Dans Papers - May 11, 2007 - Have A Blast In Your Backyard

With spring here and summer on its way, it is time to make a return to the backyard. That's right, that area behind your house that's been blanketed with leaves and snow for the past six months. But why make your triumphant return to the outdoors another mediocre walk through that plain old piece of grass you lovingly refer to as the backyard? Don't be fooled by the trampoline, lacrosse net and dog bones. The backyard doesn't belong to Skippy the dog or the kids. At least it doesn't have to. This summer, turn your backyard into a playground for adults. After all, it is yours.

Whether you are old fashioned or a bit experimental, there are a variety of ways to spice up your backyard and enjoy the summer sun. One of the most traditional and timeless ways to pass the time in the yard is by playing lawn games. While perennial favorite Lawn Darts may not be legal anymore, there are many other games that are worth trying. One could take the traditional approach and set up a horseshoe pit, regulation size 42 feet from pin to pin. However, if you are tired of tossing shoes or sick of hearing people complain about the distance, you may want to try Washers, also known as Texas Horseshoes. Washers is practically identical to horseshoes, except it uses metal washers instead of shoes and the distance is a manageable 25 feet from pin to pin.

Maybe you like throwing stuff but metal isn't really your thing. Well then gear up for a fantastic game of Italian Lawn Bowling, affectionately known to commoners as Bocce. In my opinion, if you've never lobbed a wooden ball in the air, only to knock your opponents ball away from the jack, you've never lived.

If you're looking to play a game that is both friendly and safe for kids, then look no further than Cornhole. While the name is a bit unsettling, the game, which is a variation of the beanbag toss, is far from it. Cornhole is a simple game that combines elements of horseshoe and washers, with the traditional beanbag toss. The game, played in a series of innings, revolves around players from opposing teams trying to toss the bag into the cornhole, a ramp-like platform with a hole cut out in the center. For official rules and instructions on how to make a homemade Cornhole game, visit the American Cornhole Association at www.playcornhole.org.

Ok, so you're still young and talk of Bocce and Cornholes has your eyes rolling in the back of your head. No need to worry, as you can bring all the excitement of your old fraternity days to your very own backyard. While you may not be able to transport the pool table and you can't find your old funnel, you can relive your college days through a number of old games that are sure to make you nostalgic for the days of yore.

However, some games may be better suited for the outdoors than others. For instance, games like Beirut, also known as Beer Pong, have certainly had their days in the sun, but a slight shift in wind and your ping-pong balls will be blown to all corners of your property. With that in mind, an exhilarating game of Dizzy Bat Baseball may be in your future. Traditionally, Dizzy Bat consisted of two players running to a bat, spinning around ten times and trying to run back to their original position. However, for the more adventurous partier there is an adult version of the game that can be a humorous disaster, but in a good way. The rules are flexible but follow this basic outline. You will need two teams of five players. After the teams are lined up, the first players will stand approximately 20-feet to the bat where they will spin five times around. This is where it gets interesting. Instead of running back and tagging the next teammate, you make your way to the ice luge, a huge block of ice with a "lane" carved into the center where liquor is poured down, resulting in a slightly chilled shot. After taking the shot, you go back to the bat and spin around ten times before running back and tagging your teammate. No doubt a few of your friends may not make it back to the team, but the highly hilarious game is worth a few bumps and bruises. No matter what game you choose to play, remember to keep the good times coming with great music and cold beverages. Other than that, all you can do is hope for good weather.