What are the five ways initial force can be applied to a football?

The correct answer identifies the five ways initial force can be applied to a football during play: carry, fumble, kick, pass, and snap.

Carrying the ball involves a player grasping it while running, which is a common way to advance the ball. A fumble occurs when a player loses possession of the ball while running or being tackled, thereby creating a situation where the initial force is released unintentionally. Kicking the ball is another primary method of applying initial force, whether it’s for a kickoff, field goal attempt, or punt. Passing the ball involves throwing it to a teammate, which puts it in motion towards an intended target. Lastly, the snap is the process of delivering the ball from the center to the quarterback or another player, initiating the play.

The other choices include actions that do not consistently apply initial force to the ball or do not relate directly to the movement of the football in play. For example, dribbling is not a recognized action in football, and bumping is not a standard term associated with the mechanics of applying force to the ball.