American Football (English for American football), or just football, is one of the United States -born ball game.

In the course of a game try two teams made up of eleven players, the game ball in the form of an elongated ellipsoid of revolution in the opponent’s end zone or get a field goal to achieve in order to win points. The Ball-held in the team (offense, English for attack) can by throwing (passing) or running (rushing or running) or a space saving touchdown or a field goal to achieve. The defending team (Defense, English for the defense) tries to prevent it, the Offense and even to come into possession of the ball. It is always either the Offense or Defense only one team on the pitch. Once the offense after four attempts fails to ten yards to get a space gain, changes possession. If the Defense Offense up to their own end zone and it pushes back the opponent’s ball carrier tackelt, it can thereby Safety score points. The winner is the team that the season has made the most points by the end.

Each player has a certain position where he plays. Because of the many different and diverse positions can American Football amateur level, including both large and small or heavy or light players to be played at least. The moves of the Offense and Defense of the meters are accurate to the head coach (Head Coach) and the Offense-Defense or coordinators (Offensive Coordinator and Defensive Coordinator) set.

American Football is closely related to Canadian football related, because both sports from rugby descended. However, there are significant differences.

History and Development

American Football was the first time in 1869 at universities, for example, the Rutgers University and Princeton University, on 8 November 1869 the very first game disputed eastern United States in the leather handbags. In the next few years were particularly universities Harvard, Yale, Columbia and Princeton from several tournaments. It has its roots in soccer, rugby and Canadian Football. Approximately up to the establishment of the National Football League (NFL) 1912 American Football synonymous with college football, which, by the National Collegiate Athletic Association ) was organized NCAA (.

An important football official was Walter Camp, among other ugg boots things, 1880, the line of scrimmage and in 1882 the four attempts (downs) and introduced in 1883 the number of players per team to eleven limited.

In its early years was far more dangerous than American football today. The players had no protective equipment and many of the currently valid rules to protect the players did not exist, in particular, the ball carrier is often pushed forward by his teammates. After eighteen deaths in 1905 were to complain of game due to injuries, called U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, new rules to make sure the game. This led in 1906 to introduce the neutral zone between the louis vuitton handbags lines, the rule that six (now seven) players on the line of scrimmage must be at least as well as various other protective rules. The most far-reaching change was the introduction of the Vorwärtspasses, while to date only running plays and were allowed Rückwärtspässe this up.

1910 formations were finally crossed the forbidden, a decrease of sometimes fatal injuries resulted. In 1912, the size of the playing field and the counting of points and redefined the fourth attempt (Down) introduced. This game finally received its modern form. To date, however, rules are modified year after year, with the objective of security of players and in an effort to attract the audience to increase further improved as well.

Variants

To include variants of the American Football Canadian Football and Arena Football, even if in some rules clearly distinguish them. The gameplay, the basics, the game device, the distribution of the field and many other components are largely identical. At first glance of chanel handbags, the different field sizes and the team’s strengths. The Australian Football does not belong to this group, but is very similar to rugby. In recreational sport is flag football in small teams played without any protective equipment, with a tackle on a belt attached “flag” is simulated by taking away.

Pitch

The game is played on a 120 yards (109.728 meters) long and about 53 yards (48.4632 meters) wide field, the equal sections of 10 yards is twelve divided into (so-called “Gridiron” or “iron gate”). The 100 yards in the middle will be used as an active board, the remaining 10 yards on each end of the field have a special meaning in the game play and “end zones” called. At the end of each end zone are additionally known as the “chanel goal posts” (goal posts). These serve as gateways and resemble the shape of an oversized fork. As the ball at Fieldgoal must fly over the crossbar, posts were irrelevant for the game, including two security removed, and a single set back and padded arm replaced.

Starting from the end zones are at intervals of five yards and cross lines drawn every 10 yards is an appropriate label. Census of the yard lines on both end zones starts at zero (called “Goalline”) and then meets in the middle at the 50-yard line. The range of the 20-yard line to the end zone as is the so-called “red zone” means, as at a ball in this area, the probability of success to score points, is relatively high.

In addition, the playing field in the longitudinal direction by two parallel rows of “hash marks” divided. Ends the last move outside these markers, starts the next turn on the nearest “hash mark”. The “hash marks” also have a 1-yard subdivision, the arbitrators in the correct placement of the ball helps. The “hash marks” in professional football have a distance of 18.6 feet (5.67 meters), the amateur and College Football from 40 feet (12.2 meters).

