Originally a sport of antiquity, modern football has become one of the world’s most popular sports. As a result of its popularity, its rules have been regulated internationally by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). These rules are also known as the Laws of the Game.
The first comprehensive set of rules was produced in 1863 by the Football Association (FA). The FA was formed to create a regulated and professional game of football.
A standard adult football match has two halves of 45 minutes each. The first half is played by the offensive team, while the second half is played by the defensive team.
The goal of the offensive team is to score a touchdown by passing the ball to one of their teammates. The goal of the defensive team is to prevent the offense from scoring. The defense scores by stopping the offensive team’s offensive line from moving the ball beyond the dimensions of the field. In a standard NFL game, the defense gets the ball at the spot where the offensive team started the previous play.
Depending on the type of play, some have a potential for long gains and turnovers. Others are designed to confuse the opposing team. Some of these plays are called trick plays. The resulting misdirection can be a disaster if the opposing team realizes the deception.
Defensive backs, also known as safeties, are players who cover receivers. They also sometimes rush the quarterback.