If you've ever wondered about the basics of playing (or at least following) American-style football, you're not alone. American football can seem like a bunch of people bumping into each other over and over again, until you understand some of the basics and start to see the strategy in them.
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Method 1 of 3: Understanding the Rules and Terms
Step 1. The goal of American football is to score points by bringing the ball from the starting point of a field 91.44 meters long and 47.54 meters wide, specifically marked with a nine-meter zone at each end of the field called the end zone
Each team uses the end zone in front of them to score goals, while trying to prevent the opposing team from reaching the end zone behind them. Each end zone has a Y-shaped structure on the outer edge called the goal, used to score points by kicking.
- The end zone defended by a team is usually referred to as their goal. So, a team will have a distance of 64 meters and this team must run there with the ball before it can score a touchdown 27.4 meters from their end zone.
- The exchange of possession on a team is based on strict rules. Whenever a team has possession of the ball it is called the “attacking team;” and the other team is called the “defense team.”
Step 2. Understand the division of time
American football is divided into four quarters with 15 minutes in each quarter, with a break between the second and third quarters called “halftime” which is usually 12 minutes long. During uptime, games are even divided into shorter segments called “plays.”
- A game begins when the ball is moved from the ground into the player's hands, and ends with whether the ball touches the court, or at least one knee of the person holding the ball touches the ground. When play is over, players have 40 seconds to re-place the ball in the middle anywhere on the yard line where play stops and enter team formation before the next game must begin.
- Time in the game can stop for a number of different reasons. If a player runs out of bounds, there will be a penalty, or it could be that a pass is thrown but is not caught by anyone, time will stop when the referee stops it.
- A penalty is awarded by the referee by throwing a yellow flag onto the field when he sees a foul to notify all players that there is a penalty. Penalties are usually the cause of the loose ball of the attacking team that is between 4.5-13.7 meters in the field position. There are many penalties, but some of the most common are due to "offside" (someone is in the wrong position of the line when the ball is stolen), "holding" (someone takes another player's hand instead of a proper tackle), and "clipping" opposing team player who is not holding the ball, from behind and below the waist).
Step 3. Understand the gameplay
American football is made up of two basic structural elements that guide the course of the game. They are the kickoff and down system.
- Kickoff: at the start of the game, the team captain will toss a coin to determine who will kick the ball to the other team to start the game. This start of the game is called a kickoff, and typically includes long-range kicks from one team to another, with the team kicking the ball rushing towards the team receiving the ball to prevent them from taking the ball far behind the kicking team's end zone. After halftime, there will be a second kickoff from any distance between the team holding the ball and the other team.
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Downs: The word "down" means "chance" in American football. The attacking team has four opportunities to move the ball at least 9.1 meters into the end zone. Each game ends with a new chance. If this 9.1 meter goal is scored on the first occasion, before the fourth opportunity has ended, the count will be repeated to the first opportunity, usually written as "1st and 10" to mark the standard 9.1 meter distance needed again to repeat the first opportunity. Instead, the odds are counted from first to fourth. If four chances are missed without repeating the first chance, control of the ball will pass to the other team.
- This means the team that moves the ball 9.1 meters or more in each game will never get a second chance. Each time the ball moves 10 yards (9.1 m) or deeper into the proper direction, the next play is the first 10 yards (9.1 m) chance to be made.
- The distances needed to repeat the first chance are added up, so running 3.7 meters on the first occasion, 2.7 meters on the second, and 2.7 meters on the third is sufficient to repeat the next game on the first opportunity again.
- If the game ends with the ball behind the battling line, the difference in distance is added to the total distance required for the first chance. For example, if a quarterback is tackled 6.4 meters behind the line with the ball still in his hands, then the next play will be marked “2nd and 17,” meaning that 15.5 meters must be passed on the next three occasions to replay the chance. first.
- Instead of playing through a fourth chance, the attacking team can choose to kick the ball, which is a long-range kick that changes control of the ball to the other team, but allows them to start from a distance away from the starting place.
Step 4. Study the composition of a team
Each team is allowed to have eleven players simultaneously on the field. Different team members have different positions and tasks. Most of the competing teams are actually composed of three different players, with each of them swapping places to complete a task.
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The "offensive team" includes the following positions:
- Quarterback (the position behind the center striker), who is in charge of passing or giving the ball to the runner.
- The offensive line consists of a center forward, two guards, and two tackles, who simultaneously guard other players from the defensive team when the ball is being carried / passed.
- Wide receiver, whose job is to run behind the defense and catch the ball when a pass is thrown.
- Running back (back runner), whose job is to take the ball from the quarterback and run to the end zone.
- Tight ends (positions close to the barrier), which help keep the outside end of the line and can also catch the ball if given a pass.
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Defensive team defensive team consists of the following positions:
- Linebackers (behind the crowd line), whose job is to deal with passes and also run across the line to intercept quarterbacks.
- Defensive line, which is in charge of ensuring there is pressure on the opposing attacking line.
- Cornerbacks and safeties (corner guards and rescuers), whose job is to keep players who are trying to catch a pass or trying to get the ball on the field over the defensive line.
- The third team is special team used whenever the ball is about to be kicked. Their job is to keep the person kicking the ball to make a clean kick, without interference from the other team.
