American football is one of the symbols of the USA and the number one sport in this country. Outwardly, this game is very similar to rugby. This is not surprising since they are siblings of American football and rugby. The difference nonetheless exists.
A bit of history
It all started in England back in the 19th century. At the beginning of the century in football there were no clearly defined rules. Every city, every college played as he wanted. Somewhere it was even allowed to touch the ball with your hands and give passes to partners. And in 1829, William Webb Ellis took, and ran the entire field with the ball in his hand.
This outraged orthodox football players, but was the beginning of a new game. They called her by the name of the city where everything happened - Rugby.
In 1869, in the small American town of New Brunswick, they decided to make English fun more dynamic and spectacular, slightly changing the rules of the game. And so there was American football. This game is the number one sport in the United States today.
What is the meaning of the game
American football and rugby are very similar. The difference is noticeable with a thorough study of the rules. In both games, the main tasks are the same. Having rushed through the whole field with the ball under the arm and breaking through the line of defenders, the player must bring the ball into the test field. You can kick the ball into the goal, which is very different from traditional football.
In both games, the defenders are fighting to death to prevent the enemy from entering their territory. Power tricks are one of the main components in these games. A similar form and ball played in American football and rugby. The difference is in shape, weight, material.
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 give the gear forward. Powerful athletic guys must cut through the rivals with the ball in their hands. The attacker brings points to the team only after running with the ball into the test field. The only relief is that you can pass with your feet.
In American football, there is wider scope for a varied game. The whole point of tactics is built on combinations based on forward passes of the ball.
A player can score points by running into the points zone and accepting a pass from a partner. At the same time, the ball is not provided for kicking.
The role of martial arts in such power games as American football and rugby is great. The difference in the permitted use of force. If rugby is allowed to attack only the player who owns the ball, then in his overseas version, you can knock down any potentially dangerous opponent.
Battlefield, gun, uniform
What is the difference between rugby and American football, an inexperienced viewer will understand and looking at the appearance of the players. The ball in American football is launched with more force, there are more opportunities for martial arts. Accordingly, players need some basic protection so as not to remain disabled. Bibs, knee pads, helmet, shields are mandatory attributes of the equipment of American football players.
Severe European rugby players despise pain and are limited to minimal defenses. A fabric helmet that resembles a tanker's headdress is the player’s only defense. The remaining items of equipment - underpants, rugby jerseys - are almost no different from those used by European football players.
American football is a bit narrower than rugby. The layout is different. The field is divided into segments measured in yards.
The number of players on the field is also different: 15 in rugby and 11 in American football.
Rugby game time is limited to two halves of 40 minutes. In American football - 4 segments of 15 minutes.
A ball with a specific oval shape is similar in appearance. The European shell is heavier and larger.
American - more elongated.
And finally, the difference lies in the attitude of the fans. In the USA, American football is not just a sport, but one of the symbols of the country. Championship Superfinal matches are the top rated television broadcasts. Rugby is much inferior in popularity to its brother - European football. Nevertheless, both games are very dynamic and spectacular, and a true sports enthusiast will get a lot of pleasure from them.