It is a question that has been asked by many, typically by those who have no understanding of sports or who do not care about it at all. Of course, these people are not saying that they are not different sports, it is clear that they are. What can be understood by this question is that they look similar in their style of play, which may lead to confusion to some about what sport they are actually watching. The same confusion can happen with something like netball and basketball, though the differences are more obvious with those two sports. In any case, it is important to realise the distinction between the two sports, or risk looking like a fool!
On the face of it, the two sports share many similarities. It might be helpful to get these out of the way first to point how they can be confused with each other. They both involve two teams who are fighting over possession of the ball, which is also a similar shape in both sports. Both rugby and American football are contact sports, meaning that physical altercations are encouraged as tackling is one way to retrieve the ball back to gain possession. They also both carry the ball in the hands but can kick it in open play and set-piece situations. Other than sharing a rich gambling scene, click here if you are looking for a good resource of online casinos, that is all the similarities they share.
When it comes to the differences, there are plenty enough that those who were previously confused with the two sports should feel confident distinguishing them from each other. To start, the main objective of both sports is to get behind the oppositions line. However, in rugby, points will only be scored if the player touches the ball to the ground. Ironically, to score a touchdown in American football, the player only needs to cross the line with the ball.
Although the balls do look similar, they are, of course, different as these are two different sports that are being played. Rugby balls are about 27cm long and weigh around a pound. On the other hand, American footballs weigh a few ounces less but are slightly longer at about 28cm. While these differences are indecipherable to the human eye from afar, something that can be noticed is that American footballs have pointy ends and a seam that helps make throwing easier.
An easy way to tell the two sports apart is by counting the players on the pitch. American football has eleven, but rugby has a staggering 15. Perhaps the biggest difference between the sports though can be found in the passing. Rugby players must only pass backwards, whereas American football players can pass in any direction.
Those who were previously confused about the two sports should now feel confident in picking them out from a television screen.