Amateur football games in Europe are usually on a football pitch played. Since this is wider than a football field are clear and the distance between the gates is not the 120 yards (109.728 meters) or that requires a football field, sections, the field is divided into twelve equal size and range in length according to their adjusted. If the football goals themselves can not be replaced by a Footballtor, will cushion the post, the player reduces the risk of injury using. With additional side markers on the posts is then a Footballtor improvised.

Basic rules

The basic idea of the game is to gain space. As a playing field (100 yards) is limited in space, reaching the end zone will be rewarded with points. These changes will also attack the law. Points in a different number can be achieved in several ways.

The rules differ depending on the organization in part from one another. In the amateur level are almost unchanged, the NCAArules, as both the European governing body EFAF and in the World Association IFAF, in contrast to the NFL.

Points

Points can be scored when the football through a course or a Passspielzugs (run or pass) on the opposing Goalline carried or caught in the end zone is. The player with a Passspielzug with both feet (NFL rules) or a leg (NCAA rules) must pay in the end zone, while controlling the ball, that is, certainly have caught him. In a Laufspielzug it is sufficient if the ball breaks through the imaginary Goalline while it controlling player inside the court is located or the inside of Cones (Game vane limitation) be affected. The same applies if the passport is full and the receiver (catcher) after the catch (catch) to the end zone in running. This is a Touch Down (TD), is one of the six points. Touchdowns can also search for interceptions or fumbles can be achieved (defensive TD).

If a touchdown more accessible does not appear, goal posts is usually a kick by the opposing attempts to such a field goal will be achieved by taking three points. In the (now defunct) NFL Europe include Field Goals, the distance over 50 yards are made from one, four points.

After a touchdown team has the attacking also the possibility of the game relatively safe by a PAT (after touchdown point, Eng. point after touchdown, the kicking of the ball through the opponent’s goal posts) to one or a two point conversion (English 2-Point Turnagain carry or throw the ball into the end zone of the opponent) by two points to increase that. The two point conversion , however, is considerably more difficult to achieve. Both variants are usually from the opposing 2-yard run in-line, but can also conditioned punishment from a greater distance from start.

Additionally, the defending team a safety (to the ground to bring the ball leading player in his own end zoneto achieve), of that team two points and the attack is the right. However, this is a very rare form of achieving points. Even more rarely it happens that the defending team in the PAT or the two-point conversion manages to capture the ball and his opponent’s end zone to take in – this is then rewarded with two points.

Moves

American Football is as a sequence of moves (Plays) played. All successive plays of a team, without the right of attack moves that are called drive.

At the beginning of a move is a team in possession and therefore in the attack (offense). You must try to pass through or over moves to conquer space, to finally reach the end zone and score points (see above). A turn starts when the ball moves is.

The offense here are four attempts (downs) are available to reach at least ten yards to gain space and attack right for another four attempts to get to the (new first down). If this is not her, it must deliver the ball and attack the other team gets the right (turnover on downs). If three attempts to predict is that the necessary extra space can not be achieved in the fourth attempt of the ball through a so-called Punt as far as possible the opposition half kicked in, the enemy attack the law in a bad position as possible so that must take. In good field position, the fourth attempt is sometimes played. This is true if the location of the offense on the field quite well (far forward) is that a turn over on downs can be absorbed, but a field goalattempt is not yet possible. Similarly, a little aussichtssreiche game situation regardless of field position a team to compel also risky downs off to keep the ball.

Passspielzug

The quarterback (or any other offensive player tries) the ball a legitimate receiver (WR, TE, HB, FB, see for players) to throw that a predetermined pass route running. It must be the shooter behind the line of scrimmage is. The pass is incomplete (incomplete) to be caught (catch) or the defense intercepts (Interception) are. A pass is incomplete when it touches the ground (by a bad throw or a defender), or out of bounds is (taken without the receiver both feet in bounds had). The next attempt to start then at the height of the old ball position (LoS – Line of Scrimmage). After a catch , the player may run as far as he can (YAC – yards after catch). If he brought to the floor or leaving the playing field (player outbound), the play is finished. The next down but then starts at the point where the previous rally was stopped. In one of the players may Passspielzug Interior offensive line before the pass on the Line of Scrimmage (down field) do not. Per turn is only one Vorwärtspass permitted, with this the line of scrimmage to come from behind. If the quarterback getackled before he crosses the line of scrimmage, or before he throws a pass that counts as a sack (pronounced “bags”).

