• Violent• Wars• Invasions• Defending what’s already been gained while • Gaining more territory for long-term gain

Defining an American… Past-time

American Football

Historical Background• Began in the 1870s• Derived from the English sport of rugby.• NFL was formed in 1920 with 11 teams; today it

consists of 32 teams in two conferences.• Appr. 120 college teams in the NCAA• Countless high school and intramural teams• The season: 17 weeks of regular season games,

followed by 4 weeks of conference playoffs (6 teams each), ending in the Superbowl. (August-February) Though the NFL Draft is held in April.

Objectives• To gain enough territory on the field to score a

touchdown or a field goal.• Get the ball into the opponent’s endzone for a

touchdown. (6 points)• To kick the ball through the opponent’s uprights

for a field goal. (3 points)

Other scoring options:– Safety (2 points)– Extra point (1 point)

Field Positions

Key Terms

The offense can take as much time as they need with as many plays as they want, BUT:

•They must gain at least 10 yards every 4 plays.•Once 10 yards are gained, the down count begins again at 1•Yards can be added due to a loss of yards or to penalties.

Some Basic but Important Rules

• 1 hour of total play, with 4 quarters of 15 minutes each.

• Game begins with a coin toss• Offsides• False Start• Forward Pass• Holding• Facemask• Pass Interference

Watch a DriveArizona Cardinals first preseason touchdown drive

• Choose a position and watch what he does.• Notice yardage and downs.