|
Find your SCHOOL here...
|
Special thanks to Coach Hutchison for providing
this overview of the basics of football.
Football is a simple game of
"turf" control. When a team gets the ball, it has 4 downs to move the ball 10
yards and get a "first down." A first down allows the offensive team (the one
with the ball) yet 4 more plays. The idea is to advance the ball down the field
for a score (touchdown). Most teams, under most circumstances uses the first 3
downs trying to get a new first down. If they don't, they usually punt (kick) it
away to the other team on 4th down. Then the defense takes over and tries to
hold the other team from getting a new first down.
A "second and three"
situation would mean that it is the second down of the series and the offense
needs three yards for a first down. A "third and five" would mean that during
the first two plays the offense gained 5 yards. Now it is the third down in the
series and the offense needs 5 more yard to get a first down. If they don't the
will probably punt--UNLESS-- they are close enough to the end zone and want to
gamble "go for it." If the offense does not get the 10 yards, the ball "goes
over on downs"--the other team gets the ball right there! A punt gives up the
ball, but hopefully much further down field. Remember this is a turf
war.
Some basic Rules
(1) The offensive linemen "block" the
defensive linemen, trying to keep them from tackling the man with the ball. An
offensive blocker can use his hands ONLY if they are OPEN. When a blocker uses
closed hand he usually is "flagged" (called for a penalty) for "holding." A
defensive player CAN use his hands and is only called for holding if he is
keeping a receiver (a player trying to catch a pass) from going down
field.
(2) A player MAY NOT block a player in the back -- this is called
"blocking in the back" or "clipping." Many youth leagues prohibit ANY blocking
below the waist. Ask your coach if you are not sure of the rule--that's what
he's there for! There is a simple way to remember this rule. Only hit a player
if you can see his eyes or the numbers on the front of his jersey.
(3) 7
players must be even with the line of scrimmage, the other 4 must be "off" back
from the line of scrimmage. A violation of this rule is called an "illegal
formation."
(4) A player may not hit another player with the crown (top)
of his helmet. This is called "spiking." The for the safety of all players. A
tackler with his head down is vulnerable to neck injury. A good tackler keeps
his head up and tackles "face mask to face mask." When a player tackles another
player, the tackler should "wrap up." This means the tackler should wrap his
arms around the man with the ball and drive him to the ground.
(5) A
player may not "trip" another player. This is not a legal tackle or
block.
The player
Positions
Receiver -- one who catches the
pass.
Quarter Back -- the thrower of the pass.
Running Back -- one who
carries the ball on running plays. These players may also be called Tail Backs,
or full Backs.
LineMen -- players who are "up on" the line of scrimmage like
blockers.
Defensive Backs -- Defenders "off' the line. These players defend
the pass and may be called Corner Backs or Safety's.
LineBackers -- These
players line up behind the linemen but in front of the defensive backs--in the
middle. They have the toughest job because they have to defend against both the
pass and the run. But they also get the best chance to
hit.
Football basics
Football is a great game of strategy.
Both teams want to win and practice hard so they will. But this is true in all
sports. The great thing about Football is that it teaches teamwork. "There is no
'I' in Team." One player cannot "take over" a game like in basketball or
baseball. 10 players can do their jobs well and everything is going perfect in a
play when suddenly BLAM! -- one player fails in his block and the QB
(Quarter Back) is splattered and maybe fumbles. Or after good blocking and a
great throw, the receiver just drops the ball.
To win regularly, a team
has to work together very well--covering each others' back and helping each
other out. Every job or position is important. |
| | |
|
