at that location for their first down with 10 yards to go. In some configurations, if the punt pass attempt for additional yards passes through a void that reduces yardage (a penalty void), the yardage may be moved back 10 yards and the attempt may be re-played. In some configurations, if the punt pass attempt for additional yards passes through a void that results in an interception/conversion, the attempt may be considered blocked at the receiving team may be awarded one attempt for return yards.
In yet other configurations, rules may be provided for a safety. For example, if a team or player is near their own goal line, and the ball passes through a yardage-reducing void such that the ball is moved back to the team's own goal line or behind it (or if any other situation/penalty occurs that causes the ball to be moved back to the team's goal line or behind it), this may be considered a safety. The defensive team may be given possession of the ball on their own 25-yard line, and/or may be awarded two points for the safety.
In yet other configurations, rules may be provided for an on-side kick. This may allow a team that is losing to “steal” a possession from the other team. In some examples, an onside kick can only be attempted by a team that is losing. The ball may first be placed at the 50-yard line (as tracked in the yardage-tracking section 45 of the scorecard 20). The onside kicking team may then be allowed a single passing attempt. It may be desirable to make the onside kick passing attempt very difficult. For example, the onside kick may only be awarded to a player that successfully passes the ball through specific, pre-determined yardage gaining voids in the game board. Whether the attempt succeeds or fails, the team taking over will start their possession on the 50-yard line. If the game is tied, onside kicks may not be allowed.
If the game is tied when the possessions conclude, rules may be provided for overtime. For example, each team may receive one possession per overtime period. The team who goes first/second may be decided, for example, by a coin toss, etc. Whether the attempt succeeds or fails, the team taking over will start 1st and 10 on the 50-yard line. The ball may be placed at the opponent's 25-yard line for each possession. If additional over time periods are needed, teams may then swap who goes first/second. In some configurations, if 3 or more overtime periods are needed, 2-point conversions must be attempted after scoring a touchdown.
The game may be scored as desired, and typically scoring may be set prior to the start of play. One method of scoring is set forth in Table VIII.

TABLE VIII

Exemplary scoring method.
SCORING CHART

	*EXTRA	*2-PT	*FIELD	*2-PT
TOUCHDOWN	POINT	CONV	GOAL	RETURN	*SAFETY

*6 PTS/7	1 POINT	2	3	2	2
PTS		POINTS	POINTS	POINTS	POINTS

*For non-simplified play

The various embodiments described above, including elements of the various embodiments described above, can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.
These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system for playing a game comprising:

a game board mountable to a framework, the game board comprising a plurality of voids there in for receiving a ball, at least one of the plurality of voids to allow a player to gain yards, at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the player to lose yards, and at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the player to lose possession of the ball to a second player on an opposing team;

a net attachable to the game board such that the net may receive the ball that passes through at least one of the plurality of voids; and

a scorecard comprised of a quarter-tracking section, a down-tracking section, a possession-tracking section, a score-tracking section, and a yardage-tracking section.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the yardage-tracking section of the scorecard is comprised of ball marker section to mark a position of the ball on a symbolic field and a first down marker section to track a yardage needed to earn a first down.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the player to gain yards has a smaller diameter than the at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the player to lose possession of the ball to the second player on the opposing team.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising instruction information concerning the playing of the game.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the instruction information further comprises scoring information, the scoring information comprising instructions to move a yardage-tracker forward within the yardage-tracking section of the scorecard when the ball is thrown through the at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the player to gain yards.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the scoring information comprises instructions to move the yardage-tracker backward within the yardage-tracking section of the scorecard when the ball is through the at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the player to lose yards.

7. The system of claim 5, the instruction information comprising instructions to mark a first throwing station at a first distance from the game board and a second throwing station at a second distance from the game board.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the scoring information comprising instructions to move a yardage-tracker forward within the yardage-tracking section of the scorecard when the ball is thrown through the at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the player to gain yards further comprises instructions to move the yardage-tracker forward a first distance when the player stands at the first throwing station and to move the yardage-tracker forward a second distance when the player stands at the second throwing station.

9. A method of playing a throwing game, the method comprising:

selecting a game board, the game board having a plurality of voids therein for receiving a ball, at least one of the plurality of voids to allow a player to gain yards, at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the player to lose yards, and at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the player to lose possession of the ball to a second player;

selecting a distance from the game board, wherein the distance from the game board determines an amount of yards gained when the ball passes through at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the player to gain yards; and

throwing the ball at the game board.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises the step of keeping track of yardage earned via a scorecard, the scorecard comprising a yardage-tracking section.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises the step of keeping track of a quarter of the game via the scorecard, keeping track of a down of a possession via the scorecard, keeping track of the possession via the scorecard, and keeping track of a score via the scorecard, the scorecard comprising a quarter-tracking section, a down-tracking section, a possession-tracking section, and a score-tracking section.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of marking positions on the ground a first distance from the game board for at least a first throwing station and a second distance from the game board for a second throwing station, and wherein the step of selecting a distance from the game board comprises selecting at least one of a first throwing station and a second throwing station.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of marking positions for a first throwing station at a first distance from the game board, a second throwing station at a second distance from the game board, a third throwing station at a third distance from the game board, and a fourth throwing station at a fourth distance from the game board.

14. A method of playing a throwing game, the method comprising:

selecting a game board, the game board having a plurality of voids therein for receiving a ball, at least one of the plurality of voids to allow a first player to gain yards, at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the first player to lose yards, and at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the first player to lose possession of the ball to a second player;

the first player throwing the ball at the game board;

tracking a yardage gained when the ball passes through at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the first player to gain yards.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of tracking a quarter, a down, a possession, a score, and a yardage on a scorecard, the scorecard comprising a quarter-tracking section, a down-tracking section, a possession-tracking section, a score-tracking section, and a yardage-tracking section.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of tracking the yardage gained comprises tracking the yardage gained on the yardage-tracking section of the scorecard.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of marking a first distance from the game board on the ground for the first player to stand and throw the ball at the game board, and marking a second distance from the game board on the ground for the first player to stand and throw the ball at the game board

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first distance from the game board determines a first amount of yards gained when the ball passes through at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the player to gain yards, and wherein the second distance from the game board determines a second amount of yards gained when the ball passes through at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the player to gain yards.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of throwing the ball at the game board comprises a first player from a first team throwing the ball at the game board, and wherein the method further comprises allowing the second player from a second team to throw the ball at the game board after the first player from the first team throws the ball through at least one of the plurality of voids to allow the first player to lose possession of the ball to the second player.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of attaching a net to the game board such that the net may receive the ball that passes through at least one of the plurality of voids.