A particular variant of the pass game is the so-called lateral pass, taking the ball parallel line of scrimmage bzw.nach thrown back to. This must, as are so-called handoffsoften be repeated for each turn at will. Furthermore, it is allowing the quarterback, the ball carrier to act as themselves and to achieve space savings (Scrambling). The rally is one but then as Laufspielzug. Outstanding examples are Michael Vick (Philadelphia Eagles) Donovan McNabb (Washington Redskins) and especially Vince Young, quarterback of the Tennessee Titans. The pass routes the pass receivers are very specific, but there are so-called option-routes, which cover the receiver, depending on the direction of the defenders decide on the route. These moves receiver is a functional interaction between quarterback and wide especially important because they have to make decision independently, the same.

Laufspielzug

Current moves are by passing the ball or simply by throwing (pitch/Lateral no Vorwärtspass) to a ball carrier launched -. Ball carriers are usually running backs, so halfback and fullback. But it can any other player on offense also, except the offensive linemen. The ball carrier now seeks as much as possible to come forward juicy couture outlet, while his opponent, the defender to block attempt, which actually only one, of-Tackle-holding ‘is. The rally ends with a tackle or leaving the playing field.

Clock Management

The season in the U.S. is four times 15 minutes (quarter). High school teams and amateur teams in Europe play only four times 12 minutes. It is a real (net) season. The breaks between quarters is 2 minutes and the half-time maximum of 20 minutes. The clock is stopped: in a time-outafter a kick-off, an incomplete pass when the ball carrier out of bounds , goes to obtained points, with some penalties and the two two-minute warnings two minutes before the end of each half ( break by the referee). If the ball carrier in bounds is stopped, the clock continues to run. A running play is, time outs and change of possession is not interrupted by fouls. Accordingly, the ralph lauren Clock such cases until after the turn, stopped in. Commenced a turn is always played in its entirety, including the playing time in the Quarter ended when each is. The Clock is either on release of the next turn or until the snap starts again. A turn must be in the NFL, in college (NCAA)^[1] and Germany ^[2] 40 seconds after the last turn or 25 seconds after the ball release by the referee to start the situation, after a time out after 60 seconds (shown on the play clock). This results depending on the game situation at the end of the game as many strategic options. If the leading team the ball, they can buy time by executing running plays and run down the clock does. The defense can then time-outs the passing of 40 seconds to prevent. In return, the team is past the end of passes near the sideline play short for the clock as often as possible to stop. Due to the very frequent stopping of the clock takes a football game usually between two and a half (III) and three and a half hours (NFL, Super Bowl).

Overtime

If, after the regular season a tie rule, followed by an overtime. These NCAA rules are different from NFL and fundamentally different. When the NFL is one 15-minute extension to Sudden-Death-principle played. First is the coin toss (toss). The winner decides whether to attack (offense) or defend (Defense). Ordinarily, the right of attack chosen. It follows then, as usual, the kick-off. The winner is the team that reached the first point, no matter how. If no points have been made after the end of 15 minutes, so the game ends a draw or it will be in decision-games, such as the play-offs, as long as Overtime added until a decision is brought about.

When the NCAA rules, each team in overtime a drive, and this in each of the opposing 25-yard-line starts. In contrast to the sudden death, both teams have equal chance. If after an overtime tie rule, be as long Overtime attached until it is a decision. As of the third overtime is a PAT is no longer allowed. After a touchdown , therefore, must be a two-point conversion to be played.

Rule violations and penalties

Violations are punishable by penalties (English penaltiespunishable). American Football has one of the most comprehensive sets of rules for all sports. Because of its physical hardness is a high risk of injury. Most of the rules thus serve to prevent injury to the player. No rules, but voluntary agreements are the rules of conduct set out rules of conduct for players and coaches.

At the American Football penalties by the referee with the help of yellow flags on the place of the foul (spot of foul) , are shown thrown. The reason is that many sentences immediately to interrupt the game do not train, but access will be imposed in the first place. When penalties against both teams keep this assistance may each other.

In principle, rule violations with yard penalties, ie with space loss, punished. The opposing team can thereby often decide whether it accepts the punishment (of the appropriate test is repeated with yard loss) or rejects (the next attempt will be played quite normal). If a penalty against the Defense of the line to gain (the line, the offense must achieve in order to attempt to) get four new reached, the offense receives a new first down. Some penalties include an automatic first down.

