University at Buffalo (UB)
Where fun, wellness, and physical activity collide.
Kan Jam Tournament
Kan Jam truly is anyone’s game and is meant to be played as casually or competitively as you want. This game is played with a flying disc and two cans into which players deflect the disc. Teams of two players take turns tossing a disc between two plastic cans, scoring points if the disc hits or is deflected into one of the cans.
On This Page
Image obtained from Kam Jam Facebook.
The Competition
Strategy: The team aspect of Kan Jam is what sets it apart from other backyard games like horseshoes and cornhole. So, being on the same page with your partner and executing your strategy on each throw is crucial to success.
As a thrower, it’s important to communicate with the deflector what you’re aiming for. If you’re already winning, play it safe and go for a Deuce. If you’re down, set your partner up for the Dunk! And in the case that you’re losing big – just send it and go for the Done Deal!
Throwing: When throwing a disc, there’s a natural curve to the flight path, especially when throwing from 50 feet. Typically, for a right-handed thrower the disc will start to the right and then bend back to the left and vice versa for a left-handed thrower. It all comes down to the angle of the disc when it is released. If your throws are curving too much, try to focus on keeping the disc flat upon release and throw it with some more velocity. Also, work with your partner. The perfect throw is about belt-high, and directly over the goal for easy dunking!
Deflecting: Contrary to some home rules, you are allowed to use 2 hands to deflect. Before the throw, line up directly behind the goal so you’re ready to reach for throws on either side. If you know your partner tends to consistently throws to one side or tends to throw a little short, it’s ok to cheat over and line up on the side. When deflecting, it’s not always about power. Sure, if you have the perfect setup right over the Kan, Jam that thing home with authority! But, on less than ideal throws, sometimes it’s best to act as a backboard and simply deflect the disc toward the goal.
Be the first team to reach an exact score of 21 points!
Set-up: Set up your Kans opposite from one another. (50 feet apart for recreational and competitive play)
Choose Teams: 2 teams. Each team member stands behind the kans on opposite sides of the field.
Alternate Throwing and Deflecting: Partners alternate between throwing and deflecting.
Equal Number of Turns: Teams must complete the same number of turns before the game is over, except when an “instant win” occurs. Choosing to throw last is considered to be an advantage.
Winning the Game: Be the first team to score exactly 21 or hit the “instant win” slot!
Breaking a Tie: The winner is decided in an overtime round. Each team competes one round and the team with the most points wins. Overtime rounds continue until the tie is broken.
DINGER 1pt.
Redirected Hit: The Deflector redirects the thrown disc and hits any part of the goal.
DUECE 2pt.
Direct Hit: Thrower hits the side of the goal unassisted by their partner.
Note: in the rare case should the disc enter the “Instant Win” slot and deflect out of the goal, this is a Deuce.
DUNK 3pt.
Redirected Hit: Deflector redirects the thrown disc and it lands inside the goal. This will almost always occur through the top of the goal, but may also occur if the disc enters through the slot opening.
DONE DEAL 21pt.
Direct Entry: Thrower lands the disc inside the goal, either through the front slot or unassisted by their partner through the top of the goal. When an “Instant Win” occurs, the throwing team is declared the winner and the losing team does not receive a “Last Toss” option.
INTERFERENCE 3pt.
Three points will be awarded to the throwing team if an opponent interferes with play to defend the goal. If the score is 19 or 20 a win is automatically granted to the throwing team.
No points are awarded if:
- The throwing player does not throw from behind the goal.
- A throw hits the ground before striking the goal.
- The Deflector double-hits, catches, or carries the disc.
The Details
UB Intramural Sports is bringing you another fun competition this fall to show off your agility!
Our Kan Jam Tournament is hosted in the Alumni Arena Ed Wright Practice Facility (Triple Gym) and is open to UB Students. Sign-up and pay the $12.50 team fee on IMLeagues to secure your spot. Sign-up ASAP because we plan to host this competition once per semester!
Next Tournament Date:
Fall 2024 - Stay tuned!
*You will receive more detailed information after submission of registration.
Sign-Up
Registration & Payment
TBD
*Payment must be made at time of registration to hold your spot and you will need an IMLeages account.