Football is a team sport that focuses on advancing the football through plays. The goal is to move the ball forward at least 10 yards and score a touchdown. This can be achieved by running with the ball until it is tackled or by passing it to a teammate. In the NFL, plays are categorized as “downs.” Each team has four attempts to gain at least 10 yards. If the offense is unable to move the ball through plays, they are required to punt the ball.
There are several types of penalties in football. Penalties are often given for rule violations. Most penalties move the football towards the defense’s end zone, while others move the ball away. Certain penalties, such as holding and pass interference, give the offense an automatic first down. Another common penalty is a delay of game, in which the team does not start a new play for a certain period of time.
Football has been played in many countries throughout history. The earliest form of football was played in China between the second and third centuries B.C., although it may also have a distant ancestor in the Roman game Harpastum. The rules of football in medieval Europe varied widely, depending on the period and the region.