Matthew Fortuna is a full-time freelance writer with a journalism degree from Wayne State University, living in the Detroit metropolitan area. He has written about a wide range of topics across varying publications, including Demand Studios, wiseGEEK.com and Suite101.com, among others. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Wayne State University.
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Football TipsSUPPLIES
- Football
- Other players (at least four total, including yourself)
Overview
Football in the 21st century is the most popular sport in the United States. With many players on the field and many different positions, it is among the hardest to learn technically. The skills involved in the sport, though, are relatively simple, as are the basic tenets to competing in the sport.
Step 1
Throw the football. Wrap your fingers and palm around the middle of the ball, swing the ball back with your elbow bent, and bring your arm forward to release the ball.
Step 2
Catch the football. Use both arms to cradle the ball into your arms and body. It is best to use only your hands, but easier to use a combination of body and hands to secure the ball.
Step 3
Run toward the goal. After catching the football, elude defensive players with speed and lateral movements.
Step 4
Defend against the offense. It is the defensive player's job to stop whichever player has the ball by tackling, touching or grabbing flags as soon as they can.
Step 5
Play an organized game. You must find equal numbers of players for each team and begin facing each other on separate sides of a designated line.
Step 6
Start the action. The team in possession of the ball either runs or throws the ball toward the goal. The defense attempts to stop the ball from advancing or being caught.
Step 7
Mark the ball. Play stops at the point where the ball was downed. The teams line up and resume play. The ball switches sides after a goal or after a line is not reached which would mean an automatic first down. A team has four plays to earn a first down, keeping possession of the ball.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Add up to 11 players per side, with certain players designated for running, throwing, catching and protecting.
