QB54, aka Backyard Football, has some pretty easy to learn and follow rules. This page covers just the basic rules of the game. However, the rules are adjustable, usually to account for the age, size, or ability of the various participants. In order to be fair, all rule adjustments should be agreed to BEFORE the start of the game! This is just a standard backyard game rule!!!
QB54 Rules of the Game:
- Start by setting the chairs up 40 feet apart. This is the suggested distance and depends on the skills of the participants. For more skilled players, you should extend the distance.
- Teammates play on the same side. You can play 1 on 1, on teams up to 4 on 4. Any more than that, and you may run into each other! You can divide the sides as you see fit. 1 on left, 3 on right for example. Maintaining at least 1 on each side for 2 or more sized teams.
- The game starts with one team attempting to through the ball into the basket in the chair. What happens depends on the result of the throw.
- If playing 2 on 2, 3 on 3, or 4 on 4, then players on each team can switch between Offense and Defense.
- Players are allowed to block for each other. On returns, lateral pitches are also in play.
Scoring in QB54:
- Throwing the ball into the basket in the chair is a Touchdown for 6 points
- Throw and hit any part of the chair, including the uprights is 3 points. This is a Completion.
- DEFENSE: If the ball bounces of the chair (no defensive deflections are allowed) and the defending team catches it, This is an Interception Return. They they can take a knee for 3 points, or take a chance to return it. If they return the ball, the Defense comes into play, and just like 2 hand touch football, they can be “down”. Then they get to throw the ball towards the chair, from where they are down for points. They only get 1 attempt.
After A TOUCHDOWN:
- The scoring team kicks the ball from the tee. Just like an extra point, you score 1 point by kicking it through the uprights. HOWEVER, if by chance it lands directly in the bucket, this is a “FITZ”. And is an instant WIN for the kicking team, and the GAME is OVER.
- The ball is in play, just like the Interception Return, if the KICK is either wide right or left. Then the defense can catch and return.
QB54 – Deciding the Game:
WINNING TEAM: The winning team must score 54 points, and be ahead by 2 points. HOWEVER, if the losing team is down by more than 8 points, they get one more chance to try the Hail Mary.
The Hail Mary:
This comes into play when the losing team is down by more than 8 points. The losing team steps back the number of steps equal to the number of points they are behind. Then you get ONE change to throw the ball into the bucket. If the ball lands in the bucket, You immediately WIN THE GAME.
Then your teammates either carry you off the field, or they dump Gatorade all over you! In any case, everyone has a good time!
Pretty Simple to Understand, isn’t it?
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