Okay so here are the core rule for your newest favorite fake sport.
The Core Rules
The field and structure will feel familiar:
- 100-yard field, goal line to goal line
- 6 downs to gain 20 yards for a new set of downs
- Possession changes on turnovers, punts, scores, or failure to convert
But here's the big differentiator:
There are no forward passes.
Instead, the ball moves through
lateral chains. The ball carrier can pitch or lateral to any teammate behind them or beside them. That player can lateral again. And again. Each lateral in the chain increases the risk of a fumble, but also creates opportunities for explosive plays.
A typical play might have 2-3 laterals. An aggressive offense might chain together 4-5 in a single play. Every lateral is a calculated risk.
The Scoring System
Viperball uses a multi-tiered scoring system:
The Scoring System
Viperball uses a multi-tiered scoring system:
Touchdown - 9 points
Ball crosses the goal line
Snap Kick - 5 points
Drop kick through uprights (can be attempted on ANY down)
Field Goal - 3 points
Place kick through uprights
Safety - 2 points
Tackle ball carrier in their own end zone
Pindown - 1 point
CFL-style rouge — kick reaches end zone and isn't returned
Bell - ½ point
Recovering opponent's fumble or loose ball
That half-point scoring is one of Viperball's signature elements. Every fumble recovery matters. Final scores like 47½ to 44 or 52 to 51½ feel distinctly
Viperball. You can win by half a point.
The fact that this isn't going to be a real sport is what allowed me the freedom to implement design choices that might be harder IRL.
Naturally, I'll do more than just explain here, we're gonna play test my engine through an actual dynasty.