Football
* What are the positions in football?
There are two types of position, an offensive position and a defensive position. One of the most essential offensive positions is the quarterback. The protectors of the quarterback are the offensive line.
As an additional protection there are the running-the-ball positions of running back and fullback. These positions are located in the backfield, behind the quarterback. The last offensive position is the wide receiver. This position has the main objective of receiving (catching) the ball when the quarterback throws (passes) it.
The defensive positions are: defensive end, linebacker, cornerback, and safety, who has the last thing to say about defense. Safeties are located at the back, while the defensive ends are out front.
* What does each position in football do?
Offensive positions are: quarterback, offensive line, running back, fullback, and wide receiver. The quarterback is the leader of the team. He gets the ball at the beginning of each play and he makes the decision whether to throw the ball or run it.
The offensive line’s job is to defend the quarterback or the running back, especially while they have the ball. Another thing the offensive line does is block or catch passes.
Running backs and fullbacks are the major hurrying unit. The wide receiver is the one who will usually catch the ball when the quarterback throws it. He must be tall and quick.
Defensive positions are: defensive end, linebacker, cornerback, and safety. The defensive ends are the outer part of the defensive team. Linebackers are the most important line-up of the defense. They are the quick, hard hitters. Cornerbacks are in charge of defending the wide receiver so he can catch the ball and run with it, while the safeties guard and defend the cornerbacks.
* Where did the name football originate?
A form of football called harpaston was first played by the ancient Greeks. In the United States it was played as early as 1609 in Virginia, though in a simpler form. For the ball, they used the inflated bladder of a slaughtered pig.
Most “football” today is played in Europe and South America, and is the sport that North Americans call soccer. Football got its name because in soccer the hands cannot be used to move the ball. Later, rugby came into popularity, wherein the hands are allowed to be used.
American football has been widely influenced by rugby, and is known throughout the world today as (guess what) “American football.”
* Where did they get the shape of the football?
The shape of the football comes from the shape of the ball in the game of rugby. Football has an elongated ball with pointed ends. The ball is perfectly designed for the player to hold it easily and have a nice aerodynamic motion when it is perfectly thrown. It also has an unpredictable bounce when it hits the ground.
The ball is eleven inches long and about nine inches wide. All of the manufacturers put some laces on one side so the players can grip and hold it easily. This is the reason why rugby and football have almost the same shape of ball, in contrast to soccer, which has a round ball that is manipulated mainly by the feet.
Football is a rough and tumble sport that requires a lot of protective equipment. Even the staff wears football gear, although it isn’t necessarily protective equipment.
Football staff is the coaching team. This group of individuals wears specialized football gear to help them communicated with the other coaches. That is why so many coaches wear headsets. The main coach also carries a playbook or something to write down the plays. The playbook is an essential piece of football gear, as coaches need to adapt to every scene and situation. During practice, coaches use whistles to begin and end drills and plays. Football staff usually wears shirts or uniforms to make them easily distinguished.
The players’ football gear is much more involved. Their personal equipment consists of many different things, beginning with uniform pants and shirt. Players are provided with helmets to provide essential head protection. Under the uniform, each player is layered in protective padding. Shoulder and kneepads are just two areas that need to be protected by football gear during a game. Unless it is a small high school or community team, the players will usually be supplied with cleats. If the team does not supply cleats, the individual players will have to purchase them.
Training equipment is another area of football gear that must be worn. Both offense and defense players wear practicing equipment as they perform their drills. The entire team uses dummies to practice tackles, and pads to practice pushes.
Football coaches make up their own patterns of drills; the necessary football gear is determined by which drills will be performed. Most coaches, whether high school, college, or pro, will require their players to build strength by lifting weights. In addition to building muscle mass, weight training helps the players become more disciplined.
A fully equipped gym is usually supplied to schools to help students and players stay fit and get in shape for the next season. All students in the school typically share these gyms, but some have special gym rooms used exclusively by football players. These gym rooms are located near the football locker room or in the field house.
Football gear is essential equipment for all athletes of every skill level. It protects the players from injury, and helps them to develop their skills and become better, more disciplined athletes.
