Difference between revisions of "American Football"
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===Field=== | ===Field=== | ||
| + | [[Image:AmericanFootballField.gif|thumb|right|300px|A standard football field (note the hash marks running horizontally down the field).]] | ||
American football is played on a field that is 120 yards long by 53.33 yards wide. The last 10 yards of each end of the field are known as ''end zones''. The longer (120 yd) boundary lines are known as "sidelines", while the shorter (100 yd) boundary lines are known as "end lines". Two sets of ''hash marks'' run horizontally down the field, and every play starts with the ball on or between the hash marks. A player must carry the ball into (or catch a ball while within) the end zone in order to score a ''touchdown'', worth 6 points. | American football is played on a field that is 120 yards long by 53.33 yards wide. The last 10 yards of each end of the field are known as ''end zones''. The longer (120 yd) boundary lines are known as "sidelines", while the shorter (100 yd) boundary lines are known as "end lines". Two sets of ''hash marks'' run horizontally down the field, and every play starts with the ball on or between the hash marks. A player must carry the ball into (or catch a ball while within) the end zone in order to score a ''touchdown'', worth 6 points. | ||
Revision as of 21:35, September 8, 2007
American Football (simply football in the U.S.) is a professional sport played predominantly in North America. The objective of the game is to score points by carrying the football into the opposing teams end zone. This can be done by running the ball past the end line (a running play), or passing the ball to a teammate inside the end zone (a passing play). Points can also be scored by kicking the ball between the goalposts at either end zone. Football is easily the most-viewed spectator sport in the United States.
For the sake of consistency, the sport being discussed will only be referred to as "football" for the rest of the article. Clarification will be given as needed.
Rules
As with all popular sports, football has a well-codified set of rules. These are mostly to promote safe gameplay, prevent serious injuries, and keep the game fair.
Field
American football is played on a field that is 120 yards long by 53.33 yards wide. The last 10 yards of each end of the field are known as end zones. The longer (120 yd) boundary lines are known as "sidelines", while the shorter (100 yd) boundary lines are known as "end lines". Two sets of hash marks run horizontally down the field, and every play starts with the ball on or between the hash marks. A player must carry the ball into (or catch a ball while within) the end zone in order to score a touchdown, worth 6 points.
At the back of each end zone are two vertical "goal posts", standing 18.5 feet apart. These are connected by a crossbar approx. 10 feet from the ground. After a touchdown, the scoring team may attempt a Point After Touchdown (PAT), where a player attempts to kick the ball through the posts. If successful, the team gains an extra point. Additionally, a team may attempt a field goal at any time (usually on a 4th down), though this is rarely attempted if the distance from the goal posts is more than ~35 yards. If successful, this kick is worth three points.
