For lovers of football, orienting free time around which match is on when and who to watch it with is a second nature endeavor, and most of the time, it works like a charm. Sure there’s the inevitable interruption: the family event, work, the occasional and heartbreaking cable outage, but the real trouble only lies during those times when there isn’t any football on at all. When the inevitable break from play occurs, what’s a true fan to do? Here are seven ways to pass the time any time you find yourself between games.

1. Watch a Great Movie

There are dozens of sports-related movies, including many about football, and watching one is a fun and entertaining way to pass the time until the next match gets underway. Whether you choose a celebrated sports gambling movie like “Silver Linings Playbook,” which has more Golden Globes and Academy awards than any other gambling movie in history, or a riveting football documentary like “Maradona,” you’ll pass the time in a way that should still help you stay pumped up and ready for when it’s time to watch more football.

2. Play a Pickup Game

Another great way to survive the lull between matches is to get outside and play a pickup game. Whether you have friends in the neighborhood who love to play, or you know of some high school kids who are always involved in a game down at the abandoned lot at the edge of their school, grab your ball and find some other players. Playing football can sometimes be even more satisfying than watching it, and once you’ve tired yourself out, you’ll be more than ready to relax in front of the television again.

3. Do Some Informed Reading

Regardless of whether you prefer analysis to interviews or articles to books, there is plenty of football-related reading to be done around the Internet, on the newspaper’s sports page, and at your local library. Whether you tackle “The Damned Utd” by David Peace or you simply type your favorite player or team’s name into a search engine, reading about the sport you love will make watching it once it’s back on that much sweeter.

4. Slam Some Chores

So, this option is arguably the least exciting, but, especially if you live with other people, it will go the furthest in endearing you to your housemates or family. Should you find yourself with a random two hours of freedom one weekend afternoon, take the opportunity to knock out some chores. Mow the grass. Clean out the refrigerator. Dust. Vacuum. Mop. Whatever it is that needs doing around your abode, tackle it with the same fervor you would apply to cheering on your favorite team. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment, and no one will begrudge you the next match you settle in to watch.

5. Play the Video Game Version

fifa-2015From Nintendo Wii U to Xbox One and PlayStation 4, there are scores of video games that allow you to play your favorite game — often as your favorite player. Whether you do so by yourself, with a friend, or in an online tournament against strangers from around the globe, video game football will hone your sense of competition until another match begins.

6. Call a Football-Loving Friend

Even if you haven’t talked in years, when the space to do so opens up in your football-watching schedule, phone a friend who’s just as in love with the game as you are. Especially if he lives near you, the odds are pretty good he’s wondering how to pass the time between matches just as you are. Shoot the breeze about rankings, goals, gossip, and strategy. Talking football is second only to watching it, and you may get to rekindle an old friendship at the same time.

7. YouTube the Greatest Goals of All Time

There’s a reason YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world: You can find video of just about anything on it. Go to the video behemoth and type in “greatest football goals ever.” From Pele and Marta to Ronaldo and Mia Hamm, you’ll have more than enough material to marvel over. You won’t make it through even half the videos before it will be time to tune into another televised match where you just might manage to see one of the greatest goals ever happen in real-time.

When the game is not on, don’t despair. Try one of these seven ways to pass the time. From increasing your football knowledge to getting some exercise, the downside of TV football scheduling can still be a win for any football lover.