by Jarred Fite
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Ever wondered what all the hype around the Super Bowl is all about? Millions of viewers watch the event every year, so it’s hard not to feel left out. As an American football newbie, all the rules and lingo can be confusing to follow. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to understand and enjoy America’s favorite sport. From how downs work to the difference between a safety and a field goal, you’ll be chatting touchdowns and first downs in no time. Whether you end up rooting for your local college football team or pick a favorite NFL franchise, football has something for everyone. Stick with us, and by the time the playoffs roll around, you’ll have both a solid grasp of the basics and an appreciation for the athleticism, drama, and excitement that make football so fun to watch.
What Is American Football?
So, you want to understand America’s favorite pastime? Football is a complex game, so we’ll start from the basics and work our way up:
The Objective
The objective of football is simple: score more points than your opponent. Teams score points by advancing the ball into the opponent’s end zone (a touchdown) or kicking the ball through the opponent’s goalposts (a field goal).
The Field
Football is played on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end. The field is marked by sidelines (the long edges), end lines (the short edges), and hash marks. The area between the goal lines is the playing field.
Positions
There are 11 players on each team. The offensive positions are quarterback (QB), running back (RB), receivers (WR), tight end (TE), and offensive linemen (OL). The defensive positions are defensive linemen (DL), linebackers (LB), cornerbacks (CB), and safeties (S). Special teams are used for kicking plays.
Equipment
Players wear helmets, pads, jerseys, and cleats. The football is an oval-shaped ball.
Gameplay
The game starts with a kickoff. The offensive team has 4 downs (downs 1–3 to advance 10 yards, 4th down to kick). They can run with the ball or pass it. Once a down has ended, the teams switch between offense and defense. This continues until a score, penalty, or turnover happens.
Penalties
Penalties, like false starts, offsides, or unnecessary roughness, result in loss of yards and downs. Excessive penalties can lead to player ejection.
Levels
Youth, high school, and college football have slightly different rules but the overall basic rules are the same, as far as gameplay goes. The NFL is the premier professional league but now there are a few other lower-level professional leagues such as the XFL and CFL (Canadian Football League). Tackle football and flag football are two ways to play, which we’ll dive into a little bit later on in the article.
Now that we’ve touched on some of the basics of the sport, let’s take a look at some of the gameplay scoring, positions, field dimensions, and penalties.
How Points Are Scored in Football
To score in football, you need to get the ball into the opponent’s end zone or kick it through the goalposts. Let’s break down how points are scored:
Touchdowns (6 points)
The ultimate goal is to advance the ball into the opponent’s end zone by running or passing it. When a player carries or catches the ball in the end zone, it’s called a touchdown and scores 6 points. After a touchdown, the scoring team can kick an extra point (1 or 2 points) or go for a 2-point conversion (2 points).
Field Goals (3 points)
If a team can’t score a touchdown, they can kick the ball through the goalposts for a field goal, worth 3 points. The kicker tries to kick the ball through the uprights and over the crossbar.
Safeties (2 points)
If an offensive player is tackled in their own end zone, the defensive team scores a safety, worth 2 points. This can happen if the offense fumbles or throws an interception in their end zone, for example.
Extra Points (1 or 2 points)
After a touchdown, the scoring team can kick an extra point through the goalposts for 1 point (kick) or score a 2-point conversion by running or passing into the end zone from the 2-yard line. Most teams choose the safer 1-point kick.
Two-Point Conversion (2 points)
Instead of kicking the extra point after a touchdown, teams can opt to run or pass the ball into the end zone from the 2-yard line for a 2-point conversion, worth 2 points. This risky play can tie or win a game, so teams usually save it for late in the game.
With all these ways to score, football games can change quickly! Understanding how points are scored will help you follow all the action.
The Positions and Roles on a Football Team
The positions on a football team consist of both offensive and defensive roles that work together to advance the ball down the field and score touchdowns. On offense, the quarterback leads the team and handles the ball on nearly every play.
Quarterback
The quarterback is considered by many to be the most important position. They call the plays, take the snap from the center and either hand off the ball, run with it themselves, or pass it to a receiver. The success and failure of a team often comes down to how well their quarterback performs.
