Turkey ball is a fun Thanksgiving tradition that has been played for generations. It’s a game that brings family and friends together for some friendly competition. The rules are simple and it can be played both indoors and outdoors. Let’s take a closer look at how to play turkey ball.
What is Needed to Play Turkey Ball
Turkey ball doesn’t require much equipment, which is part of what makes it so easy to set up. Here is what you need:
- A blow up turkey or goose decoy – This serves as the “ball” and can be found at most sporting goods stores.
- Open space – An open yard, local park, or even inside an open garage or basement works well.
- Teams – Turkey ball is best played with at least 4 people, divided into 2 teams.
That’s it! The simple equipment and ability to play it virtually anywhere makes turkey ball accessible for most families.
Turkey Ball Rules
The rules of turkey ball are reminiscent of games like soccer, football, or rugby. Here is a basic overview:
- Each team designates a goal area at each end of the playing space. This can be marked off with cones or flags.
- Teams take turns throwing or kicking the turkey decoy toward their opponent’s goal.
- Players can advance the turkey by throwing, kicking, or running with it. No hands allowed, except when throwing in-bounds.
- When the turkey crosses into the goal area, the team scores a point.
- Physical contact is prohibited. Any pushing, shoving or wrestling over the turkey results in a turnover.
- The turkey cannot be concealed or hidden in clothing. It must remain visible.
- Play to an agreed upon score, often until one team reaches 10-15 points.
That covers the basics of game play. Feel free to add additional house rules as you see fit! Now let’s look at some strategies for success.
Turkey Ball Strategies
To excel at turkey ball, keep these strategic tips in mind:
- Communication is key – Constantly talk with your teammates about position and where you want the turkey thrown or kicked.
- Move around – Don’t just stand in one place. React to where the turkey is and get open for passes.
- Go on the offense – Don’t wait for the other team to make a mistake. Actively try to intercept their throws and drives.
- Kick accurately – Practice kicking the turkey straight and with some loft. Aim above teammates’ heads when kicking to them.
Following these simple strategies will help your team work collaboratively and drive the turkey downfield. Teamwork is just as important as individual skill!
Turkey Ball Positions
When playing turkey ball, it helps to think in terms of positions. Assign these roles on your team for an organized attack:
- Striker – Main scorer who kicks or drives the turkey towards the goal
- Wingers – Supports the striker with passes, defends goal area
- Defenders – Protects your goal area and blocks opponent’s kicks
- Goalie – Stands in goal area and blocks incoming shots on goal
You can rotate positions so everyone gets a chance to play Striker and Goalie if they want. Positions just help the team strategize and cover all areas of the field.
Turkey Ball Field Setup
One important step is marking off the turkey ball field. Here are some options:
- Outdoors – Use cones, flags, chalk, or painted lines to mark end zones and sidelines. Aim for at least a 40-60 yard length.
- Indoors – Clear furniture and use tape or chalk to mark goal lines. Hallways and garages work great.
- Backyard – Designate trees, fences, or posts as boundaries and end zones.
Make sure to leave ample room beyond end zones for catches and kicks. Adjust field size as needed based on space and number of players.
| Field Length | Recommended # of Players |
|---|---|
| 20-30 yards | 4-6 players |
| 40-60 yards | 8-10 players |
A larger field and more players makes for a more dynamic game. But turkey ball can be enjoyed even in small backyards or with just a few family members.
History of Turkey Ball
Turkey ball has long been a Thanksgiving tradition going back over a century. Some historians suggest turkey ball originated in the early 1900s among farm families who used turkey decoys for target practice. Neighboring farms would then compete to see who had the best aim. Using the turkey decoy as a ball for an actual game developed later.
One of the earliest recorded accounts of a turkey ball game comes from November 1926. The Rockford Register Star in Illinois reported on a game using a turkey decoy played between the children of two farming families outside of Beloit, Wisconsin. From there, turkey ball gained popularity throughout the Midwest as a fun Thanksgiving pastime.
