Reading Comprehension

The History of Football

The American type of Football was developed in the 19th century from soccer and rugby football. Played by professionals, amateurs, college, high school, or young children, football in America is one of the most popular; football in America is one of the most popular sports. It attracts millions of fans each fall and people are very supportive of their favorite teams. 

The origin or beginning of football may have been a game played by the ancient Greeks called harpaston. In this game, there was no limit to the number of players. The ball was kicked, thrown, or run by the players, and the object was to move a ball across a goal by kicking. 

The football playing field of today is rectangular in shape and measures 100 yards long and 53.5 yards wide. White lines are painted on the playing field to mark off the distances to the end zone. The game is divided into four quarters, each fifteen minutes long. The first two quarters are known as first half. There is a rest period between the two halves which usually lasts about fifteen minutes.

Each team has eleven players. Each team has offensive players which play when the team has possession of the ball, and defensive players which play when the other team has possession of the ball. Players are required to wear protective equipment to keep the body safe during the game. Helmets are worn to protect the head and face area. Pads are worn to protect the shoulders, arms, and legs. Protective equipment must be worn because of the body contact players have during the game.

Officials supervise the game and are considered to be very important to the game of football. They carry whistles and flags and make certain that the rules of the game are followed during the game. 

The football is made of leather and is brown in color. It is shape much like and oval, and has white rings near each end of the football. These rings help the players see the ball when it is thrown or someone is running with it. The eight stitches on the top of the football help players to grip or hold the ball when throwing or passing. 

The most famous football game of the year is the Super Bowl that is players in January of February. It is televised around the world and it is watched by millions of people every year. 

 Answer the following questions.

           1.      What is the most famous game each year?

a.       The Georgia – Florida game

b.      The Super Bowl

c.       The Alabama – Auburn game

d.      The Army – Navy game

           2.      What shape and color is the football?

a.       Circular, brown

b.      Oval, white

c.       Circular, leather

d.      Oval, brown

     3.      Why are the white rings on each end of the football?

a.       To help players see the ball

b.      To make it look nice

c.       To help players hold the football

d.      To help players run

           4.      Why do players need protective equipment during the game?

a.       To make their uniforms fit

b.      To see the ball

c.       To keep the body safe

d.      To make touchdowns nicer

           5.      Who plays American football?

a.       Professional players

b.      High school players

c.       College players

d.      All of these

           6.      What do official do during the game?

a.       Watch and enjoy the game

b.      Make sure the rules are followed

c.       Take up tickets

d.      Kick the ball when needed

            7.      Which of the following is not true?

a.       The football field is rectangular in shape

b.      The field measures 100 yards long and 53.5 yards wide

c.       The white lines are used to keep players safe

d.      The rest period between the two halves lasts about 15 minutes