Football, or soccer as it is also known in some countries, is the world’s most popular ball game. The rules are simple and the sport can be played almost anywhere — on official football playing fields, gymnasiums, school playgrounds, parks, or even beaches. In 2010, the quadrennial monthlong football World Cup was watched by more than 26 billion people around the world.
The sport has its origins in rugby and soccer, both of which date back centuries. In the United States, college and professional football are wildly popular. Those who want to follow the action can watch games on television or at stadiums, though it isn’t the most economical option. Paying for cable is often the best way to get access, though there are other options as well.
During a regular NFL game, players on one team compete to score points by running, throwing, or catching the ball. The team that has the most points at the end of four downs wins the game. If the score is tied, the game may go into overtime, where the winning team earns a one-yard advantage at the start of each possession.
Each team has 11 players on the field at any given time. The player who is in charge of the ball is called the quarterback, and he or she runs the offense. The center snaps the ball to the quarterback at the beginning of each play. The offensive line — left tackle, left guard, center, and right guard — helps the quarterback by blocking the defense. The running back and fullback also block and run the ball. The wide receivers and tight ends catch passes and make blocks, too.
The defensive side of the field has a strong focus on preventing points from being scored by stopping the offense’s runners and tackling ball carriers. There are two to four defensive backs on the field, who are often the fastest players on the field. Cornerbacks cover the wide receivers, while safeties try to break up passes and tackle ball carriers.
A team can also score points by kicking the ball through the goal posts for a field goal. A safety is worth two points, and it occurs when the defense tackles an offensive player with the ball in their own end zone.
After a touchdown, the scoring team can choose to kick an extra point or run/pass the ball into their own end zone for a two-point conversion. A field goal is worth three points. A team may also kick the ball away after a punt and attempt to recover it in its own end zone for a touchback.
