Football is an ancient game that has been played for centuries. It is played between two teams of 11 to 18 players, although some variations have fewer players. The object of the game is to kick the ball to the opposing team’s end of the field, over the goal line, or between the goalposts. A player who makes a goal scores a point. The ball may be kicked in several ways, but most players use their hands and arms.
The first play of a football game is called a kickoff. The football is kicked or dropped toward the player’s foot. The goal is to move the ball 10 yards in four plays. The opponent’s team will then take possession of the ball on its next play. A touchdown is scored if the offense is able to advance 10 yards within four plays. A failed advance will cost the offense possession, while a punt will give the other team a chance to score.
A historical account of football traces its roots to indigenous Australians. The indigenous peoples of Australia played various kicking and catching games with stuffed balls. Historians referred to these games as Marn Grook, which is also known as Djab Wurrung, which means “game ball”. One of the earliest historical accounts of these games was a book written by Robert Brough-Smyth in 1878. The book quoted Richard Thomas as saying that Aboriginal people played the game in Victoria in 1841 with a possum skin ball. Some historians believe that this game may be the origin of Australian rules football.