Difference Between American Football and Rugby
American football and football are two very popular sports that have some similarities but also a lot of differences. Below we will look at the differences between American football and football in terms of rules, equipment, tactics and game formats.
1. Rules. The most significant difference between American football and rugby is their rules. American football is played on a rectangular surface, and the game time is divided into four quarters of 15 minutes each. The attacker can score points by passing or running the ball to the opponent's baseline in the opponent's half, while the defender tries to prevent the opponent from scoring. Rugby is also played on a rectangular surface, but the game is longer, divided into four 20-minute halves, where the attacking team needs to pass or run to bring the ball to the opponent's baseline to score, and the defending team needs to do their best to prevent the opponent from scoring.
2. Equipment. American football players usually wear protective gear such as helmets, shoulder pads, elbow pads, knee pads, etc., to protect themselves from injury. Rugby players, on the other hand, do not wear protective gear, but their clothing is usually thicker to cope with the rushes and collisions that can occur during the game.
3. Tactics. The tactics of American football usually focus on passing and running, and because the game is shorter, the attacking team needs to pass and run quickly to score as many points as possible in a limited amount of time. Rugby, on the other hand, is more diverse, including passing, running and ramming, with a different focus and strategy for each half of the game.
Fourth, the format of the competition.
American football is usually played at the college and high school levels, with each team consisting of 11 players. The goal of the game is to bring the ball into the opponent's baseline or kick the ball into the opponent's goal. Rugby is divided into several levels, including professional leagues, amateur leagues, etc. In the professional league, each team usually consists of 15 players, while in the amateur league it can be made up of 7 or 15 players. The goal of the game is also to dribble the ball into the opponent's baseline or kick the ball into the opponent's goal.
5. Player position.
In American football, players are usually divided into three groups: offensive, defensive, and special services. The offensive group is responsible for advancing and passing the ball, the defensive group is responsible for preventing the opponent from scoring, and the special service group is responsible for replacing the offensive or defensive group in special situations. In rugby, players are also divided into three groups: forwards, defenders, and goalkeepers. The striker is responsible for ramming and protecting the ball, the defender is responsible for controlling the team's offensive and defensive rhythm and passing the ball, and the goalkeeper is responsible for defending the opponent's shots and serves.
6. Technical characteristics.
American football and football also differ in their technical characteristics. Players in American football need to be able to pass, receive and run the ball well, while players in football need to be able to rush, control and pass the ball. In addition, players in American football also need to have quick reflexes and the ability to be flexible in order to respond to possible changes in the game. Rugby, on the other hand, requires perseverance and physicality to cope with the fatigue and injuries that can arise during the game.
To sum up, although American football and football are both popular sports, they have obvious differences in terms of rules, equipment, tactics, game formats, player positions, and technical characteristics. Whether you enjoy** or participate in one of these sports, understanding these differences will help you better understand and appreciate their charms.