Step 5. Monitor game scores
The object of the game is to score more points than the opposing team. In the case of a draw, 15 minutes of added time is usually awarded. How to print numbers as follows:
- a touchdown Occurs when the ball is successfully brought right into the end zone by a player (or caught by a player standing right in the end zone area), a touchdown will be awarded 6 points.
- An extra point, awarded when a player kicks the ball into the net after his team has scored a touchdown, will be awarded 1 point. When a touchdown is followed by a pass to the end zone instead of a kick, the game is called “two point coversion”, and will be awarded 2 points.
- a field goals, occurs when or where a player kicks the ball into the goal without scoring a previous touchdown, and will be awarded 3 points. Field goals are usually seen as a last resort tactic at the end of the game.
- a safety, where a player is too far on the court and he is in their own end zone and then tackles the ball holder while holding the ball, 2 points will be awarded.
Method 2 of 3: Mastering the Basics of the Game
Step 1. Struggle to carry the ball by running forward with "running play"
In general, the type of game that is often seen in American football is "running play". Running play tends to result in shorter distances than passing play, but has less chance of changing possession. They have the advantage of getting the ball out of the quarterback's hands quickly, before aggressive defenses get into position and gain additional distance. If the ball falls during "running play", it is called a fumble. The ball that misses can be taken by the opposing team to take control of the ball.
- A quarterback usually passes the ball to his team (usually the running back) for running play, but he can also choose to run with the ball himself. Being able to think quickly and assess situations as changes occur is an important skill for a quarterback in determining when he should run with the ball himself.
- Carrying the ball running (running play) has its own advantages because it is difficult to see in detail from behind the defensive line. Often, the attacking team will try to trick the defending team by pretending to pass the ball to two or even three different runners. When the feint works, the real runner who has possession of the ball can sometimes get past the defense before the defending team knows what's going on and sprint across the field for an easy touchdown.
Step 2. Break through the defense by passing the ball
This game is used less frequently than “running play”, passing play is a great way to quickly make distance, if successful. Short-range passes are often used in combination with running play, to protect the ball from the defending team. The big advantage of passing plays is their ability to cheat tight basic defenses. A missed pass (where no one catches the ball after the ball is thrown) will stop time and end the game.
- Quarterbacks usually take longer to pass the ball than in running play, so the attacking team must continue to struggle as the quarterback scans the field to find a free receiver in order to prevent the receiver from being tackled (blocked behind the line). struggle when holding the ball). When open space is found, the quarterback must estimate how far the ball must be thrown, so that the ball receiver can catch the ball while running.
- If the pass is cut by the defending team, it is called a catch. Fumble (failure to catch the ball) occurs when the ball slips out of the hands of the attacking team and the defending team gains control of the ball (and becomes the attacking team). What is also important is that the game does not end when the ball is cut. The defensive team that cuts the ball can (and often does) immediately take the ball around to create an interesting touchdown.
Step 3. Combine running and passing play
The attacking team must plan a combination of running and passing games in order to outwit the defending team. Practice several different formations with your team and master their use.
- Quarterbacks in particular have to practice throwing the ball accurately and to make trick passes to running backs.
- As a rule of thumb, it's safer to start with a running game with the ball until your team gets an idea of how the defending team is doing. A defensive team that is great at cutting passes may not be good at tackling or vice versa.
- Adjust your combination according to the situation. If you're playing defensively, pay close attention to the player's position and try to anticipate play, whether it's running play, short passes, or long passes so you can defend as effectively as possible. And remember, nothing stops play as quickly as you snatch the ball from the quarterback. So if you see an opportunity to do this, do it.
Step 4. Practice diligently
By far the best way to get better at playing American football is with regular practice. The game uses special skills not seen in many other areas of life, so consistent practice is needed to improve your gameplay.
- Practice with your team if at all possible. Practice holding the ball, catching the ball, and running with the ball; practice watching other players, so you can change what you're going to do based on what's happening on the pitch.
- Strength and balance training are also very important.
- Don't forget to practice strategy and special play, such as direct kicks on goal, practice together with your team so you can play on the pitch thoroughly and tactically when game day arrives.
Step 5. Learn the strategy
This guide contains only about the basic elements of the game. Team formation and strategy still have to be studied further. Get information on some of them and think about how your team can use them to an advantage on the pitch.
Method 3 of 3: Position
Step 1. Quarterback
Attack backbone. He is the player who receives the ball at the start of the game. A quarterback may choose whether he will pass the ball to one of the running backs, run himself forward, or toss it to one of his teammates.
Step 2. Running back
This player is responsible for carrying the ball or guarding the quarterback when throwing the ball. A running back must be able to run quickly and dispel opposing defenders.
Tips
- Catch the ball away from your body with your hands, then pull it close to your body. This is done to prevent the ball from bouncing off your body when you try to catch it
- To keep the ball loose while running, place one hand on the end of the ball, and the other in the crease of your arm where your elbow is. Then pull your arms in tightly so that the ball is against your body. When you are about to get hit by someone else, place your free hand on the ball and hold it tightly. It's better to lose distance but keep the ball, than to gain distance and let the ball go.
- Warm up before you train.
Warning
It's common to experience bruising and fatigue while playing American football, but if you feel the injury is hard and severe, stop playing and see a doctor first
*American football is a tough sport, so be prepared to get hit. If you prefer not to play with body collisions, consider "tap football," or "flag football," which allows you to "tack" your opponent by pulling ribbons or cloth flags off them.