The end zone, however, can be achieved not by punishment. The distance to the end zone is cut in half maximum (half the distance to the Goalline), but not in Pass Interference, because of the fouls on weitergemacht point is there.

For particularly serious offenses a player can also be excluded from the game (ejected) are. This especially applies to fouls with injury intention of gross unsportsmanlike conduct and insulting a referee and other game participants (opposing players, coaches, spectators). Priority is always the protection of players from injury and the control of the game.

Some of the major rule violations and the penalties for the NFLrules ^[3]

• Illegal Formation: The snap must be at least seven players of the attacking team if the line of scrimmage to be posted. Penalty: 5 yards, repeat the test.
• Illegal Shift: The offense must be before the snap at least one second remain in their formation. Exception: The Man in the Motion Offense. Penalty: 5 yards, repeat the test.
• Illegal Motion: The Offense may be the snap only one player in the backfield to move, called it in motion. He can only acquire it. parallel to the line of scrimmage. As well as shifts in the direction of the opposing end zone. Penalty: 5 yards, repeat the test.
• False start: Just before the snap player moves one of the Offense-other than the one in motion. Penalty: 5 yards, repeat the test.
• Encroachment: A player is in the snap in or beyond the neutral zone. Penalty: 5 yards, repeat the test.
• Offside: When Snap is a player in or beyond the neutral zone and / or touches an opponent or provoked, that this assumes a defensive posture. Penalty: 5 yards, repeat the test.
• Holding: detention of a player who is not a ball carrier. Penalty: 10 yards, if holding by the offense, 5 yards & automatic first down if by the Defense.
• Pass Interference: If the ball is close to be caught in the air in, a player may not be prevented from catching on. This applies no collisions while trying to catch. Penalty for Offense Pass Interference: 15 yards from the Previous Spot and the experiment is repeated. Pass Interference penalty for Defense (DPI): 15 yards from the Previous Spot and automatic first down. DPI is a spot foul on fouls within 15 yards beyond the neutral zone occurring.
• Assisting the Runner: The ball carrier may not be his team-mates pushed forward or pulled by. Penalty: 10 yards.
• Roughing the Passer / Kicker: quarterback (or any other register of obvious), holder and kicker are particularly vulnerable, as they focus on specific tasks and often do not perceive onrushing defenders. They are therefore protected from avoidable contact. The protection for the registration will start only after he has thrown the pass. Penalty: 15 yards and automatic first down.
• Running into the kicker: Since the kick, the kicker has no balance and no defense after taking position can, therefore, it is protected from accidental contact. Penalty: 5 yards.
• Facemask: Due to the risk of injury is the handle bars and face each other helmet opening prohibited. Penalty: Yards (from 2009 are 15 in Germany no longer Facemask 5 y, the mere touching of the face lattice and / or short Reingreifen will not be punished). A distinction between intentionally and unintentionally, there are a few years since.
• Clipping: Blocking from behind and below the belt line, and only in a narrowly restricted area permits (so-called clipping zone). Blocking below the knees from behind, is prohibited. Penalty: 15 yards.
• Chop Block: A combined high / low block by two players, being 15 yards.
• Spearing: Illegal use of the helmet. Penalty: 15 yards for both sides, automatic first downif by Defense.
• Late hit: If the play is dead or a recognizable players obviously did not take part in the gameplay, is a hit no longer allowed. Penalty: 15 yards for both sides, automatic first downwhen Defense, possibly with the sending-off and lock connected by.
• Unnecessary Roughness: Any excessive force, specifically targeted hits after the turn. Although football is a physical sport, to stay within the contact of the sports enthusiasts. Penalty: 15 yards, automatic first downwhen Defense, possibly with the sending-off and lock connected by.
• Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Unsportsmanlike conduct such as insult or ridicule from opponents or referee. Today in the U.S., often in certain ways to celebrate a touchdown. Especially in the NCAA, any kind of celebration, with one player draws the attention is on, punished rigorously. In Germany, the party is limited to one minutes, it also must not be offensive. In the NFL, such actions are an everyday game. Penalty: 15 yards, connected with the sending-off and lock it if necessary. At touchdown, the penalty is carried out in the PAT.

