Throw, Deflect, Score: How to Play the Frisbee Barrel Game

Are you finding quality time to spend with your family? Or are you constantly putting it off and prioritizing other daily responsibilities? As a mom of 4 kids, I understand the struggle. We’ve recently been playing a frisbee barrel game and it has been absolutely delightful.

It’s easy to set up and take down. The rules are simple to follow but challenging enough that everyone has a great time. Who knew a frisbee and a barrel could create hours of laughter outside?

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It’s fun to be outdoors with the kids. Whether it’s hiking, swimming, kayaking or playing at the park, spending time as a family is important. I like to bring fun games with us no matter where we are. I’ll keep one or two in the camping box, a few in the car, and plenty at home. Simple outdoor games like frisbee barrel build teamwork, encourage healthy competition, and reinforce good sportsmanship.

What You Need to Play Frisbee Barrel

My kids usually end up making their own rules and adding other objects and obstacles to yard games. Frisbee Barrel is no exception, but at a minimum you need:

A barrel with 1 or 2 slots in it
4 discs or frisbees (2 for each team)
Playing space
2-4 Players

Frisbee Barrel Game Rules

Ready to play? Like most outdoor games, families make up their own rules to accommodate different players. I encourage you to make your own version of the game. To get you started, however, here are the basic rules for how to play the frisbee barrel game.

Set up the Barrels

Stand the barrels opposite each other. They should have 50 feet between them if possible but adapt to your own playing area and ages of players.

How to Play Frisbee Barrel with Two Players

Each player stands by a barrel and will throw the frisbee into the opposite barrel. Points are collected for both hitting the barrel and getting the disc inside the barrel.

Players must stand to the side of the barrel and the throwing arm may not extend past the barrel when launching the frisbee. The opposing team’s player may not interfere with the first player’s disc.

Can’t read now? Pin for later!

Frisbee Barrel for Four Players

One player from each team stands next to each barrel. Flip a coin to see which team goes first. the first player will throw the frisbee towards the barrel. Their teammate (standing near the target barrel) can assist the first player by bumping the disc with any part of their body, but may NOT carry, lift, or rethrow the disc.

The first team to 21 points and a 2 point lead wins the game.

Variations of Play

In a 4-player game the assisting teammate is not allowed to use their body, but assist by throwing their own frisbee to bump their teammate’s into the barrel.
In a 2-player game, use only one barrel. Both players stand to one side of the yard to throw their frisbees.
Extra points awarded if the disc hits the ground and bounces into the barrel or hits the barrel
Any disagreements are settled with a coin toss or rock, paper, scissors

How to Score Frisbee Barrel

For a 2 player game, scoring is as follows:

Frisbee goes into the barrel: 5 points
Frisbee hits the barrel but does not go in: 1 point
Frisbee hits the barrel and goes in: 2 points

A 4-player game is scored as follows:

Disk is bumped by teammate and hits the barrel: 1 point
Disk hits the barrel with no assistance: 2 points
Disk is bumped by teammate and goes into the barrel: 3 points
Disk goes into the barrel with no assistance: 5 points

Where to Buy a Frisbee Barrel Outdoor Game

The store bought versions of this game come under a variety of names with different rule variations. Essentially, though, they all have barrels and discs that are thrown into each other. I like the collapsible versions as they are easy to pack up and go to the park or play while we’re out camping.

Kan Jam Disc Toss Game – this version lights up for late night fun!
Can Slam
Dynamic Dunk

How to Make Your Own Barrel Game

You might have items already around your house to make your own version. The items can be very simple, especially if your kids are younger.

“Barrels” could be substituted with:

Laundry baskets
Trash cans
Kitty litter buckets

Substitute the discs with:

Small balls
Bouncy Balls
Paper airplanes

Disclaimer: If you make and customize your own game, it is up to you to maintain safe materials, distances, and protective wear.

The countless demands of work, school, and daily responsibilities often consume our schedules, leaving little room for precious bonding. Frisbee barrel is easy to set up, can be played in a short amount of time, and encourages kids and adults to play together. What is your favorite yard game?

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Throw, Deflect, Score: How to Play the Frisbee Barrel Game

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