What was the connection Dillard made between playing football and being chased for throwing a snowball?

In the story, Dillard described playing football as "It was all or nothing" (Dillard). When she learned to play, she was taught that she had to put everything into the game so that her team would win. She goes on to talk about tackling on the field. "But if you flung yourself wholeheartedly at the back of his knees - if you gathered and joined body and soul and pointed them diving fearlessly - then...

In the story, Dillard described playing football as "It was all or nothing" (Dillard). When she learned to play, she was taught that she had to put everything into the game so that her team would win. She goes on to talk about tackling on the field. "But if you flung yourself wholeheartedly at the back of his knees - if you gathered and joined body and soul and pointed them diving fearlessly - then you likely wouldn't get hurt, and you'd stop the ball" (Dillard).

After throwing the snowball at the car, the man gets out and chases Dillard and her friends. She knows she has to escape, or at least try her best, just as she does in the game. As the kids split up, he chooses her (probably because she was the only girl) and gives chase. She knows that to escape, she will have to push herself just as she does on the field. She pushes herself until she can no longer run, and gains respect for the man as he refuses to give up. The chase goes on for paragraphs, through so many backyards and homes, until he catches her. But she knows that she "...flung herself wholeheartedly..." (Dillard) into her escape, and that she did her best.

There are more comparisons, but this should get you started. Look to the link below for more help with the story.