Football is a team sport in which players compete against each other to win. A player scores a point by carrying the ball across the opposition’s goal line or catching a pass in the end zone. A touchdown is worth six points, and teams can try to add one or two more points by kicking a field goal after a score. Besides being fun to play, football has a number of health benefits including lowering body fat and building muscle mass. It also helps improve cardiovascular endurance and strengthens bones. It is a great way to stay in shape and socialize with friends.
To begin a game of football, the team who has possession of the ball must kick it off from the spot where it rests after a previous play, called the line of scrimmage. This line extends from each sideline and marks the area where a team cannot advance the ball until it has passed through the other side’s end zone. The other team can then either try to score a touchdown, kick a field goal or punt the ball away.
Each team has 11 players on the field at a time, and each plays with a football that is 58-61cm in diameter and shaped like a circle. The ball must be completely round and made of leather or another material that is durable enough to sustain a large amount of force when struck. Each player must wear a helmet and other protective equipment to ensure their safety.
The offensive team tries to gain yards by running the ball or throwing passes. The offensive team’s coach decides which play to call based on the current down, how far the team needs to go to get a first down and the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing defense. Run plays are more effective in short-yardage situations, while pass plays work well when the offense has more time on the clock.
When a team has failed to gain 10 yards, they must “punt” the ball away to the other team or score a touchdown. If a touchdown is scored, the other team must attempt a 2-point conversion in order to prevent a tie. A successful 2-point conversion is worth four points.
In addition to running, football requires quick accelerations and changes of pace, which help improve cardiovascular endurance and leg strength. The repetitive accelerating and sprinting movements required by the game of football can also help build muscle mass, and playing it regularly can lower body fat and strengthen your bones. In addition, it is a great social activity that can be played almost anywhere.