Rivalries give football much of its emotion. Some are based on geography, some on decades of meaningful games, some on cultural identity. Here are several of the best known. NFL rivalries Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears. The oldest and most-played rivalry in the NFL, dating back to 1921. Two of the league’s founding-era franchises, … Read more
Not every football game is played on the same surface or in the same conditions. Grass or turf, open sky or a roof, sea level or altitude: these differences affect speed, footing, injuries and strategy. Natural grass Grass is the traditional surface and remains common in college and professional football. A well-maintained grass field is … Read more
The game is recognizably the same from a Friday night high school matchup to the Super Bowl, but almost everything else changes: the speed, the complexity, the rules and the time demands. High school High school football is where most players learn the fundamentals. Teams range widely in size and resources. Games usually have 12-minute … Read more
For decades, football decisions relied mainly on experience and instinct. Today, every NFL team employs analytics staff, and data influences play-calling, roster building, training and officiating. Fourth downs The most visible change is on fourth down. Models based on expected points and win probability showed that teams were punting far too often, especially near midfield … Read more
Football equipment exists to protect players and let them move freely. Fit matters more than brand or price, and the right choice depends on position, playing surface and level of play. Helmets Helmets reduce the risk of skull fractures and severe head injuries; no helmet can prevent all concussions. Choose a helmet that: Helmets need … Read more
Arm strength gets attention, but accuracy wins games. An accurate quarterback puts the ball where only the receiver can catch it, in stride, so the play can continue after the catch. Most accuracy problems start below the arm. Footwork first Inaccurate throws often come from a poor base: feet too narrow, too wide, or pointed … Read more
A defense has two jobs at once: stop the run and stop the pass. Every defensive scheme is a balance between the two, adjusted to what the offense does best. The front: 4-3 and 3-4 Many modern defenses use hybrid fronts and change between them during a game. Packages against the pass Because offenses use … Read more
Football is a sport of short, explosive efforts: a typical play lasts only a few seconds, followed by about 30 to 40 seconds of rest. Training should build strength, power and the ability to repeat explosive efforts throughout a game. Strength and power Strength protects players in collisions and is the base for power. Core … Read more
American football is highly specialized. Each of the 11 players on the field has a defined job, and a play only works when all of them do theirs. Here is what each position group contributes. Offensive line Five linemen (center, two guards, two tackles) protect the quarterback on passing plays and open running lanes. They … Read more
Penalties are part of almost every football game. A single flag can wipe out a touchdown, extend a drive or flip field position, which is why disciplined teams often beat more talented ones. Offensive penalties Defensive penalties Penalties for both sides Unnecessary roughness and personal fouls (15 yards) cover late hits and dangerous contact. Face … Read more