Running Back
The running back’s primary role is to run with the ball, gaining yards by avoiding defenders. They take handoffs from the quarterback and run up the field, following blockers. Running backs should have speed, agility, and strength to power through tackles.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Receivers catch passes from the quarterback to gain yards. Wide receivers typically line up on the outer edges of the offensive line while tight ends line up beside the offensive line. They should have good hands, speed, and route-running ability.
Offensive Line
The offensive line protects the quarterback and running backs, blocking defenders from getting to the ball carrier. The center snaps the ball to the quarterback to start each play. Offensive linemen are typically big, strong players who can hold their ground against defensive linemen and linebackers.
On defense, players work to stop the offense from advancing the ball and scoring. Defensive linemen and linebackers apply pressure to the quarterback and running backs while defensive backs cover wide receivers and try to intercept passes. Special teams players handle kicking, punting, kick returns, and punt returns.
Each position has an important role to play to be successful. When all units are working together in sync, big plays and scoring opportunities happen. But if one part of the team falters, the opponent can take advantage. Understanding how each position contributes to the game helps in becoming a knowledgeable football fan.
Essential Football Equipment for Players
To play football, you’ll need to gear up with essential protective equipment. The basic equipment keeps you safe while allowing mobility and comfort during intense gameplay.
Helmet
The helmet is your most important piece of equipment. It protects your head and brain from impacts that could cause a concussion. Helmets are made of hard plastic with internal padding and a facemask. They must properly fit and be certified to safety standards.
Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads protect your shoulders, chest, and upper back from tackles and collisions. They are made of hard plastic covered in foam padding and fabric. Shoulder pads come in different sizes for different positions and ages. They allow mobility while absorbing impacts.
Other Padding
You’ll also want padded pants, hip pads, tailbone pads, knee pads, and padded gloves or wrist guards. These provide extra protection for common contact areas and cushion falls or dives. Padding should be fitted to your body size and the level of contact expected for your position and age group.
Jersey
The jersey identifies which team you’re on. Jerseys are made of breathable fabric and come in your team colors and patterns. They will have your team name, logo, and player number. For youth, high school, and college, jerseys may also indicate your position.
Cleats
Cleats provide traction so you can run, pivot, and push off quickly on grass or turf. Cleats come in low-cut and high-top styles, with molded rubber or detachable studs depending on your playing surface. Proper cleats prevent slips and injuries from loss of balance or unstable footwork.
With the essential safety gear and equipment in place, you’ll be ready to get out on the field and start learning the fundamentals of the game. Always ensure your equipment is fitted correctly, securely fastened, and specific to your level of play for maximum protection and performance.
Field Dimensions and Markings
The dimensions and markings of a football field are specifically designed and regulated to allow for fair play. The field is 120 yards long and 53 1/3 yards wide. At each end of the field is an end zone 10 yards deep for a total length of 100 yards between end zones.
Yard lines and hash marks
The field is marked by a series of lines running the width of the field. The ‘zero-yard line’ or ‘line of scrimmage’ runs the width of the center of the field. Lines are marked every 5 yards on both sides of the line of scrimmage. These lines are numbered, starting at 5 yards and increasing by 5’s. On either side of the field, a set of hash marks marks each yard. The hash marks are 70 feet, 9 inches apart.
Goal lines and end zones
The end zones are the 10-yard deep areas on either end of the field. They run between the goal lines, which are the lines that run the width of the field at each end. If an offensive player carries the ball into or catches a pass in their opponent’s end zone, it results in a touchdown, worth 6 points.
Other markings
The field also has markings for the line of scrimmage (LOS), sidelines, and various other rules like the neutral zone and roughing the passer. The LOS marks the line where the offensive and defensive teams face off. The sidelines mark the outer boundaries of the field, and players and coaches must remain behind them during play.
The precise dimensions and markings of the football field allow for fair competition at all levels of play. Whether it’s a youth football game, a high school rivalry, or the Super Bowl, both teams know exactly what they have to work with and have the same opportunities to advance the ball and score. The standardized field provides a level playing field, so the outcome of the game comes down to skill, strategy, and a little bit of luck.
Common Penalties in Football
Football penalties exist to enforce the rules of the game and ensure fair play. As a beginner, some of the penalties can seem confusing, but understanding the most common ones will help you follow the action.
Offsides
This penalty occurs when a defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped. The offense gets a free play, which basically means a free down to redo. Offsides often happen due to over-eagerness by the defense.
