The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

IN ORDER TO DETERMINE WHO WOULD KICK OFF OR RECEIVE
THE BALL IN THE BEGINNING OF NEIGHBORHOOD FOOTBALL
GAMES, THE TWO CAPTAINS WOULD TURN THEIR BACKS AND
ANOTHER WOULD SPIN THE FOOTBALL BEHIND THEIR
BACKS. THE CAPTAIN WOULD HAVE TO GUESS IF THE
LACINGS WERE FACE UP OR NOT SHOWING. HENCE,
THE NAME OF THE GAME, "STRINGS, NO STRINGS."

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): COUNTING OUT

Date learned: CHILDHOOD