Touch football (American)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Touch football is a version of American football originally developed by the U.S. Navy in the 1940's in which the players "tackle" the individual carrying the ball only by touching him with one or two hands, based on whether one is playing the one-hand touch or two-hand touch variety, as opposed to tackling him bodily to the ground or forcing a knee to touch the ground, as is normal in traditional rules versions of the game. The two-hand touch variation is the most popular.
Other than the tackling aspect, most rules remain the same as in traditional American football, except for occasional local variations. Touch football can be played by teams as few as two or as many as eleven on each side; usually, games consist of teams of four to seven.
Generally, in touch football, nearly every play is a passing play, whereas run plays and pass plays tend to be well balanced in organized football. Most games will allow all players to be eligible receivers, unlike in organized tackle football. Some games will also implement a "blitz count", or a period of time that must elapse after the snap before the defense may cross the line of scrimmage in order to attempt to tackle the quarterback. The count thus gives the quarterback time to complete a pass in the absence of effective blocking. Other games will not use a count and thus blocking becomes important.
When it is desired for an odd number of players to play, it is common to allow one player to be an "all-time Quarterback" player; this player will always be on the offense or the kicking team, switching sides throughout the game.
Another common variation is the elimination of the field goal and extra point; this is usually due to the absence of goal posts on the field as well as due to poor kicking skill by the participants. Some games eliminate kicking altogether, directing the teams to start each possession after a touchdown at the twenty-yard line, as if a kickoff and touchback had just occurred; other players prefer to change the kickoff into a "throw-off".
- Touch football is generally played by amateurs, often teenagers or children.
- In Mexico the "touch football" is also known with the nickname of "tochito", nickname from the name of the game.
- During Thanksgiving, many Americans are known to play in "Turkey Bowls," games of touch or tackle football (without football pads) between family and friends.
