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Ready for this rapid fire family game for all ages that you CAN play virtually? Here’s how paperball became a family tradition, how to play, and some fun adaptations you may want to include. Game on!
A Paperball Tradition
Almost 5 years ago now our family started a Christmas tradition called “Paperball”. We had finished unwrapping presents and were cleaning up the wrapping paper when my brother started throwing them at an empty box in the middle of the room. Naturally we all jumped in. Then we just had to track it because well, we’re all pretty competitive, and someone had to win. And paperball was born.
It has now become a staple of Christmas and a tradition we look forward to every year. In fact, on the years when we don’t celebrate Christmas Day together, we pack up the little balls of wrapping paper and haul them all the way to the Oregon Coast where we meet up to celebrate a belated Christmas and a beloved game (or five) of paperball.
Our family loves competition and we really enjoy sports too, especially March Madness, which we are missing like crazy this year! The final four games were scheduled to be played this weekend, and the national champion would have been determined April 6th. Because our family is experiencing a general need for laughter and ‘together time’ we think bringing out paperball in April is completely acceptable. We also thought we’d share it with you.
How to Play Paperball
- Wad up around 30 pieces of paper. Preferably an old newspaper, magazine pages, or anything you were planning to toss or recycle.
- Place all the paperballs in a pile next to the first player
- Set a container across the room (depending on the age and skill of players you can adjust this). We’ve used a large vase, a garbage can, basket, etc. Ideally set it a few inches in front of a wall so that people can use the wall for bank shots.
- Start a timer and see how many shots each player can make into the container. We typically go for 30 seconds creating a rapid fire game with lots of laughter.
- Go two rounds, add up the totals and declare a winner!
Because you are playing virtually you have the option to have everyone take turns including the people on the screen OR to play in the tournament fashion explained below. If you have a large family we would recommend playing tournament style to keep the game quick and upbeat.
Playing Virtually With Multiple Families
-Multiple players will go at once (one from each location). The player with the most shots made at the end of that 30 seconds wins.
-New players play each other and another winner is declared.
-Continue until everyone has played one round and then begin to have winners play winners and losers face off against losers in true tournament style.
Some added fun…because why not?
-A couple of years ago we had music playing in the background and it quickly turned into family members choosing walk up songs for the person who would go next. It was hilarious and gave those waiting for their turn something to do that was fun and brought even more humor to the game.
-Create an actual tournament. Make a bracket on poster board and hang it in your home, or simply visit one of the many websites online and make a blank bracket that reflects how many members of your family there are and how many rounds you want to play.
This year we’re even considering making a recap video. There will be tragic missed shots, and victorious celebrations. The song in the background? One Shining Moment, of course!
So if you’re in the market for a rapid fire family game for all ages, we think you should try this one out. The ball is tipped…..it’s Paperball time!
Looking for other fun ways to connect with your grandkids? Check out our thoughts on Caribu and you’ll be ready for story time after a rousing game of paperball!