Football is a team sport in which players try to score points by running, throwing, or catching the ball. Each team has 11 players. A game lasts 90 minutes, and the team that scores the most points wins. Points are scored by advancing the ball into the opposing team’s end zone for a touchdown or by kicking the ball through the goal posts for a field goal.
The game of football originated in Europe. The earliest direct reference is in John Day’s play The Blind Beggar of Bethnal Green (performed circa 1600; published 1609,). Another early mention is in a poem by Michael Drayton, “When the Gole at Camp-Ball Will Have His Ring.”
In football, teams line up on opposite sides of the field and start each play at the line of scrimmage. The center snaps the ball to the quarterback at the beginning of each play. The quarterback can pass the ball or hand off to a running back for a run play. The quarterback can also fumble the ball, which gives the other team possession of the ball.
Other positions on the offense include wide receivers, who catch passes from the quarterback and run downfield to gain yards. Running backs take handoffs from the quarterback and can also make catch plays. Fullbacks are lead blockers for the running back and wide receiver, protecting them from getting tackled while they carry or catch the ball.
On defense, the linebackers and safeties primarily tackle players to stop them from rushing or catching the ball. Defensive ends and edge rushers clog up the middle to make it difficult for a player to run the ball, or during pass plays, sack the quarterback. Cornerbacks are usually responsible for covering the wide receivers. The kicker kicks the ball on kickoffs and on field goals and extra points.
Practicing and playing football helps build strength, endurance, and balance. It also improves coordination. The repeated acceleration and sprinting required by the game of football strengthens leg muscles. It also helps tone and firm the lower body and abdomen. Because of the high level of exercise, it can help increase cardiovascular capacity and endurance, as well as reduce the risk for diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. It can also improve overall work ethic.