If you’ve never played football before, it can seem a little intimidating. There are so many rules, and the game moves at a very fast pace. But once you understand the basics, you’ll be able to follow the action and understand what’s happening on the field.
Modern football originated in Britain in the 19th century. Prior to that, there had been “folk” games of the game in towns and villages. However, industrialization and urbanization reduced the amount of time and space for these games. As a result, a need developed for a controlled game that could be played in town and city streets.
The sport has evolved to the point where it now involves a massive audience. It has become the most popular spectator sport in the world. There are a wide range of rules that regulate equality, safety, and contact between players. Players are constantly seeking ways to gain an advantage, and it is a constant struggle for the referees to keep a balance between this and the speed of play.
There are two teams of eleven players on each side. More than this number will result in a penalty. Unlimited substitution is permitted. However, a player may not leave the field until the ball is dead.
Each team has one goal: to get the ball into the opponent’s end zone. They achieve this by running with the ball or passing it to teammates who have slipped past the opposing defense.
If a team carries the ball across the opposition’s goal line, they have scored a touchdown. This is the most important event in a football match. A touchdown is worth 6 points. In addition, a team is given the opportunity to kick a field goal for an additional 1 point. This is usually done at the end of a quarter or at the beginning of overtime (which is also known as sudden death).
The teams alternate possession of the ball throughout the game, with a coin toss deciding which team will have the initial turn. If a game is tied after four quarters, there will be a sudden-death overtime period in which the first team to score wins.
During each down, the offensive team has four attempts to move the ball 10 yards (whether running with it or passing). If they don’t make this distance, they must kick the ball away. This is why you’ll often see the words ‘1st and 10’ written in the corner of the screen when watching a football match.
The offensive line is made up of five players. Their job is to protect the quarterback from the defenders and allow him to pass the ball to his teammates. It is also their responsibility to call the snap count, which is the signal that a play will begin. Once the play begins, the quarterback will either hand off the ball to a running back or scout the field for an open receiver to pass to.