Referee

the complexity (the set of rules the NCAA has the basis of rules and exceptions, nearly 700 applications) and the often confusing game action when there is a whole American football refereecrew. This may consist of 3-7 referees, each area of the field referee observed, and certain tasks for a specific jurisdiction. In principle applies: The more referees, the better the application of the rules. Head judge is the referee, colloquially now and again Whitecap known, recognizable by his white cap (the other referees have black boxes). Legend has it that the cap of an experienced man’s white hair symbolize. In fact, were in the course of history (especially the professional league NFL) but also had six referees with white caps on the road and only the referee was wearing a black one. He positioned himself in the backfield on offense and depends on downs and penalties. Other referees are the umpire, who in each case, between or behind the Line Backers and usually sets up and secures the ball positioned for the next move. In the Line of Scrimmage face each of the Linesman and Line Judge. The former is for the duty-chain (Line to gain indicator) responsible for the latter, Forward Progress , and an optional chain. For the long passes are Back Judge, Field Judge and Side Judge in charge. Depending on the strength of crew time are different arbitrator for the official in charge: In a 3 Series umpire crew, in a 4-of LJ, in a 5 and 7 crew of BJ, as well as a 6 in the SJ. In the professional leagues of tasks, this sometimes differ.

To equip the arbitrator includes the yellow flags to mark a foul and the white (blue in professional leagues) Beanbags (bean bags) to mark important spots.

Coach’s Challenge

The NFL is still one of the few sports leagues in which the video evidence of controversial scenes was introduced to the review. Controversial decisions are, for example, whether it is a fumble , was exactly where the player down was, or whether a pass inbounds was caught. Twice per game, a coach such a review by tossing a red flag onto the field to apply for a so that the decision in question, unless he is given right, is revised. If the coach gets two challenges right in, so the team will get a third. When a team no longer has time-out, it may not turn the challenges. A lost Challenge results in the deprivation of time outs. After the Two Minute Warning (the last two minutes before the end of each half) and in an Overtime (extension in a tie for the fourth quarter) is still the head referee and the official observers players only submit a challenge.

Players

The players in American football are usually specialists in their position. must be replaced every turn in As always, the rally planned for the most appropriate actors will be used where this does not betray the intentions. In particular, the attack formations several hundred moves and combinations fall back on. As a memory aid and to avoid mistakes many players wear a band on his arm, inside numbers, names, positions, moves and other things for the game play in key points of which are listed on. The players at the start of the game are the root formation of a team will be named starter here. So Starting quarterback and so on.

Offense

The quarterback (QB) is the central player on offense. He is the playmaker and is replaced at the beginning of a move the ball from its center (C), who stands in front of which leaked through to the rear legs. This quarterback is the center for every play on the ball of the task, by the head coach (Head Coach), in some teams and the offense coach (offensive coordinator)planned move to implement, and, if necessary, in response to the game situation, adapt ( Audible). Typically, he then passes the ball to a ball carrier (Running Back) , or throws him a pass receiver (receiver). Without quarterback come from special-teams only.

Before the quarterback are the offensive linemen (OL). They are distinguished in Center, Guards and Tackles (from inside to outside). This is usually very large and heavy players have the task of the quarterback before the defenders to protect (Pocketformation in passport) and moves at running the way for the ball carrier freizublocken. Tackles are the heaviest and strongest players in attack. Their task is tedious and requires a high concentration. The audience is usually little attention to is what makes this important position very ungrateful. Guards have similar tasks, such as tackles. A Guard is also known as pull maneuver sometimes used. He does not block its original position of, but things behind the O-line to the outside, then runs feldabwärts only and shall give the ball carrier the way free.

The ball carrier itself will be running back (RB) or tailback named because the rear end of the attack formation set up at. A distinction between fullback (FB) and halfback (HB). The fullback is heavier and stronger than the halfback and is used in situations where only a few yards of space savings to be achieved. Otherwise, it functions primarily as a bloom for the halfback and as an extra blocker in passing trains. When setting up, there are different formations (eg, Wishbone – I-, Pro-Formation).

In one pass the ball from the quarterback is usually one of the wide receiver (WR thrown), the high speed very quickly and penetrate deep into the enemy territory due to his or shorter routes running. Other options are the running backs or tight ends. Legal Pass receivers are all players except the O-Line. At least seven players have to snap at the line of scrimmage at the stand.

The Tight End (TE) is an end of the offensive line set up, it’s like an extra lineman. But he is passempfangsberechtigt. The tight end is a round players, who each situation as a block after the offensive lineman and the ball starts as a wide receiver. In addition, he often changes as “Man in Motion” before the snap its position, then, for example, as a continuous bloom for running plays, or even running back “to act” as.

