Different Types of Football Games
Football, the sport that dominates the global stage, draws in an estimated 4 billion fans worldwide. But football isn’t just about the classic 11-a-side game. There are many different types of football games, each with its own challenges and passionate communities.
Different Types of Football
Here are some of the most interesting football-type games.
Blind Football
Blind football is a unique version of football that lets athletes with visual impairments compete at a high level. It has national teams an international governing body (IBSA Football), and is even a key part of the Paralympics, gaining popularity worldwide.
Games are played in two halves of 20 to 25 minutes each. Four players on each team wear blackout shades to ensure fairness, while the goalkeeper can see partially or fully. The field can be made of concrete or artificial turf, and unlike regular football, there are no offside rules.
Sighted coaches play an important role in guiding players with strategy and instructions. Each team has two coaches who help players work together and communicate well.
If you ever watch a blind football game, remember one important rule: spectators must stay silent. This allows players to focus on the sound of the special ball and their coaches’ directions to navigate the field and score goals.
Association Football – Popular Football Type
Association football, often called soccer, is among the most popular sports games. It features two teams of 11 players competing on the field for 90 minutes. The sport has a rich history that goes beyond the cheers of fans.
Its roots trace back to China’s Han Dynasty, where a similar game emerged between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. Similar games also appeared in ancient Greece and Rome. Modern football developed from medieval ball games, with formal rules established in English schools.
They started the first football league in 1888, and then they began having international competitions not long after. FIFA recognizes the 1872 match between Scotland and England as the first international game. The global governing body was formed in 1904 to oversee the sport.
Football has grown steadily since then. It’s now played in men’s and women’s international cups and is also part of the Olympic Games. The sport’s diverse appeal has led to many exciting variations, which we’ve explored in this post.
Amputee Football
Amputee football is a sport that shows incredible human strength and athleticism. The sport’s beginnings return to Don Bennett, who kicked a stray ball while watching his son play basketball.
This moment sparked a passion that led to the creation of a sport that is recognised around the world and, since 1984, the World Cup tournaments.
Amputee football is played with seven players per team, similar to regular football. Players on the field have one leg and both arms, using sticks to move around, while goalkeepers defend the goal using one arm and both legs. The game’s unique challenge comes from not using prosthetic limbs.
The match occurs on a grass field like regular football, but there’s no offside rule. This creates a fast and dynamic style. Each match is divided into two halves of 50 minutes each.
To see just how intense this sport can be, check out the 2021 European Amputee Football Championship final highlights between Turkey and Spain!
Bubble Football – One of the Football Type Game
Bubble football – a fun variation of a traditional football game – first appeared in 2011. Its origin can be traced back to a TV show hosted by Norwegian comedians Henrik Elvestad and Johan Golden. What began as a lighthearted jest swiftly transformed into a global sensation, captivating audiences in the UK, US, and New Zealand.
Players wear inflatable zorbs in this game, turning them into human bumpers. Teams of five wear the same color bubbles to help tell them apart. Like regular football, the goal is to kick the ball into the opposing team’s net. However, bubble football has its own special rules.
There are no goalkeepers, so players must work together to defend their goals. Games last between 10 minutes and an hour, with breaks in between. The bubbles make it hard to move around, causing players to tire quickly.
The focus is on having fun, with lots of laughter and playful bumps. However, for safety reasons, it’s not allowed to bump someone from behind. If you’re looking for a new and fun way to play football, bubble football might be for you!
Rugby Football
Rugby football is known for its mix of power and precision football game, which sets it apart from the calmer flow of association football. Although some people find rugby chaotic, clear rules focus on physicality and directness.
According to legend, rugby began when a student at Rugby School picked up the ball and ran with it during a regular football game. While this story might be debatable, Rugby School played an important role in shaping the sport and gave it its name.
In rugby football, teams need 15 players in rugby union and 13 players in rugby league. Substitutes are available on the bench to replace starting players when needed. Rugby uses an oval-shaped ball, and players need specific gear like sturdy uniforms, mouthguards for protection, and headgear due to the sport’s physical demands.
Handling the ball is important, but kicking also matters in rugby. However, one key rule separates it from football: forward passing isn’t allowed. Instead, players must pass the ball sideways or backward.
Tackling is another defining rugby feature, where players use their arms to bring opponents down. But safety is important, so tackles follow strict rules, and hits above the shoulders or to the legs are penalized.
How to Choose the Best Types of Football Games?
- Think about what you enjoy. Do you like running and kicking, or prefer more physical play?
- Consider what’s available. Check if there are teams or leagues nearby for the type of football you’re interested in.
- Try different types. Experiment with playing different kinds of football games to see which one you like the most.
- Ask for advice. Talk to friends or coaches who know about different types of football to get recommendations.
- Have fun. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy yourself while playing!
Final Thought on Football Types
The different types of football games show the sport’s variety and universal popularity. From football to rugby, blind football, amputee football, and bubble football, each game has its own rules, challenges, and unique communities.
Whether it’s the strategic precision of football, the physical intensity of rugby, or the inclusive spirit of blind and amputee football, all these games showcase the creativity and adaptability of football around the world.
FAQ About Types of Football Games
What are the different types of football games❓
Popular variations include association football, rugby football, blind football, amputee football, and bubble football.
How many types of football are there❓
There are several football type games, e.g., rugby, Canadian, and Gaelic, blind, bubble.
How does blind football work❓
Blind football is for visually impaired athletes who compete using a special ball that makes noise. Four players wear blackout shades while the partially-sighted goalkeeper can see.
How is amputee football different from regular football❓
Amputee football is played with seven players per team. Field players use crutches to move and only have one leg, while goalkeepers have one arm.
What makes bubble football unique❓
Players wear inflatable bubbles that allow them to bump into each other safely. There are no goalkeepers, and games are shorter and focused on fun.
How is rugby different from football❓
Rugby involves tackling and passing an oval ball sideways or backward, while football focuses forward passing and kicking a round ball to score goals.
What football types are popular in Africa❓
Association football is the most popular football type in Africa.