Is 2-Hand Touch Football a Thing? Here’s What You Need to Know!

So, you’ve heard about two-hand touch football, right? You know, the game where instead of tackling, you just have to touch the player with both hands? Maybe you’ve seen it in your backyard or at a school event. But hold on a second— is this actually a thing? Like, is it a real sport, or just a casual game for fun? Let’s dive in.

What is Two-Hand Touch Football?

A Simpler, Safer Version of Traditional Football

Alright, let’s break this down: Two-hand touch football is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of the traditional tackle football, where players physically take each other to the ground, all you have to do is touch the ball carrier with both hands. Simple, right? It’s typically played in a casual, non-contact format, often as a friendly game at a park, schoolyard, or even a backyard BBQ.

Now, I remember back when I was younger, we’d throw down a game of two-hand touch after school. The rule was easy: no tackling, just two hands on the player. We loved it because it let us enjoy the excitement of football without the fear of getting body-slammed.

Is It Really a "Thing"? Yes and No.

You might be wondering, "Is two-hand touch football an actual organized sport?" And that’s a great question. Technically, it’s not the same as the NFL, college football, or even flag football. It's more like a variant that’s often used in informal settings or leagues with modified rules. So, yes, it’s a thing, but it’s not a highly formalized, regulated sport.

The Popularity of Two-Hand Touch Football

Perfect for Pickup Games

One of the best things about two-hand touch is that it’s easy to set up anywhere. You don’t need full gear or a field. Just grab a ball, mark out a few boundaries, and you’re good to go. That’s what makes it so popular among friends or in informal settings. Honestly, it’s kind of like how people play pick-up basketball games—no refs, no pads, just pure fun. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve played in my friend's backyard, with nothing more than a couple of cones for goals.

Great for All Ages

Another reason it’s so popular? It’s safer! Kids can play without the intense risks of traditional tackle football, and even older folks (yep, I’m talking to you, “weekend warrior”) can join in without worrying about serious injuries. But hey, let’s be real here: while the risk is lower, it’s not zero. You can still end up with a rolled ankle or a bruised ego from a missed catch.

The Rules of Two-Hand Touch Football

Simple but Effective

When you play two-hand touch, the rules are straightforward. The main difference from traditional football is that instead of tackling, a player just needs to be touched with both hands by the defender. For example, no need for complicated strategies or hard hits—just use your hands. The game’s length and scoring can vary, but typically it follows the general structure of football with touchdowns, first downs, and occasional turnovers.

In my most recent game with my buddy Dave, we were so into it that we started adding little twists—like, the defense had to tap the player on the shoulder, not just the torso, for the touch to count. (We may have made it up on the spot, but hey, it was fun!)

The Field and Equipment

Two-hand touch football can be played on almost any flat surface. I’ve played on everything from grassy fields to paved parking lots. You don’t need a full-length field either—just mark out enough space for the game to flow. The one thing I would say is to avoid playing on anything too rough. Trust me—scraped knees aren’t as fun as they seem. You also don’t need a ton of equipment. Sure, a football, some flags (optional), and maybe cones for the end zones are all you need.

Why Choose Two-Hand Touch Football?

Less Risk, More Fun

You know what I’ve come to appreciate about two-hand touch? It’s perfect for those of us who love football but are a bit... cautious about getting hurt. Tackle football can be brutal, and honestly, I’ve had my share of close calls—my last sprained shoulder is still a sore topic. Two-hand touch, on the other hand, lets you enjoy the game without that bone-crushing worry.

Inclusive and Relaxed

This is where I had a change of heart. A few months ago, I was chatting with my cousin, who doesn’t play football at all, and she mentioned that she could never join in on my regular football games because of the tackling. But after introducing her to two-hand touch, she was all in. It’s more relaxed, inclusive, and really opens the door for people who might feel excluded from traditional tackle football.

Can Two-Hand Touch Football Be Competitive?

Organized Leagues and Tournaments

Alright, so it’s fun for casual games, but can it be competitive? Turns out, yes! There are organized leagues, especially in schools, colleges, and even adult recreational leagues, where two-hand touch is played in a more structured setting. Some even have tournaments. It’s not as big as the NFL, obviously, but if you’re looking for a more competitive version, you’ll find it—especially if you’re in a college intramural league or somewhere with a strong community of amateur players.

Still, It's About Fun

For most of us, though, the whole point of two-hand touch is the fun. It's a great way to get active, bond with friends or family, and experience the thrill of football without all the intense contact. And personally, I’ll take that any day.

So, to answer the question: yes, two-hand touch football is definitely a thing! It's a fantastic alternative to traditional football that offers a more relaxed, inclusive, and safer way to enjoy the game. Whether you're playing in the park with friends or getting serious in a league, it’s all about having a good time. Why not give it a shot next weekend? Trust me, you’ll be hooked!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.