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American Football

✨ The Conquest of the field

American football is a team sport that developed in the United States during the late 19th century, from earlier forms of rugby and football. Two teams compete to move an oval ball toward the opponent’s end zone.

Each team normally has 11 players on the field at a time, with separate offensive and defensive units in many formations. The team in possession has four downs, or plays, to advance at least 10 yards.

If it succeeds, it receives a new set of four downs; if it fails, possession usually changes. Players can advance by running with the ball or, on most plays, by throwing one forward pass from behind the line of scrimmage.

Blocking is used to create space, while defenders try to stop the runner, break up passes or recover a fumble. A touchdown is worth 6 points, a field goal 3, and a safety 2. After a touchdown, the scoring team can attempt an extra point or a two-point conversion.

💡 Did you know?

Do you know what the 'Super Bowl' is? It's the grand final of the American championship and one of the most-watched events in the world. So many people watch this match that in the US, it's the day they eat the most food after Thanksgiving! It's estimated that a billion chicken wings are eaten on that one day.

Some players are true giants weighing over 130 kg! They serve as human shields to protect the 'Quarterback,' the player who throws the ball. However, despite their massive size, these giants can run surprisingly fast over short distances.

An American football is made of leather with laces on one side. It's oval for a specific reason: its aerodynamic shape allows it to be thrown very far by making it spin like a spiral. A good Quarterback can accurately throw the ball over 60 meters away!