Why the football called a ball?

Answer 1

Because it is based on a game where a ball is kicked with your feet.

American Football is derived from Rugby Football which is itself derived from (English) Football or Soccer, a game relying much more on the use of the foot

Answer

The word football is from the English language a compound of 'foot' and 'ball' and was originally written as two words 'foot ball'. There is an historical definition of the word 'football' being 'a ball game played on foot'. An alternative is in reference to the kicking action of the foot against the ball. No clear evidence exists for the etymology. The Oxford English Dictionary first records the word in 1424 in an act banning the game. The original foot ball game was a ball game played at Shrovetide in medieval England. Other European countries also played Shrovetide ball games by different name which were very similar to Shrovetide football. The game had few rules but specifically prohibited the use of transport. As a result the game had to be played on foot hence the assertion 'foot ball'. All modern codes of football can be traced back to these Shrovetide ball games. Originally played all over England, the game has survived in some isolated places. See the attachment from the BBC regards this years proposed Shrovetide football games in Derbyshire (2011).

Answer 2

In 1823 the game was in fact football and allowed the ball to be carried. In the late 1870s the football association was formed, the handling of the ball abolished and the clubs that had formed who wanted to keep the ball carrying law went their separate way. They called themselves the Rugby Football Union (RFU). It is still known as that today

Answer 3

It has the same purpose as any other ball. Either to catch it, throw it, kick it, or pass it. No matter the shape it's still a ball. Plus most balls have a soft nylon shell filled with air.

Answer 4

Basically, because it was invented. If football was different, it might have another name, different teams, etcetera.