About Touch Football
Touch football is a variation of American football. Following the same basic rules of football, touch football is adaptable to a variety of playing surfaces and field sizes. Tackling is not permitted and is replaced with either a one or two-hand tag by the defense. This game variation is more conducive to a greater number of participating players as the possibility of injury is greatly reduced.
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History
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Although there is no general consensus on when touch football was officially begun, the intent of the game was born from the need to foster the play and exercise associated with football while minimizing the potential for injury. Touch football may be played by a wider demographic of individuals than traditional football and is also much more practical from an equipment and playing field perspective.
Function
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Touch football is easy to set up and easy to play. Defensive players simply tag an offensive player, with either one or two hands, rather than stopping the play by means of a tackle. The game is played using the majority of the same rules as regular football but may be slightly adapted to conform to age and physical ability. A regulation ball may be used keeping in mind that there are different sized footballs approved for different age levels of play. Rule variations may include the ability to gain a new set of downs upon moving the ball a certain distance, or having to score with only four downs.
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Effects
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Touch football presents an opportunity for participating individuals to gain proficiency in several areas. The game requires team work and team building which is a valuable tool and is easily applicable to many areas of life. There is also the opportunity for exercise. Touch football may be tailored to fit just about any athletic level. A thorough cardio work out may be obtained while playing a game of touch football. There is also the opportunity for play to those who are not able or do not care to tackle. The strategy and team work of the game can be exhilarating and should be experienced by anyone who is interested.
Considerations
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Touch football may be customized to those who are participating. For example, when younger players are participating, the field may be shortened and made more narrow. This will allow more time for play execution and repetitions rather than excessive running. Tournaments, for example, will typically follow a short field format even with physically fit adult play. This allows more playing surface per acre and also allows for more games to be conducted simultaneously for a playoff format.
Misconceptions
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Many people continue to believe that football and touch football are boys only activities. However, there are great advantages to both boys and girls playing the game. First, when on mixed teams, males and females are thrown into the mix and must learn to maximize each others strong points. With the possibility of injury minimized, there is much less to fear from those who might be timid or reluctant to participate. Second, football is played in much the same manner as a game of chess. Plays are called to position the offense so that scoring opportunities may be created. Chess is played in much the same manner. Touch football removes much of the violence and presents more of the thinking and strategy associated with the game.
Benefits
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The benefits of touch football are many. However, none are perhaps greater than the opportunity to exercise and breath fresh air. From working a wide variety of muscle groups to a thorough cardiovascular work out, touch football is an excellent means of exercise and keeping physically fit.
Warning
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Although touch football minimizes the potential for physical injury, there are certain injuries which may occur as with any physical activity involving running or a group of people. Ankle injuries may result from simply planting the foot in a bad position resulting in rolled ankle or a sprain. There is also the potential for jammed thumbs and fingers resulting from improper catching technique of the football. A more serious injury may involve the collision of two or more players which can involve head to head or head to ground contact. This is the extreme end of the touch football injury scale. Any head or neck trauma should be treated with extreme caution and movement prior to the arrival of professional medical help should be minimized.
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