American Football and Football?

Question

I've always wondered why they call "American Football" - "Football".

They rarely use their foot in the game. Is it because the ball is shaped like a foot? I... don't really think that's why. Is it because the person who invented American Football is named "Football"?

Football by the way is more appropriate for Soccer. Which shouldn't even be called soccer. Since Football uses their foot and the only times they don't is when they 'Throw In' the ball or if the goalkeeper catches the ball with his hands.

Every time I search for answers in Yahoo Answers, the americans say soccer is a bad sport and swear a lot. I don't see why soccer is a bad sport. It IS the best sport in the world. You can't deny it.

But I guess the real question here is WHY they call American Football with "American Football".

I hope I don't start a riot. For the hardcore fans, please don't swear and say the other sport sucks without giving a reasonable answer.

Thanks.

Answer 1

The term football varies from different countries depending on how many 'football' codes or versions of the game are played in that country.

Its American football because Americans use the term 'soccer' instead of 'football' which is preferred in other countries thus American football is used instead also it football has its origins from Rugby union so it similar to American football (minus the pads).

In the Uk there are 3 codes of football therefore the names will vary from those in the states.

Football (Called soccer in America)

Rugby Union

Rugby League

Australia and New Zealand

Soccer

Rugby Union

Rugby League

Answer 2

Soccer (Football to everyone but Americans) is not a bad sport, but yes I very much CAN deny that its the best sport in the world.  Check the ratings -- more people watch the Super Bowl than the World Cup Finals every year.  And no, I'm not just talking about Americans.

What I would really like to know is which sport was named football first.  If soccer was named football first, then where in the heck did the word "soccer" come from?

Answer 3

That's the way it goes in America

Answer 4

I'll offer you this insight:

One of the most important aspects of American football is "field position."  This is the place on the field that the offense begins their drive.  Field position is usually determined by kickoffs and punts, both of which require the foot.  There is even an entire portion of the team devoted to kicking- the "special teams."  Therefore, the foot is instrumental in American football.

Additionally, the MAJORITY of points in American football are scored with the foot- through field goals.  The leading scorers in the history of the NFL are Morten Anderson and Gary Anderson, both kickers.  LaDainian Tomlinson only recently broke the single-season scoring record, which was previously held by a kicker (Paul Hornung) for many years.

In short, kicking is of extreme importance in American football, and I believe it is very aptly named.

Answer 5

apparently it diverged from rugby football, and when that happened they just took the name football, even if they didnt use their feet much. But ia gree with you, true football is soccer, and soccer is the best sport in the world

Answer 6

The foot is used in every instance of the game. How do the players move?.....with their feet!