False Start
This is called when an offensive player moves before the ball is snapped. Since the offense has the advantage of knowing the snap count, they must remain motionless until the ball is snapped. A false start results in a 5-yard penalty and loss of down.
Holding
Holding happens when an offensive player grabs or pulls a defensive player to prevent them from reaching the ball carrier or quarterback. It is a 10-yard penalty and loss of down. Holding is often called when a blocker realizes they have been beaten by a defender and grabs them as a last resort.
Pass Interference
This penalty is called when a defensive player illegally interferes with an offensive player to disrupt a pass attempt. If the ball is in the air, it’s a spot foul — the ball is placed at the spot of the foul. If the pass is not thrown, it’s a 15-yard penalty. Defensive pass interference gives the offense an automatic first down.
Unnecessary Roughness
This 15-yard penalty is called when excessively aggressive contact is made by a player after the whistle has blown. It aims to prevent dangerous hits, shoving, or wrestling that could cause injury. Unnecessary roughness penalties can also be assessed for helmet-to-helmet hits and blindside blocks.
By understanding these common penalties, you’ll have a better grasp of how rules are enforced in football to ensure fairness and player safety. If a call ever confuses you, don’t hesitate to ask another fan to explain — most are happy to share their knowledge with new fans of the game.
The Differences Between Tackle vs. Flag Football
Flag football and tackle football are two popular versions of America’s favorite sport. While they share some similarities, there are key differences to understand before getting out on the field.
Contact
The biggest difference between flag and tackle football is the level of physical contact. In tackle football, players can tackle, block, and physically engage with opponents to prevent them from advancing the ball. In flag football, physical contact is not allowed. Defensive players must grab one of two flags attached to the ball carrier’s belt to stop play, instead of tackling them to the ground. This makes flag football a safer option, especially for younger kids and beginners.
Rules
The rules for flag and tackle football also differ to account for the level of contact. In tackle football, the rules around blocking, tackling, and downs are more complex. Flag football has a simplified set of rules focused on the non-contact elements like ball possession, first downs, and scoring. Penalties in flag football typically only result in loss of yards, while tackle football penalties can also include loss of downs or automatic first downs for the other team.
Equipment
The required equipment provides another clear distinction. In tackle football, players wear protective pads like helmets, shoulder pads, thigh pads, and knee pads. The only required equipment in flag football is a mouthguard and a belt with two attached flags. Players can wear basic athletic gear like shorts, t-shirts, and cleats. The lack of bulky protective equipment in flag football makes it more accessible for casual participation.
Speed and pace of play
With less equipment and fewer stoppages due to penalties or injuries, flag football typically has a faster pace of play. The action moves quickly up and down the field. Tackle football, while still an exciting sport, has a slower, more physical pace dictated by huddles, snaps, blocks, tackles, and pileups. The speed and non-stop action of flag football lead to high-scoring, action-packed games.
Youth To Professional Level Football
Youth football is where most players first experience the sport, whether in recreational leagues, school teams, or competitive travel teams. At this level, the focus is on learning fundamentals, teamwork, and having fun.
Rules
Youth football follows most of the same basic rules as the NFL, but some are modified for safety and skill level. Teams use a smaller field, and ball while having fewer overall players. Tackling and blocking are more restricted. The game is slowed down to allow for learning.
Positions
The same positions exist as in the NFL, but roles are simplified. Every player gets a chance to carry the ball and play in different spots. As kids get older, positions become more specialized based on size, speed, and skills.
Levels
Youth football progresses from recreational flag football for young kids, to contact football in middle and high school. The top high school players may go on to play in college, and a select few make it to the NFL. At each stage, the game gets faster and more complex, but the basic elements of football remain the same.
With the right approach, youth football can be a fun and rewarding experience for players and families at any level. Focusing on fundamentals, learning, and teamwork will set kids up to succeed on and off the field.
Ready For Football?
So now you’ve got the basics down and are ready to enjoy watching an American football game. Don’t worry if some penalties or strategies still confuse you, even the most devoted fans are constantly learning. The key is just to have fun, pick a favorite team, and appreciate the athleticism on display. American football is a sport that brings people together and gives them an excuse to socialize over beers and buffalo wings. The next time a game is on, invite some friends over, have a cookout, and join in one of America’s most popular traditions. Before you know it, you’ll be yelling at the TV with the rest of us in no time!