American Football: A Beginner’s Guide

American football is played on a rectangular gridiron field that is not only strategically rich, but also (I think) requires a level of athletic skill that goes beyond just the sport. The total length of an American football field is 120 yards (109.73 viewing the field from a flat and 90-degree exact angle). The length of the field from goal line to goal line spans 100 yards (90.72 m), and each 10-yard end zone is also a rectangular area to score. A football field is also 53.3 yards (160 feet) wide, providing a strategy of how and where the teams must play. Each end zone is where the offensive movement gets the team the most important score in the game, a touchdown. The playing area is also marked at every five, even numbered every ten, yards apart for the players, coaches, and spectators. More than anything else, a touchdown is about moving the ball into the opponent’s zone and each end of the field is the most valuable piece of turf on the field. The object of football is to outscore your opponent getting the ball into the other end of the field, if you can, the most valuable play is called a touchdown. A football touchdown is six points and typically that can be followed by either a one-point conversion, or two-point conversion (either one is good for increasing the score, both can be awesome and fun).

A game of American football is divided into four quarters, each of which lasts 15 minutes in professional play, with a halftime break after the second quarter. In American football, time management, field position, and play-calling, are crucial elements that determine how successful a play is in American football. From college campuses to large NFL stadiums, American football thrills millions because of its strategic depth, chaotic action, and deep-rooted fan culture. Every play can change momentum: a great defensive stand, a touchdown, or throwing the deep ball.

American football is not just a sport; it is a show, a game of strategy, and a pride of culture that is deeply integrated into American life.

In each play of American football, one team is on offense (trying to score) while the second team is on defense (attempting to stop the offense). Offensively, part of the offense consists of methods used to advance the ball towards the opposing team’s end zone. It is important to first discuss the offensive leadership in each play, the quarterback (QB). The quarterback directs the offense in establishing plans or strategies and executes these plans for the offensive team. The quarterback lines up behind the offensive line and receives the ball from the center with a “snap,” usually (the player steadying the ball before the snap) of the ball he will determine whether to “pass” the ball to a “receiver,” “hand the ball off” to a “running back” and sometimes run the ball himself. Traditionally, this player is known as the leader of the offensive unit by the NFL. The start of every play begins at what is referred to by the offense as the “line of scrimmage.” The offensive unit must advance the ball from the line of scrimmage. After the ball is snapped, the defensive team sets their players behind the line of scrimmage to defend each of their backs to keep the offensive team from advancing the ball. This constant tactical chess game is what adds complexity to American football, both mentally and physically. The scoring team changes their role from offense to that of putting the ball back into play (to attempt to score again) and kicking to the opposing team on the kickoff as is their responsibility. The possession of the ball is exchanged in that possession changes, the up tempo of play continues across the field while each team still must defend.  The up tempo of the offense vs defense ups and down on each possession served as a rhythm of sorts for the American football game.

Key Rules and Common Terms:

• Touchdown; the most common scoring play in American football and worth 6 points. A touchdown occurs when an offensive player carries the ball into, or catches the ball, in the defensive team’s end zone. After a touchdown, the scoring team is offered the chance for an extra point or two-point conversion (which will be described below).

• Field Goal: An offensive play where the team kicks the ball through the defense’s goalpost (above the crossbar and between the upright) from the field. A successfully kicked field goal is worth 3 points. Field goals generally occur on fourth down when the offense gets close enough but are unable to reach the end zone.
• Safety; A scoring play worth 2 points. A safety is scored when the offensive player is tackled with the ball while in their own end zone or commits one of certain fouls in the end zone. For example, if the offensive player is forced back, and is tackled in their own end zone, then the defense scores 2 points.
• • Try (Extra Point / Two-Point Conversion): After a touchdown is scored, the offense has one play (which is called a “try”) to score additional points. Kicking the ball through the goalposts (an extra point) is worth 1 point, while successfully running or passing the ball into the end zone from the 2-yard line (a two-point conversion) is worth 2 points. In most cases, teams will kick the extra point because it is an easier option, but they will occasionally use the two-point conversion in strategic situations.
• • Down, and First Down: The offense has 4 opportunities (called downs) to advance the ball a minimum of 10 yards with a series of downs labeled: 1st down, 2nd down, 3rd down, and 4th down.  If the offense gains 10 or more yards on those four down opportunities, then a new 1st down is acquired (the count resets to 1st down). However, if the offense is unsuccessful in gaining at least 10 yards within those four downs, the offensive team gives possession of the ball to the other team (at the spot of the ball). In practice, teams will usually punt on 4th down if they can’t reach the first down yardage & therefore push their team opponent further back from where they received the ball when the offense finally hands it over.
• • Quarterback: As stated, the quarterback (QB) is the captain of the offense, and this player will usually have the ball in his/her hands on almost every offensive play. In a pass play,
• Line of Scrimmage: The line of scrimmage is the spot on the field when the ball is placed at the start of every play. Both teams must line up on their side of the line of scrimmage prior to the snap. The line of scrimmage is also the reference point for measuring downs and distances.
• End Zone: The end zone is scoring area at each end of the field. It is the colored area of 10 yards deep beyond each goal line. The offense must bring the ball into (or catch the ball in) the end zone to score a touchdown.
• Special Teams: These are the players involved with player involved with kicking plays (kickoff, punt, field goal attempt). For example, in a field goal attempt there are special teams’ players: specialized units like the kicker, holder, and blockers. According to an educational glossary, special teams “are the players involved”.
• Other Common Terms:

 You’ll also hear about linebackers, receivers, fumbles, interceptions, and all kinds of penalties.in American football (Fumbles and interceptions allow the ball to change possession; penalties will usually move the ball forward or backward a set number of yards and can sometimes allow an automatic first down.)

These terms will cover most of the matches you’ll hear. For further investigation the NFL offers an official Rookie’s Guide and a Video Rulebook to study the particulars of the rulebook.

Major Leagues in American Football:

NFL and NCAA

NFL (National Football League): The NFL is the premier level of professional American Football, even though it has 32 franchises organized in two conferences (AFC and NFC) that each have 16 teams. Each of these teams plays a 17-game regular season (plus 1 bye week), from September to December, followed by playoffs in January. Each conference plays in single-elimination tournaments to crown conference champions, who will then meet in the Super Bowl – the yearly championship game that also happens to be one of the most-watched sporting events globally. The NFL primarily operates in the United States, but it has hosted several regular season games internationally (for example, London and Mexico City). NFL games are fun to watch and are known for their large stadiums, televised broadcasts, a very big cheerleader presence, huge half-time shows (especially the super bowl half-time show), and lively fan rituals.

College Football (NCAA): The NCAA is the governing body for college football, which includes university teams. The highest level of college football is named NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), which has about 128 teams. Unlike the NFL teams and their single champion, college football utilizes a combination of bowl games and a short playoff format. The top college football teams compete against each other in bowl games in December. The College Football Playoff consists of four teams, and it is used to determine the national champion officially. College football games typically have more local passion and investment than NFL games. Many schools

American Football vs. Soccer