American Football: A Simple Guide to Rules and History
- Marcelo Serafim
- Dec 9, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 5, 2024
American football is a popular sport in the United States, known for its exciting gameplay and intense competition. The game has a rich history, dating back to the late 19th century, and it has evolved into a widely celebrated cultural phenomenon.
History of American Football: American football's roots can be traced back to rugby and soccer. In the late 1800s, colleges began adopting their own versions of the game. The first official football game took place in 1869 between Rutgers and Princeton. Over the years, the sport gained popularity, leading to the establishment of the National Football League (NFL) in 1920.
Basic Rules of American Football: The game involves two teams, each aiming to score points by getting the football into the opposing team's end zone. A team has four attempts (downs) to advance the ball 10 yards. If successful, they get another set of downs. The team can choose to run or pass the ball. Touchdowns, worth six points, occur when a player crosses the opponent's goal line with the ball. Field goals, worth three points, happen when a team kicks the ball through the goalposts.
Scoring: Touchdowns and field goals are the primary methods of scoring, but there are other ways. A safety, worth two points, occurs when the defense tackles an offensive player in their own end zone. Extra points follow a touchdown, with teams deciding between a one-point kick or a two-point conversion, which involves advancing the ball into the end zone again.
Regulation Time and Overtime: A standard game consists of four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes. If the score is tied at the end of regulation, overtime periods are played. The first team to score wins, and both teams get an opportunity to possess the ball.
Common Penalties: Penalties are called for various infractions, such as holding, false starts, and pass interference. Penalties result in the loss of yards or a replay of the down.
Injuries and Safety Measures: Due to the physical nature of American football, injuries are not uncommon. To address safety concerns, players wear helmets, shoulder pads, and other protective gear. Additionally, rules have been implemented to minimize dangerous plays and protect the well-being of athletes.
Super Bowl and Cultural Impact: The pinnacle of American football is the Super Bowl, an annual championship game of the NFL. The Super Bowl has become a significant cultural event in the United States, drawing millions of viewers. It is also famous for its halftime show and the entertaining commercials that air during the broadcast.
Fan Engagement: American football has a passionate fan base, and the culture surrounding the sport includes tailgating, where fans gather before games to socialize and support their teams. Fantasy football, a game where fans build their virtual teams, has also gained immense popularity, adding an extra layer of excitement for enthusiasts.
Global Expansion: While American football is predominantly popular in the United States, efforts have been made to expand its global reach. International games and events aim to introduce the sport to audiences around the world, contributing to its growing popularity in other countries.
Questions:
When was the first official football game played, and who were the teams?
What are the two primary methods of scoring in American football?
How long does a standard football game last, and what happens in case of a tie?
What is a safety, and how many points is it worth?
Name one safety measure in American football to prevent injuries.7
Vocabulary
Infraction: Violation of a rule.
Goalposts: Upright structures used for kicking field goals and extra points.
Possession: Having control of the ball.
Interference: Illegally obstructing an opponent.
Advancement: Moving the ball towards the opponent's end zone.
Touchback: When the ball is downed by the receiving team in their own end zone.
Pinnacle: The highest point or culmination
Phrasal Verb Section: Run out of: To exhaust or deplete a resource.Example: The team ran out of time before they could attempt a game-winning field goal.
American Idiom Section: Hail Mary: A desperate action with little chance of success. Example: The quarterback threw a Hail Mary pass in the final seconds of the game.
Grammar Tip Section: The prepositions "in," "on," and "at" are commonly used in English, and they each have distinct uses. Here are the basic differences between these prepositions:
In:
Used to indicate a location within a general area. Example: The cat is in the house.
Used for larger periods of time. Example: She will be back in an hour.
Used for non-specific times of the day. Example: We usually have dinner in the evening.
On:
Used to indicate a surface or position. Example: The book is on the table.
Used for specific days and dates. Example: We will meet on Monday.
Used for days of the week. Example: I have a meeting on Friday.
At:
Used to indicate a specific point or location. Example: He is waiting at the bus stop.
Used for specific times. Example: The meeting is at 3:00 PM.
Used for certain expressions, like "at night" or "at the moment."
Additional Tips:
Use "in" for enclosed spaces or general periods.
Use "on" for surfaces and specific days or dates.
Use "at" for specific points in time or specific locations.
Example Sentences:
The cat is in the box (location within a general area).
The book is on the shelf (position on a surface).
We will meet at the park (specific point in a location).
The party is on Saturday (specific day).
The meeting is at noon (specific time).
Remember, while these guidelines cover common uses, there may be exceptions or idiomatic expressions. Practice and exposure to the language will help reinforce the correct usage of these prepositions.
Listening
Homework Proposal: Research and write a short essay on the evolution of American football equipment, focusing on how it has changed over the years and contributed to the safety and performance of players. Include key milestones and innovations in football gear.
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