Comparison Essay on Football and Basketball

Today, people enjoy playing a great variety of sports. While people in the United States are more passionate about baseball and American football, French men give preference to Association football. Due to a technological revolution, we all have an opportunity to watch our favorite games either in stadiums or on TV, as well as play any for recreation.

Football and basketball are two of the most common sports that are played in many parts of the world. For an individual who is torn between selecting which of the two sports he should play, it can be very helpful to know the characteristics of the two sports and compare these qualities in order to select the one that interests a particular person the most. One of the most obvious differences between the two sports lies in the way they are played. While football is in most cases played outdoors in areas that may not necessarily have artificial lighting or controlled temperatures, basketball is mostly played in indoor fields that have both artificial lighting and temperature control.

The size of the football field is also several times bigger than that of basketball.
The other difference lies in the way the players interact with the ball. In football, the ball is played by fumbling, while in basketball, the ball is played by bouncing the ball up and down on the floor repeatedly in an action known as dribbling. In football, the main objective of the game is to capture the territory of the opposing team in ten-yard segments, eventually driving the ball to the opposing team’s end zone. In basketball, the main aim is to throw the ball as many ways as possible into the opposing team’s basket, given that the more baskets a team makes, the higher the score.

Another major difference is that physical contact between basketball players of opposing teams is highly discouraged and may actually result in a foul. This is especially the case when a player knocks another player of the opposing team to the floor. In football, contact is highly encouraged. Contact in football is referred to as a tackle.

Another difference between the two sports is in the way the players are dressed. While basketball players wear vests as the uniform for the game, the football players are usually dressed in long-sleeved t-shirts and trousers. They also wear helmets to protect their heads during tough tackles. Another notable difference between the two sports is why a player may be suspended from the game. The most common reason behind players being ruled out of a basketball game is the fouls that they cause, but in football, injuries are the most common reasons that remove players from the game.
The kind of scores in each of the games also differs greatly. In football, 3 is the least number of points that the opposing team can score at a single time, while in basketball, 3 is the highest point that a player can score at a time.

Finally, the origin of each of the games also differs. While football is thought to have originated in the early 1900s as a violent collegiate sport for men, basketball is believed to have originated from a gymnastics practice for women.

In order to make sure that you choose the most suitable sport, take into account the similarities between basketball and football. First of all, both types of sport are ball games. Despite all the differences related to the form of the ball, the basic principle of the games is based on running and throwing the ball.

What is more, basketball and football are real teamwork. It means that you all have to work hard to win the game. Cooperation and trust are important. Plus, each player has to follow a specific strategy of the game in both cases. According to the rules of basketball and football, the coach may decide to replace this or that player with the best substitute at any point in the game.

These changes can be also made in case the players get tired or have injuries.
When it comes to both games, you need to have a strong body and excellent physical condition to become successful and take pleasure in the process. Besides, basketball and football have a range of distinguishing techniques that help players to sweep to victory. What is more, both activities are based on the principles that include a fair play. In other words, all players must respect each other, with no exception to the rule. Finally, we can’t deny the fact that football and basketball have loads of faithful fans all over the world.

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Sports have taken center stage in modern society as not only a source of entertainment but also a multi-billion dollar industry. Over the years, investors have committed massive financial investments to transform sporting activities as we know them today. Two of the most popular games that draw massive support globally are football and basketball. With today’s advanced technology, fans of both sports can watch the games in real-time from wherever they are. In this football and basketball compare and contrast essay, we will critically analyze the similarities and differences to help you understand them better.

Choosing between the Two Games

If you are a sports enthusiast and want to participate in any of the games but you are not sure which is the best, you should seek to understand the qualities of both. When you compare and contrast basketball and football, you get to understand key aspects that make the games special to their respective fans. It is essential to acknowledge that each game has its support base, although you may find fans who enjoy both games. So, what are the qualities that differentiate the two games?

Differences between Basketball and Football

The pitch

One of the striking differences between the two games is the size of the pitch and how they are played. Football is mostly an outdoor game with a large pitch compared to basketball. On the other hand, basketball is mostly an indoor game that is played on pitches that have artificial lighting as well as temperature controls. The pitch is also extremely small compared to that of football. The football pitch could hold several basketball pitches. If you are looking for an outdoor game, you have football and vice versa.

Use of feet or hands?

Another notable difference is that basketball is considered an infringement if a player kicks a ball using their foot. However, accidental touch or striking is not penalized. On the other hand, football is a mix of hands and feet. Outfield players aren’t allowed to touch the ball using their hands or arms. However, the goalkeeper is allowed to use any part of their body where they are in their protected area. However, if they play as outfield players, the rules governing outfield players apply.

Goals and points

In football, players aim to score goals by passing the ball from their half to the opponent’s half. The attacking team should outsmart the defending team to kick the ball past the goalkeeper. In case of an infraction against an attacking player in the penalty box of the opposing team, a 12-yard penalty kick is awarded. In basketball, however, players target putting the ball into the basket of the opposing team.  It is important to note unlike football a throw into the basket wins the team different points.  

Similarities between Football and Basketball

Having identified what is the difference between football and basketball, let’s address the similarities to help you make a sound decision. One of the most notable similarities is that both are ball games. Plays pass the ball to each other by kicking by foot or passing by hand. Unlike track events where no balls are involved, you will have to possess the skills of handling a ball in both games.

Both games are regulated by a set of rules that govern players on the do’s and don’ts. The rules extend to other stakeholders including the coaching staff and the conduct of fans. Both sports have governing bodies and agencies that have numerous functions including disciplinary actions, and educating athletes on diverse things including anti-doping, among other functions. In case a player, team official, or any other stakeholder fails to abide by the regulations, they are summoned by the governing bodies for disciplinary action.

Both sports are played under the guidance of a referee who ensures players abide by the rules of games. If players commit a foul, the referees will blow their whistle to award the foul against the team that committed the infraction. The type of free kick depends on such factors as position and the nature of the foul.

Both games are played by a team of players. Unlike track games such as athletics, winning the game is a collective effort of a team. A team comprises players with different strengths and capabilities. Coaches utilize player strengths to develop tactics to outsmart opposing teams. In case a player is injured, doesn’t perform as expected, or they are too tired to continue, the coach can substitute them so long as they abide by the substitution rules.

Can I Play both Football and Basketball in College?

Sometimes it becomes hard to choose between the two games, which may lead you to ask “Can I play both football and basketball in college?” The simple answer to the question is yes. However, there are several factors you need to consider. First, it would be impractical to participate in two sports that take place during the same season. Secondly, you must ensure that you have adequate time for your studies and other aspects of life before you dedicate so much time to sports. Thirdly, if you envision participating in sports at a professional level, it would be advisable to stick to one game that you are extremely good at. You will develop the required skills and keep yourself updated with emerging trends and any changes in the rules of the game.

Parting Shot

Participating in sports in college is vital for students. It improves one’s lifestyle, physical, and mental health. Two of the most popular games are football and basketball. Some learners find it challenging to decide on the best sport for them. Understanding the similarities and differences between the two games helps you to choose the sport that aligns with your goals. For instance, if you want to participate in an indoor game, choose basketball and vice versa. Evaluate your strengths and passion, as they are also key determinants.