American football is one of the most popular sports in the United States. It is played by two teams of eleven players on a rectangular field. The main objective of the game is to score points by moving the ball into the opponent’s end zone. This guide will explain all the basic rules in simple terms for beginners.
American Football NFL Rulebook And Regulations
1. The Basic Rules American Football
- Each team has 11 players on the field at a time.
- The game is played on a 100-yard field, divided into sections of 10 yards, with an end zone at each end.
- The ball is moved by running or passing.
- Teams score points by getting the ball into the opponent’s end zone or kicking it through the goalposts.
- The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
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2. Game Structure
- A football game consists of four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes (in professional games).
- There is a halftime break after the second quarter, which lasts about 12 minutes.
- Each team gets four downs (attempts) to move the ball 10 yards. If successful, they get another set of four downs.
- If the team fails to move 10 yards in four downs, they must give the ball to the opposing team.
3. How to Score Points
- Touchdown (6 points): A player carries the ball into the opponent’s end zone or catches a pass there.
- Extra Point (1 or 2 points): After a touchdown, teams can kick the ball through the goalposts for 1 point or try a short play for 2 points.
- Field Goal (3 points): A team can kick the ball through the goalposts instead of trying to score a touchdown.
- Safety (2 points): If the defense tackles an offensive player with the ball in their own end zone, the defense earns 2 points.
4. Starting the Game and Ball Movement
- The game starts with a kickoff, where one team kicks the ball to the other team.
- The receiving team tries to return the ball as far as possible.
- The offensive team then tries to move the ball forward using running plays or passing plays.
5. Offensive Positions and Roles
- Quarterback (QB): The leader of the offense who throws or hands off the ball.
- Running Back (RB): Runs with the ball.
- Wide Receiver (WR): Catches passes from the quarterback.
- Tight End (TE): A mix between a receiver and an offensive lineman.
- Offensive Line (OL): Protects the quarterback and blocks for the running back.
6. Defensive Positions and Roles
- Defensive Line (DL): Tries to tackle the quarterback or running back.
- Linebackers (LB): Stop the run and cover receivers.
- Defensive Backs (DB): Defend against passes and cover receivers.
- Safeties (S): The last line of defense against deep passes and runs.
7. Common Penalties and Violations
- Offside: A defensive player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped.
- False Start: An offensive player moves before the play begins.
- Holding: Illegally grabbing an opponent to stop their movement.
- Pass Interference: Preventing a receiver from catching a pass by illegal contact.
- Personal Foul: A dangerous or unsportsmanlike play, such as hitting a defenseless player.
8. Special Teams and Their Role
- Special teams are responsible for kicking plays such as kickoffs, punts, and field goals.
- Punter (P): Kicks the ball on fourth down when the team doesn’t go for a first down.
- Kicker (K): Attempts field goals and extra points.
- Returners (KR/PR): Try to advance the ball after a kickoff or punt.
9. Overtime Rules
- If the game is tied after four quarters, an extra period (overtime) is played.
- The team that scores a touchdown first wins immediately.
- If they score a field goal, the other team gets a chance to respond.
10. Substitutions and Timeouts
- Teams can make unlimited substitutions between plays.
- Each team gets three timeouts per half.
- Timeouts stop the game clock and allow teams to discuss strategy.
11. Winning the Game
- The team with the most points after four quarters wins.
- If the score is tied, the game goes into overtime.
- In playoff games, overtime continues until a winner is determined.