American football and rugby: the difference in the details

American football is one of the symbols of the USA and the sport of number one in this country. Outwardly this game is very similar to rugby. This is not surprising, since they are brothers of American football and rugby. The difference nevertheless exists.

A bit of history

It all began in England in the distant 19th century. At the beginning of the century, football had no clearly defined rules. Every city, every college played as I wanted. Somewhere it was even allowed to touch the ball with his hands and give the transfer to partners. And in 1829 William Webb Ellis took, and ran the entire field with the ball in his hand. This outraged the orthodox players, but it was the beginning of a new game. They called her by the name of the city, where everything happened - Rugby.

In 1869, in a small American town of New Brunswick, they decided to make English fun more dynamic and entertaining, changing the rules of the game somewhat. So there was American football. This game today is the number one sport in the US.

What is the meaning of the game?

American football and rugby are very similar. The difference is noticeable when you carefully study the rules. As in that, and in another game, the main tasks are the same. Rushing through the entire field with the ball under his arm and breaking through the defenders' line, the player must bring the ball into the goal field. You can also score the ball with your feet in the goal, which is very different from traditional football.

In both games defenders fight to the death in order not to admit the enemy to their territory. Power tricks - one of the main components in these games. A similar shape and ball, played in American football and rugby. The difference is in form, weight, material.

To achieve one goal in different ways

The biggest difference between rugby and American football is the rules of the game. In the European version, it is forbidden to hand over the hand. Powerful athletic guys have to cut through with a ball in the hands through the closed system of rivals. The striker brings the points to the team, only after running with the ball into the goal field. The only relief - you can give a pass with your feet.

In American football, there is a wider scope for a variation game. The whole point of tactics and is built on combinations based on the transfer of the ball forward. The player can score points by running into the scoring area and accepting the transfer from the partner. In this case, no transfer of the ball by feet.

Great role of martial arts in such power games as American football and rugby. The difference in the permitted use of force receptions. If rugby is allowed to attack only the player owning the ball, then in its overseas version you can knock down any potentially dangerous opponent.

The battlefield, the gun, the equipment

What is the difference between rugby and American football, an inexperienced viewer will understand and look at the appearance of the players. The ball in American football is launched with more force, there are more opportunities for power combat. Accordingly, players need some kind of basic protection, so as not to remain disabled. Breastplates, knee pads, helmet, shields are mandatory attributes of American football equipment.

Severe European rugby players despise pain and are limited to minimal elements of protection. A helmet made of cloth, similar to a tankman's headgear, is the only defense of the player. The rest of the equipment - shorts, rugby - almost do not differ from those used by European footballers.

The field in American football is a bit narrower than in rugby. The marking also differs. The field is divided into segments, measured in yards.

Variously the number of players on the field: 15 - in rugby, and 11 - in American football.

The playing time in rugby is limited to two halves of 40 minutes each. In American football - 4 stretches of 15 minutes.

The ball, which has a specific oval shape, looks similar. The European projectile is heavier and bigger. American - more stretched.

And, finally, the difference lies in the attitude of the fans. In the US, American football is not just a sport, it's one of the symbols of the country. Superfinal matches of the championship are the most rated television broadcasts. Rugby is much inferior in popularity to his brother - European football. Nevertheless, both games are very dynamic and spectacular, and a true sports lover will get a lot of pleasure from them.