Crossbar challenge rules
The simplest football game there is: hit the crossbar from distance. It's the perfect thing for the ten minutes before kick-off or the end of training. Here's the version most people play, and a few twists.
By Squadcard. Last updated .
In short
- Everyone takes turns trying to hit the crossbar with a kick from a set distance.
- Hitting the bar is a point; the post or the net doesn't count.
- The usual distance is the edge of the penalty area or the halfway line.
- Play a set number of rounds, or first to three; ties go to sudden death.
The basic game
- Pick a spot: the edge of the area for most groups, halfway for a real test, closer for kids.
- Take turns: one kick each, ball on the ground, no run-up limit.
- Score: hitting the crossbar is a point. Post, net or over the bar is nothing.
- Win: most points after five rounds, or first to three. If it's level, sudden death, one kick each.
Twists
- Bar and post: crossbar is two points, a post is one.
- Moving back: hit it and you take your next kick from further out.
- Volleys only: drop it from your hands and hit it on the volley.
- Team version: two teams alternate, first team to five hits wins.
More games for the group
Other quick games with a goal and a group: headers and volleys, 3 and in and football tennis. No goal handy? Take five penalties against the daily keeper in our penalty shootout game.
Play the penalty shootoutQuestions
What is the crossbar challenge?
A game where players take turns trying to hit the crossbar with a kick from a set distance. Hitting the bar scores a point.
How far away do you stand for the crossbar challenge?
Usually the edge of the penalty area. The halfway line makes it hard; closer works for kids.
Does hitting the post count?
Not in the basic game: only the crossbar. Some groups give one point for a post.
How do you decide a tie?
Sudden death: one kick each until one hits and the other misses.