|
American Football: Rules of the game
The object of the game is to score most points by the end of the game. There are four ways to score points in football:
Touchdown – To score a touchdown is to score worth 6 points. A player has to break through the goal line while holding the football. The touchdown is the biggest single score in the game, and it also gives the scoring team the added opportunity of getting an extra point via the extra point kicks.
Extra point kicks – These follow touchdowns. They are worth 1 point, and can be garnered immediately after a touchdown. The ball is placed at the opponent's two-yard line. The kicking team, then can take the opportunity to kick the ball over the field goal line to gain an extra point.
Field Goals – Field goals can be attempted from virtually anywhere on the field when the offensive is down. If the offense cannot do a touchdown, this is the alternative scoring option. These field goals are worth three points, and they are often deciding plays during the last seconds of the games.
Safety – This is a rarity, at best, and is worth two points. The safety can be scored when the offensive ball carrier is tackled at the back of his own goal line.
The Offense
The Offense team is the team in possession of the ball during a play. In the team, only the quarterback, the wide receivers, tight ends, and the running backs can handle the ball. However, it is the quarterback who is the team leader and the playmaker. He call the shots and therefore, he must be a man of many talents – he must not only know how to throw the ball but also outline each play to his team.
The Offensive Players are composed of the following:
• The quarterback is protected by the offensive line. His job is to pass the ball.
• The center snaps the ball to the quarterback, and blocks the defense.
• 2 guards and 2 tackles keep the defense at bay.
• 2/4 wide receivers catch the ball thrown by the QB.
• 1 or 2 running backs take the ball and run with it.
• 1 or 2 tight ends block the defense and can also catch passes.
The Defense
The Defense team’s purpose is to defend against the pass and to stop the offense. The 11 members of the defensive team work together to keep the offense from moving towards the defense's end zone.
The Defensive Players are composed of the following:
• Linebackers defend against the pass, and push forward to stop the run or tackle the quarterback.
• The defensive line (ends and tackles) battles head-to-head against the offensive line.
• Cornerbacks and safeties defend against the pass from the quarterback to the wide receiver, and help to stop the run.
Preview and history
Hall of Fame |
