Football is a team sport where the objective is to score more points than the opposing team in a 90 minute game. The field is 100 yards long with a 10-yard end zone for each team. There are stripes running the width of the field at 5-yard intervals, and shorter lines, called hash marks, marking each single yard down the field.
Each team has offense players, defense players and specialized players that are called special teams. Once the ball is snapped to the quarterback, a play begins. The quarterback can hand off the ball to one of their running backs or throw it to a receiver for a pass. The offensive line, consisting of the left and right tackles, the left and right guard and the center, is responsible for blocking the defenders from the quarterback so they can gain yards on run plays.
The kicking game in football is one of the most physical parts of the sport. It improves a player’s balance, core strength and foot control by strengthening the muscles in their feet and legs. In addition, it teaches them to use the full range of motion with their lower bodies and to kick without using their hands.
In a football game, teams are given four attempts, or downs, to advance the ball 10 yards toward the opponents’ end zone. A down is over when the ball hits the ground, a player goes out of bounds or the referee blows his whistle and stops play.
After each down, the opposing team has an opportunity to try and stop the offense from scoring a touchdown by tackling them or taking away their possession of the ball. A team can also earn extra points by kicking the ball through the end zone structure (a goal) for three points, or one point after scoring a touchdown.
In addition to being an exciting, competitive sport, football is a great way for kids to learn how to work together. Students must rely on each other to succeed in the game, and they will learn valuable lessons about working through challenges as well as how to celebrate success. These are important skills that can be used in the classroom to help students collaborate on projects and develop a strong sense of community.