American football: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 22:29, 2 November 2007
American football, known simply as football in North America, is a sport that originated in the United States of America. The game is played on a 100 yard field with two endzones that are 10 yards deep. The goal of the game is to score the most points in the alloted time, primarily by advancing the ball into the opponent's endzone.
The National Football League is the premier football league in the world, with all it's teams located in the United States.
Methods of Scoring
Touchdown
A touchdown is worth 6 points. A touchdown is scored when a player has possession of the ball and the ball crosses the goal line of the opposing team's endzone. Touchdowns can be scored on offense, defense, and special teams.
Point After Touchdown
A point after touchdown (PAT), or extra point, is worth 1 point. A team can elect to attempt a PAT after they score a touchdown. A PAT is scored when the football is kicked between the goalposts, which stand directly behind the endzone. The line of scrimage is placed at the 2 yard line for a PAT, and the ball is kicked from the 9 yard line.
2-Point Conversion
A 2-point conversion is an alternative to the PAT that is worth 2 points. After a touchdown, the scoring team can execute 1 offensive play attempting to cross into the endzone. The line of scrimage is the 2 yard line.
Field Goal
A field goal is worth 3 points, and is scored when the offensive team kicks the ball between the goalposts. This can be attempted anywhere on the field.
Safety
A safety occurs when a defensive player tackles an offensive player in their own endzone and are worth 2 points. The team scoring the safety is also awarded the ball on the following kickoff.
Positions
Standard American football is played with 11 players on offense and 11 players on defense.
Offense
- Quarterback
- Halfback - (also known as a Runningback)
- Fullback
- Tackle
- Guard
- Center
- Tight End
- Wide Receiver
Defense
- Defensive Tackle
- Defensive End
- Outside Linebacker
- Inside Linebacker
- Cornerback
- Strong Safety
- Free Safety