American Football
American football, also called soccer in some countries and rugby in others, is a sport in which two teams of 11 players each compete to advance a ball across an opposing team's goal line. The object is to score touchdowns, which are worth six points. The game is played in leagues throughout the United States, with the National Football League (NFL) being the highest-level professional competition.
The History of American Football
The history of American football is a long one, but the basic rules of play were introduced in 1880 and 1882. These rules were largely devised by Walter Camp, the former coach of Yale University. He was responsible for the scrimmage, the system of downs, and several other innovations in the game.
Scrimmage and Downs
During a scrimmage, each team has four chances, or downs, to gain 10 yards, which is the maximum allowed per play. If the offense fails to score or regains possession of the ball, the play ends and the defense scores.
Objective of the Offense
On offense, the objective is to move the ball toward the opposing team's end zone by running with it or throwing it to a teammate. The team that achieves this goal receives a point, and the other team must kick it off from its own 20-yard line.
Role of the Defense
Defensive players are tasked with stopping the other team's offense, usually by tackling or defending the quarterback and other pass-catchers. In addition, they must cover other potential receivers, including running backs. They must also try to stop the ball-carrier before he reaches the end zone, which is scored as a safety.
Strategy in Football
As with most sports, the key to success in football is strategy. Each team has a playbook of hundreds of plays that are scripted and strategically coordinated by the coaching staff.
Types of Offenses
There are many different types of offenses, each with its own distinct set of skills. Some are more effective than others, and some may be a better fit for certain kinds of players.
The Quarterback and Offensive Players
The most common offenses are run by the quarterback, a player who leads a running attack and is often the primary pass-catcher. These offenses often include running with the ball to gain a long distance, catching a pass in the end zone, and kicking it through an opponent's goal posts or tackling an offensive ball carrier in his own end zone.
The Snap and Offensive Plays
Offensive players on the field line up facing the defensive players at the line of scrimmage (the position on the field where the play begins), and one player, the center, passes the ball between his legs to a teammate, usually the quarterback. This is known as a snap, and it is done by running with the ball, or rushing.
In the case of an interception, a defensive player catches a pass that is thrown in the air by the quarterback and runs with it until he is tackled or forced out of bounds. A fumble is a loss of the ball while on the ground and can be recovered by a defensive player.