Defense

All defensive players will have in common is that they are to prevent space gain by stopping the ball carrier, passports prevent or intervene in any other way disruptive. But there is more item-specific tasks.

The defensive linemen (DL) are the offensive line directly opposite, and these players have a similar heavy stature. The defensive line will Freiblocken of gaps in the opposing running back prevent that. With trains passing game they should quarterback pressure to force the errors or equal to sag. In the defensive linemen will be between defensive ends (DE) and Defensive Tackles DT) differed (. The defensive ends are at the ends of the defensive line. are more agile than their D-line colleagues, as it runs opposing ball carrier on the outside and prevent the pressure on the opposing quarterback to exercise outside and so you go a long way to. The defensive tackles will hold the position in the middle and prevent there space gains. Some teams use two tackles, some three, others only one. The average man will also Nose Tackle or Nose Guard called because it the center of the enemy “nose to nose” facing.

The Linebacker (LB) are close behind the defensive line. You must be strong enough for a running backs to stop the eruption or lightning powerful quarterback to enter. At the same time they are in the pass defense also important, as they range from short, quick passes to the front cover may have. In moves with four or five receivers, linebackers are not very fast, with long passes that they can cover the receiver. Thus the offense from this Überzahlsituation (many fast wide receiver against a few heavy Linebacker) may not produce benefits for many, linebacker are therefore replaced by the Corner Backs (Nickel and Dime formation).

The back line of defense are the safeties (S), which together with the Corner Backs (CB), the defensive backs DB) (also secondary) called present (. The CB’s main defense against an opponent’s passing game, the safeties are however more of a last bastion, if it is the front rows failed to stop a ball carrier. At the safeties, a distinction between the “Strong Safety and Free Safety. The Strong Safety is strong and is somewhat closer to the line of scrimmage (often in the Linebacker series, about five yards behind the line) it against the Laufspielzug works because, and tight end covering the, the rather short running routes and has significantly heavier than a normal receiver is. The “Free Safety” has more cornerback-like properties. He acts as an extra cornerback in the low back area, covering either the deep zone or help from the Corner Backs covers the receiver.

This defender is not acting independently of control, there are (as well as on offense) very carefully premeditated moves to the defensive coordinator and head coach during the game will be announced to Offense (formation) to respond to.

The most common breakdowns in the defense, the 4-3 and 3-4-Defense which, under the collective term of seven-man front will be summarized. In the 4-3 Defense- four players are in the defensive lineand three linebackers behind them, as well as two corner backs and safeties on the field. A 3-4 is more flexible, you can more easily through the four linebacker a lightning attack on the opposing quarterback) to perform (and / or pass receiver cover. However, one needs three strong men on the defensive line, the direct opponents are to five against.

In amateur and college sector are also more common 8-Man Fronts played. These include, for example, the 5-3, 4-4 and 6-2. These fronts are better against the running game, but have weaknesses in the passing game more. This is also the reason why these fronts in the professional area rarely sees.

Typical pass defenses are the Nickel, Dime and Quarter. These are one or more defensive backs against lineman and / or replace a linebacker. In Shortyardage and situations Goalline Defense is a so-called Goalline played. This usually consists of at least six linemen Defense to the Offense to close the gaps.

The 46-Defense is a special defensive formation, which is designed to flash very much. It was in the 1980s by then-Defense Coordinator of the Chicago Bears Buddy Ryan developed. It was a crucial factor in the Superbowlsieg 1985. The name comes from the back number of the former Strong Safeties Doug Plank.

Special Teams

Special teams come in specific game situations only, usually the ball is kicked to be where, so if a team by the kicker (K) the kickoff implementing (the beginning of the game and after each touchdown), a Fieldgoal attempt or punt must be what the Punter (P) takes over.

At kickoff, the ball from the center of its own 30-yard line (in amateur leagues, often of the 35) came from, and an opponent’s ball receiver (kickoff returner) tries ball as far as possible the zurückzutragen. A Fieldgoalversuch ends the ball, no matter which of the four downs, he is tried. In possession of the ball between the 35-yard line and the endzone is called Fieldgoal-range (Fieldgoal Range), as with Endzonenbreite and another about seven yards total of 50 yards of distance to be achieved, from which one kicker or a successful field goal trusts the. In favorable situations (eg, Windy City Chicago) but from 60 yards Field Goals possible.

