The game of football is a competitive sport in which players play against each other. Its primary attraction is the strategy that each team and coaching staff brings to the game. Each team has a playbook of dozens or hundreds of plays to choose from. While some plays may be safe, others have potential to gain long yards or result in a turnover. The goal of every play is to score points for the team that executes it best.
The offensive line consists of several players who block the defensive linemen and protect the quarterback. The center is the leader of the offensive line and is responsible for snapping the ball to the quarterback. He also makes sure the other linemen are doing their jobs. Outside of the center are guards and tackles. The guards line up on either side of the center.
The playing field has a length of approximately 100 yards. Each side is designated with a 10-yard end zone. There are also five-yard stripes and short lines called hash marks. These lines run down the middle of the field and mark the beginning of a team’s offensive and defensive plays. The field is also 160 feet wide.
Football matches are played in a 90-minute time frame. The object of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team. Teams are allowed to have 11 players on the field at one time. Anything more than this will result in a penalty. Players can also make unlimited substitutions, but they must do so when play stops.
In the United States, a team has a roster of approximately 45-50 players. Of those, 11 will play on offense and 11 will play defense. The big guys will be blockers, while the smaller guys will run routes and catch passes. The medium-sized guys may do both. The game is traditionally played on Thanksgiving Day and New Years Day.
The popularity of football has grown over the years. In 1908, football was included in the Olympic games for the first time in the London Games. It has since been included in each Summer Games since. The International Football Federation (FIFA) has grown steadily throughout the 20th century, strengthening its position as the global authority that regulates competition. Guinea joined FIFA in 1961, and in the 21st century there were more than 200 member nations.
In football, the goal is to move the football through the opposing team’s end zone. A touchdown nets 6 points and a team can also kick the ball through the goal post to score an extra point. Alternatively, a team can attempt to kick a field goal if it does not reach the end zone.
Unlike most other sports, the camaraderie of a football team can extend beyond the football field. This can lead to a lot of social interaction off the field.