Football is a team sport in which players attempt to move the ball from one side of the field to another. A play ends when the ball goes down or goes out of bounds. The place where the ball went down becomes the line of scrimmage. The offensive team is then given four attempts to move the ball ten yards before the defense regains possession.
Each game lasts for four quarters of fifteen minutes each. In between each quarter, there is a two minute break. This rest period allows the team to prepare for the next quarter. The game is a combination of running and passing. It is a fast-paced sport that is intense. A good quarterback can make plays that will help his team gain ground quickly.
Professionalism came to Football in the early 19th century. The English public schools were among the first organizations to recognize the need for change. They drafted the first rules of the game, which included a clear distinction between kicking and carrying the ball. By the mid-19th century, over 40 clubs were competing in the English league. By this time, London clubs were losing their dominance.
Football has become one of the most popular team sports. It is played in every Summer Games, including the Olympics. Its popularity continued to grow in the 20th century. It was incorporated into the Olympic program in 1908. FIFA became a global authority for football and regulated the competition. The country of Guinea became FIFA’s 100th member in 1961, and by the 21st century, there were more than 200 countries involved.