Throughout the 1930s and 40s, turkey ball games were commonly reported in small town newspapers across agricultural regions of the United States. In the postwar years, the tradition spread even further as families relocated and brought turkey ball with them. Today, it remains a favorite backyard activity for families celebrating Thanksgiving across America.
Turkey Ball in Pop Culture
Turkey ball has occasionally made appearances in television, movies and books over the years. Here are some examples:
- In a 1982 episode of “Little House on the Prairie,” the characters are seen playing turkey ball at a community Thanksgiving celebration.
- The 2008 children’s book “Turkey Ball” by Matt Doeden follows a group of middle schoolers competing in a turkey ball tournament.
- In the ABC sitcom “The Goldbergs,” the suburban family is shown playing turkey ball in their backyard on Thanksgiving day.
- The 2019 Pixar short film “Turkey Trouble” includes a scene where characters play a game of turkey ball.
While not yet as ubiquitous as football on TV, turkey ball still makes the occasional appearance as a classic slice of Americana.
How to Play Turkey Bowling
A fun variation on turkey ball is turkey bowling. This derivatives uses the same turkey decoy “ball” but combines it with bowling pins for a MAJOR spin on the traditional game.
To set up turkey bowling, gather the following:
- Turkey or goose decoy
- 10 plastic bowling pins
- Open lane or alley
The aim of the game is to knock down pins by rolling the turkey decoy down the lane. Take turns bowling and reset pins between frames. Here are some extra turkey bowling rules and tips:
- Count fallen pins as regular bowling, with strikes, spares, etc.
- Keep score on paper or whiteboard for team competition
- Apply spin as you roll the turkey to improve control and aim
- Let children roll from shorter distances or even toss the turkey at pins
Turkey bowling combines the thrill of bowling with the silliness of using an inflatable turkey as a ball. Have fun with it and get creative setting up “lanes” indoors or out. It’s sure to be a laugh-filled Thanksgiving tradition.
Fun Turkey Ball Variations
One of the great things about turkey ball is all the creative variations families come up with over the years. Here are some fun ways to put a new spin on your turkey ball game:
- Pilgrim ball – Have players dress up in DIY pilgrim costumes as they play
- Freezer ball – Take frozen turkeys from the freezer to use as hilarious balls
- Night ball – Illuminate end zones with flashlights for after-dark games
- Corn hole ball – Use corn hole boards as targets instead of end zones
- Giant ball – Substitute an oversized beach ball or yoga ball for the turkey
Don’t be afraid to get creative and make turkey ball your own! The basic concept remains the same, while special rules and equipment put fun new twists on this classic.
Benefits of Turkey Ball
Beyond just being fun, turkey ball offers great benefits for players:
- Family bonding – Brings family together for quality time
- Fresh air – Gets everyone outdoors and active
- Laughs – Provides humor and silliness
- Tradition – Fosters a sense of nostalgia and tradition
- Inclusiveness – Allows all ages and abilities to join in
In today’s high-tech world, simple outdoor games like turkey ball are tremendously valuable. Enjoy all that turkey ball has to offer this Thanksgiving and start your own new family tradition.
Safety Tips for Turkey Ball
While turkey ball is intended as lighthearted holiday fun, it’s important to keep safety in mind, especially when older adults and children are playing. Here are some key precautions to take:
- Stretch thoroughly beforehand to prevent muscle strains
- No roughhousing or overtly physical contact
- Use a soft turkey decoy without hooks or hardware
- Play in daylight hours on a flat surface free of debris
- Remind kids not to lead with their head when diving for the turkey
- Stop play immediately if anyone gets injured or in pain
Applying common sense helps keep the game safe and enjoyable for all. Most importantly, provide adult supervision for younger players. With safety in mind, turkey ball can provide hours of healthy family entertainment.
Conclusion
For generations, turkey ball has reliably delivered fun, laughs and exercise to Thanksgiving festivities. The simple premise, minimal equipment required and flexibility of rules makes turkey ball an ideal outdoor activity for families. Have a blast starting new holiday memories or rekindling nostalgic ones with a friendly game of turkey ball this November. Just be sure to retire the inflatable turkey in the fourth quarter so no one goes hungry for the main event!