American football, known as football in the US and Canada, and also known as gridiron, is a family of football teams primarily played in Canada and the United States. American football originated in the United States, while its predecessor rugby football originated in United Kingdom in the early 19th century.
The game is played on rectangular field with goal lines at each end. Points are scored primarily by moving the ball into the opponent’s end zone for a goal in football or kicking the ball amidst the opponent’s goalposts for a touchdown. The team with the most scoring points and goals at the end of a match wins. American football is one of the most popular sports in the United States.
American football and rugby football are both sports that are descended from a common ancestor: a sport that was played in England in the early 19th century known as “football.”
Both American football and rugby football are characterized by two teams of players competing on a rectangular field, using an oval-shaped ball that is moved by throwing, carrying, or kicking it. However, there are several key differences between the two sports:
- American football is played with an oval-shaped ball that is inflated with air, while rugby football is played with a ball that is more elongated and made of leather or synthetic materials.
- American football is played with an offensive team and a defensive team, and the ball is primarily advanced by throwing it. Rugby football does not have specific offensive and defensive teams, and the ball can be advanced by throwing it or by carrying it in the hands or on the ground.
- American football is known for its complex system of downs, with the offensive team having four opportunities, or downs, to advance the ball 10 yards. In rugby, the ball can be moved by any means, and the game continues without interruption.
- American football players are heavily padded and wear helmets, while rugby players wear minimal protective gear and do not wear helmets.
- After a score in American football, the teams change possession. In Rugby, a conversion kick is attempted after each score, which gives the scoring team an opportunity to add points to the score if successful.
In summary, American football and rugby football are similar in many ways, but they have evolved into distinct sports with different rules, strategies, and styles of play.
American Football vs Rugby Football Similarity
American football and rugby football are both sports that originated from forms of football played in the United Kingdom in the 19th century. Both sports involve two teams of players who attempt to score points by advancing an oval or round ball down a field and across a goal line or into a goal area. There are also many similarities in terms of the physical attributes and skills required for players in both sports, such as strength, speed, and agility.
However, there are also some key differences between the two sports. For example, in American football, players wear helmets and pads, and the ball can only be advanced by throwing, running with, or kicking it. In contrast, in rugby, players do not wear any protective gear, and the ball can be advanced by carrying it or passing it using your hands or arms. Additionally, the scoring system and field dimensions are different in the two sports.
Overall, American football and rugby football share many similarities, but they also have distinct rules and gameplay characteristics that set them apart.
Distinct Rules and Gameplay
There are a number of distinct rules and gameplay characteristics that set American football vs rugby football apart from each other. Some of the main differences include:
- Equipment: Players in American football wear helmets, shoulder pads, and other protective gear, while players in rugby do not wear any protective gear.
- Ball handling: In American football, the ball can only be advanced by throwing it (passing it), running with it, or kicking it. In rugby, players can advance the ball by running with it or by passing it using their hands or arms.
- Scoring: The scoring systems are different in the two sports. In American football, touchdown scores 6 points, and additional points can be scored by kicking the ball through the opponent’s goalpost, a conversion kick after a touchdown which is worth 1 point, and a field goal which is also worth 3 points. In rugby, a try is scored by touching the ball down in the opponent’s in-goal area and it’s worth 5 points. Conversion kick, penalty kick, and drop goal are worth 2 points.
- Field: American football fields are much larger than rugby fields. American fields are 120 yards long and 53.33 yards wide and the end zones are 10 yards deep. Rugby fields are usually around 100 meters long and 70 meters wide.
- Game time: American football games are divided into four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes, with a halftime break and additional time allocated for commercial breaks. Rugby games are divided into two halves, each lasting 40 minutes with a halftime break of 10-15 minutes.
- Tackling: Tackling rules are different in both sports. Rugby players can tackle using their hands and arms to bring the ball carrier to the ground. In American football, tacklers cannot grab hold of the ball carrier’s jersey or pads.
These are just a few of the main differences between American football and rugby football. While the sports have many similarities in terms of the overall objective and some of the skills required, they are ultimately quite distinct games with unique rules and gameplay characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, American football and Rugby football are two sports that share many similarities, but also have distinct rules and gameplay characteristics that set them apart. Both sports involve two teams of players who attempt to score points by advancing a ball down a field and across a goal line or into a goal area, and both sports require a high level of physical fitness and skill from players.
However, there are many differences between the two sports. For example, in American football, players wear helmets and pads, and the ball can only be advanced by throwing, running with, or kicking it. In contrast, in rugby, players do not wear any protective gear, and the ball can be advanced by carrying it or passing it using your hands or arms.
Additionally, the scoring system and field dimensions are different in the two sports. American football games have a set time duration of 4 quarters of 15 minutes each, with a halftime break of around 12 minutes. Rugby games are divided into two halves, each lasting 40 minutes with a halftime break of 10-15 minutes.
Both sports have a significant following, American football is a popular sport in North America, whereas Rugby is played in many countries around the world, with strong followings in the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Both sports have their own unique set of rules, gameplay, and culture that make them interesting and enjoyable to watch and play.
