by Steve Healey

Created on: December 04, 2008   Last Updated: December 10, 2008

How many times have you watched a football game and said, "I would have called a different play," or, "I would have put a different player in." Fantasy football gives you the opportunity to prove just how much smarter you really are than the "Pro's" who are calling the plays.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

The most important thought to keep in mind about fantasy football is that the fantasy is actually based on reality. Specific rules may vary from league to league, but the basic premise in all leagues is the same - the points you score depend on how well real-life football players perform on the field every week.

The first event of the fantasy football season is the Draft, usually done just before start of the NFL season. The draft is important because that is when you choose the players who will initially make up your team. A draft can be done in person, over the WEB or even through email. Most leagues allow any individual player to be owned by only one team. So the one thing you don't do at a draft is discuss your strategy. After all, you don't want to let your opponents know who you plan to pick in case they try to "steal" your players.

When building your team, you need to make sure you have a good mix of the different positions required to start each week. Generally, you'll need a quarterback, 2 or 3 receivers and 2 or 3 running backs. A receiver's main job is to catch passes. A running back's job is to gain yardage by running with the ball though many do have passes thrown to them as well.

A quarterback scores points for each touchdown he throws in a game and for the number of yards he gains with his completed passes. Similarly, receivers and running backs also earn points for touchdowns and yards gained.

In addition, you'll need a kicker and a defense. A kicker scores points by completing field goals and extra points after touchdowns. Whereas, you draft individual players for all other positions, with the defense you draft a whole defensive team i.e. the defense for the New York Jets. The defense scores according to how many points or yards are gained against them.

Even if your hometown pro team is having a bad year, Fantasy Football can keep you interested and in the game all season.

Learn more about this author, Steve Healey.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.