The Basics of Football

Football

A football game is a sport that features two teams playing against each other on a field. The goal of the game is to score more points than the opponent within a set time limit. There are four ways to score in football: a touchdown, field goals, two-point conversions, and extra points.

The game starts with a kickoff. Both teams line up opposite each other, usually in a “play from scrimmage” formation. The receiving team may run with the ball, or they may pass it to their team mates.

There are 11 players on the field at a time, with unlimited substitutions allowed. A team can also use three time-outs per half, each of which counts as a full stop for the clock.

The field is 100 yards long with a 10-yard end zone for each team. The field has stripes running the width of the field at 5-yard intervals, and shorter lines, called hash marks, marking each single yard interval down the field.

Scoring and the Point System

A player can score a point by carrying the ball into a 10-yard-deep area on either side of the field, known as the “end zone” for 6 points. The offensive team can then immediately make another attempt to score by kicking a 1-point field goal or carrying the ball into the end zone again for 2 points.

A safety is worth 2 points when the ball-carrier’s flag is pulled by a defender, their flag falls out, their knee or arm touches the ground, or if a snapped ball lands in the end zone. A fumble is worth no points, but it can result in the ball being dead.