Football exhibit examines the science and technology used in the game at Ashland’s Strategic Air and Space Museum

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Former Husker quarterback Taylor Martinez drops back to pass the ball

Ever wonder why your favorite quarterback is critiqued for “throwing off his back foot?” Or, maybe wonder if it’s more than timing that helps the receiver catch the football 50 yards downfield?

Football players have to be smart at their game. They need to understand the mathematics and science in executing the game plan for success on the gridiron. Technology plays a major role in player safety and performance, as well.

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“Football: The Exhibit” will be at the SAS Museum through Jan. 3, 2016

“Football: The Exhibit” examines the history of American football, the technological advances and the academics involved in the game. Nebraska’s Strategic Air and Space Museum near Ashland is hosting the special exhibit through Jan. 3, 2016.

“Football: The Exhibit” is a popular traveling exhibit from the Museum of Discovery in Arkansas. The SAS Museum has 3,000 square feet set aside for the nine interactive displays. Visitors can throw a football through hanging tires, run a 10-yard dash (it looks a lot longer than you think) as well as checking your strength as an offensive lineman.

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I tried my hand at throwing the ball. There was a reason I was a lineman

The exhibit starts with a brief history of the game’s evolution, from the first game to the advent of modern football. The first known football game took place in 1869 between Princeton and Rutgers.

However, Walter Camp is credited with establishing the basic rules of football, as well as 11-man football. Camp developed the rules as an undergraduate at Yale and a member of their team. He later coached the Bulldogs to a 67-2 won-loss record.

The “Walter Camp Award” is given annually to the best player in college football.

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Early American football

Professionally, the early days of the National Football league can be traced to car dealership in Canton, Ohio. The American Professional Football Association (forerunner to the modern-day National Football League) was launched and featured teams named the Canton Bulldogs, Akron Pros and Dayton Triangles. The first professional game is credited with being played in Pittsburgh.

Technology has improved the game drastically from the early days. Once helmets were made of leather and didn’t have face masks. Now, you have helmets that use air and special padding in an attempt to help prevent concussions and other head injuries. Quarterbacks can hear the play being called with earphones in their helmets. A coach with call the play via a radio transmitter.

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Early football helmet

Shoulder pads have improved to help protect players better.

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Modern equipment

The science of the game is impressive. Quarterbacks are usually taught from a young age to use a base model for dropping back to throw the ball. They hold the ball the correct way, and if everything has naturally developed, they can throw the football with accuracy anywhere on the field.

Science and math play a role in all aspects of the game. When executing a play, the linemen (both offense and defense) need to know which angle to take to make a good play, as well as the velocity necessary to execute a good block or tackler.

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Lisa tries her hand at being a lineman. There was a reason she was in band.

Kickers use math and science in determining how they need to kick the ball for a field goal. It changes based on the distance of the kick.

The exhibit also explores the growth and support for the sport, from tailgate parties to a plethora of games. I had a few electric football games as a kid, as well as some of the handheld games as an adult. In fact, I believe our daughter Mallory “confiscated” a couple of them , because she was good at the game and thought she needed them more than me. LOL.

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These games brought back memories

“Football: The Exhibit” is a fun and interesting attraction at the SAC Museum. We recommend checking it out.

For more information, please visit www.sasmuseum.com.