The Kickoff Returner (Kick or Punt Returner-called) takes the most courage. He should catch the ball and the direction of opposing endzone bear. All eleven opponents naturally want to stop it. The Returner may well before the catch of the ball by swinging the arms above the head a so-called Fair Catch show. Then he must not be attacked after the capture of enemy, but the ball may not returner.

As a kickoff in contrast to the Punt always a “free ball”, and two received can be teams of thus must Returner decide whether he is the situation in, sure to catch ball to, and still achieve space savings, or whether he so by the onrushing opponents under pressure, that he the Fair Catch show. If the ball into the opponent’s end zone kicker kicked from, we speak of a touch-back. After a touch-back starts the opponent (receive) the attempted attack by the team’s own 20-yard line. Receiver catches the ball well in his own end zone and wants the ball, for example, for attacking enemies, not bring into play, he can kneel in the end zone, which also means a touch back.

In addition, there is the tactical version of a so-called Onside kicks. It tries the team that has just scored, and therefore, kick back possession of the ball to come to the same. Effect, therefore, short kick from a flat, ideally, the ball bounces because of its egg shape to it so that it is from the opposite (receiving) team can not be controlled. The kicking team can pick up the ball when it has happened Yards ten or player of the opposing team was touched by one. This tactical variant is usually played when a team can cut the end again just before, but still need more points.

In the case of Punts Catch is a fair not essential. If the returner catches the ball just does not touch the ground and an opponent who fell to Ball, the play is stopped and the ball starts at the point. If he chooses, but to the Punt to catch and can drop the ball, again it is a “free ball”.

With a Punt Offense waived on the playing off of the hopeless fourth downs to opponents’ offense the ball at point to have to leave and the place. The punter catches the ball after the snap with his hand and kicks him away in a high arc so that the long ball in the air, and wanted the potential trap of their own players is reached in time. Punts are a special kind of it for a Safety. In the so-called Free Kick Puntet player without the ball snap, and without pressure from the defense of its own 35-yard line from the off.

Famous players and parts of the team

If a player group for some time successfully establish itself interacts with fans and the press nickname. Some examples are

Defensive team Parts:

• the Monsters of Midway, the linebacker of the Chicago Bears since the 1940s
• The Fearsome Foursome, the defensive line of the Los Angeles Rams of the 1960s
• The Purple People Eaters, Defensive Line of the Minnesota Vikings in the 1970s
• the Steel Curtain, the front-Seven of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s
• the Doomsday Defense, the entire defense of the Dallas Cowboys in the 1970s
• The Orange Crush, the back line of the Denver Broncos in the years 1977-1979
• The Killer Bees, the defense of the 1982 Miami Dolphins, as many names of the players started with B
• the Dome Patrol, the linebacker of the New Orleans Saints (Louisiana Superdome) in the 1990s

Offensive formations:

• The Greatest Show on Turf, the offensive combo of St. Louis Rams 1999-2001 consisting of quarterback Kurt Warner, RB Marshall Faulk and wide receivers Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt, Az-Zahir Hakim and Ricky Proehl.
• the Posse , or Fun Bunch, the wide receiver of the Washington Redskins , with Art Monk, the group celebrated as TDs
• The Hogs, the offensive line of the Washington Redskins, the celebration of rituals completed their own

Singleplayer:

• Jerome Bettis, known as The Bus because of his stature and the way he broke through the enemy’s Defense
• Michael Irvin, known as The Playmaker, wide receiver of Dallas Cowboys, despite double coverage again big plays produced
• Daryl Johnston, called Moose (Moose), played his entire career (1989-1999) for the Dallas Cowboys and was a full bloom of the back Emmitt Smith. An excellent pass receiver, he recorded more receptions than running plays. Even in foreign stadiums he has each of his ball contacts of the audience with a long-drawn “Moooose” accompanied.
• Ed ‘Too Tall’ Jones, defensive end of the Dallas Cowboys. The Too Tall refers to his height of 2.06 m, the opposing quarterbacks that made the fit difficult. In a total of 15 seasons, he scored as a member of the Doomsday Defense 106 Quarterback Sacks.
• Joe Montana, known as The Comeback Kid, is one of the great quarterbacks of the NFL. Known for his unwavering composure in 31 game winning drives in the fourth Quarterback, played in four Super Bowls and won them with the San Francisco 49ers
• Joe Namath, called Broadway Joe, who as quarterback of the New York Jets the first Super Bowl win an AFC teams before, “guaranteed” and also reached
• Walter Payton, known as Sweetness, running back for the Chicago Bears, because of its elegance on and off the field
• William Perry, called Refrigerator or The Fridge, the Chicago Bears defensive tackle, Philadelphia Eagles and the London Monarchs, by virtue of its size and weight with a running refrigerator was compared
• Jerry Rice, former wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers
• John Riggins, known as The Diesel, RB New York Jets and Washington Redskins, whose powerful legs with a heavy truck to drive compared were full of
• Joe Smith, called the locomotive , ran as a running back by the Rhein Fire in 2005 in only ten games in 1028 Yards
• Reggie White, known as The Minister of Defense, former defensive end in the USFL, with the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles, was working as a local preacher (198-Sacks QB in the NFL)

