An Insight into American Football

The term “football” is manifold in its meaning. This is because football takes its meaning according to the country or location the game is played in. In the United States of America, football is referred to as American Football, a specialized form of the game, while soccer is a term given to the usual form of football seen commonly played in most other countries. Varied reports are mentioned on the evolution of American Football. Some attribute it due to the coming together of Rugby and Soccer, while few others believe the game is a generic sport that is said to have evolved by the joining of NFL and AFL leagues. Whatever be the reason, American Football has now transformed itself into the most popular sport amongst its citizens. It has found great acceptance by all ages and found to be played with great zest and fervor.
Action in the Game!
The game of American football involves spirited competition in combination with pre-planned strategies. Two teams comprising of 11 team members each are pitted against each other with the aim of getting the ball reached to the opponent team field area known as end zone. Clear-cut markings indicate the number alongside an arrow mark to denote the distance from end zone of the opposite team. Team members coordinate with each other by actions such as running with the ball or passing it on to same team members. Hands are permitted to be used in actions of passing or catching the ball. Comparatively, the feet are not used that much except for kicking or making extra goals or punts. During the process of propelling the ball ahead, the opponent team member will try and hinder the progress by tackling. Assignment of tasks in American Football to team members is thought out well in advance. Team members could either be placed in the line of defense or positioned for scrimmage. Interchange of positions in the line or offense or line of scrimmage is allowed freely. Although an adult American football game duration consists of four quarter-hour slots, the duration is reduced to shorter lengths of time for younger age groups.
Football equipment:
As the game entails plenty of rough handling, protective gear is used for various parts of the body to ensure safety. Players are supposed to wear helmets, pad for shoulders, thighs, and knees, and a cup for protection. The material of the pads is made from sturdy shock- resistant plastic to withstand the attacks of the game. A mouth protector that safeguards the mouth and teeth from injury is also to worn. These mouth guards are usually tailor-made to suit individual players. A protector cup is also to be used between the thigh areas to protect the player’s genitals. Depending on the type of field on which the game is played, shoes for players are decided upon. A grass field would imply use of cleats on the shoes. Cleats could be molded variety or detachable. Leading brands in sports shoes manufacture a wide range of shoes catering to American Football. Custom-made uniforms for players are available depending on teams they play for. Bulk uniforms comprising of pants and jerseys too may be had for those not belonging to any team.