Football is a team sport and the aim is to get the ball into the opponents end zone by running with it or throwing it. If you can score a touchdown this nets 6 points and you can also attempt to get extra points by kicking the ball through the goal post (this nets 3 points).
The game begins with a coin toss which decides who will kick off first. After the kickoff the offensive team is given four downs to advance the ball 10 yards downfield. If they fail to do so the ball is turned over to the defensive team. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
A player can only touch the ball with his hands and feet – any other part of the body is illegal and called a penalty. If you are caught doing this the referee will issue a yellow card which means you have been warned and can still play, or he will give you a red card which will see you sent off from the game.
There are many skills involved in playing football that you might not have thought of before watching a match. Firstly, it requires a high level of concentration as you are constantly looking for where to go and how fast to run to get there. This helps improve our gross motor skills which are necessary for navigating physical obstacles. It also improves our decision-making as you are deciding whether to pass or run with the ball and how to assess the space around you.
Another essential skill is the ability to sprint at high speeds and recover quickly. This type of training improves your cardiovascular system and can help to prevent chronic heart conditions in the long term. It also increases your overall strength and endurance which can lead to better health and wellbeing.
In addition to the physical benefits of football, it can also be a great social activity. It can help you to meet new people and can build your confidence. It also promotes team spirit and gives you a sense of purpose and belonging.
If you are interested in playing football we encourage you to get in touch with your local club and give it a go. You might just find that you love the game! It’s great exercise and you can make some lifelong friends along the way. The more you practice the better you will get and we guarantee that you’ll have a lot of fun. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and get playing! You won’t regret it. Then you can start telling everyone that football isn’t just a ball game, it’s the best game in town! – James Walsh, writer.