Tactics

Football often as lawn chess “is called” That does not come by chance. The variety of installation options, game situations and the individual strengths and weaknesses of the team are whole philosophies about game systems and tactics emerged, such as the west coast offense. Not least, let the complex rules of free space for all sorts of fancy moves. It is theoretically each field position to score points from the possible and the variety of moves.

For all these plays, whether offensive or defensive shown for each team plays the most appropriate, in a playbook are summarized.

Running game features

The running game could be the basis of the plays called. Current moves are relatively easy to do because the ball from quarterback to running back simply be handed to a usually (handoff), which then tries to gain much room as possible to achieve so. The simplicity amateur leagues, the ratio moves run / pass plays heavily on low in the running game designed more. But even in the NFL, played passlastig is very where, it can take a great significance Rushing, especially when one exceptional running back and a correspondingly strong offensive line has available one. A prime example of this can be Terrell Davis perform. In Super Bowl XXXII , he was almost blind with migraine and could not continue. Still, he had to make one last move yet, because otherwise the opposing defense on the field without him never to play-action fake would be fooled. The turn was transformed into a touchdown.

With a strong running game on offense, the defense can even be neglected in (certain) situations never anticipated pass defense against the running game features entirely. This in turn opens up possible loopholes in the pass defense. This effect is of course the other way effective. In short, be a good team like passport control running game so the opposing defense can not adjust to the attack.

Modern running game today: Zone Offense

During the eighties the running game won by the so-called “Zone” or “Stretch Plays” a new dimension. The first objective of this variant to the Defense is to take the standard keys on a running game (for example, is the first step of the Offense-line to the rear or side and not the conventional forward). It will be the first and second defensive layer (D-Line Linebacker) attacked. This is not the usual attacking a player but, as the name suggests, a particular zone. The running back this fall a lot more tasks than a Standardspielzug. He has the so-called “flow”, ie the movement of the trigger Defense in the Zone. After him are usually three ways to do this: 1 Cutback: the “flow” is very strong and the running back cutted against the motion. 2nd Follow through: Sitting the block “” and the running back just follows his blockers. 3rd Jump out: the “flow” is not strong enough and the running back continues to move outward.

Passing trains

The so-called passing game is in contrast to the running game far more difficult to execute. It takes a wurfstarken and accurate quarterback and a safe boat. Thus the ending of a passport is running smoothly, have the quarterback and his receivers have recorded together well, as many passes the timing plays a big role.

Furthermore, the lay understanding of the game quarterback high in the day to read the defense can “, ie to recognize the weaknesses in defense. Finally nerves is essential, as the quarterback is set right after the snap through the Defense under pressure and he must decide quickly, which can fire up his receiver.

Where to run to the receiver is, in turn, each clearly defined. The tracks are pass routes called. An ordinary passport lasts from snap to throw in usually about three, rarely more than five seconds. If the quarterback find that no receiver is free, it can also cancel the attempt, the ball himself and run with. Many quarterbacks have “favorite receiver” with which the interaction works especially well, its so-called go-to guys.

Passing trains are very variable in its tactics. You can short, safe pass for 2-3 yards up to more than 40-yard pass from planned to be very. They provide a quick, big profit area, running game a lot more effort should be applied for at the. A perfectly thrown / caught ball is for the Defense defend almost not to. It must confine itself after the catch as soon as possible to tackle the receiver. Similar to the great potential it but also as great a risk in them. An intercepted ball means often a touchdown for the defense because the offense on such a case is usually poorly equipped for: the only defender on the ground is the receiver, still on his pass route is located. The other receivers, the tight end and running backs are themselves on their own pass route, and usually far away or block opponents. The offensive line is just as busy with the blocks and too slow to obtain an agile cornerback. What remains is often only the quarterback, who in an open fieldwill also have great difficulty situation, successful Tackle install one.