The Basics of Football

Football

Football is a highly physical game that requires specialized players and teams. Teams have offense and defense players, as well as special teams. On offense, players try to run with the ball or pass it forward toward the opponents end zone. On defense, players try to prevent the other team from doing the same. Kicking plays are also a major part of the game.

In football, the offensive team has four chances to move the ball ten yards on a possession. If they fail to do so, the ball goes out of bounds and the defense gets the ball. If the offense does succeed, they are awarded another set of four downs. When they successfully move the ball into the end zone or kick it through the goal posts, they score a touchdown.

The rise of football in England was closely linked to the development of industrialization and urbanization. The growing working class population needed new forms of recreation. With time off from work on Saturdays, many of them began to play football. As a result, key urban institutions organized working-class football teams. With increasing popularity, the game began to erode public interest in other sports.

The offensive play on down begins with a snap, with the offensive center passing the ball to the offensive back (usually the quarterback). The offensive player can then either run with the ball or pass the ball to another player. A football play ends when the player with the ball is tackled, out of bounds, or scores.