In American football, two teams of 11 try to move the ball down the field. The offense gets four downs (plays) to gain 10 yards; if it succeeds it earns a new set of downs, and if not the ball goes to the other team. Points come from touchdowns, field goals, extra points and safeties.
The basics
| Element | Rule |
|---|---|
| Players | 11 per side on the field |
| Field | 100 yards between goal lines, plus two 10-yard end zones; 53⅓ yards wide |
| Game length | Four 15-minute quarters in the NFL and college; high school usually 12 minutes |
| Downs | Four attempts to gain 10 yards |
Scoring
| Score | Points |
|---|---|
| Touchdown | 6 |
| Extra point kick | 1 |
| Two-point conversion | 2 |
| Field goal | 3 |
| Safety | 2 |
Common penalties
| Penalty | What it is |
|---|---|
| False start | Offensive player moves before the snap |
| Offside / encroachment | Defender crosses the line before the snap |
| Holding | Illegally grabbing or restricting an opponent |
| Pass interference | Illegal contact with a receiver while the ball is in the air |
| Roughing the passer | Illegal hit on the quarterback after the throw |
| Delay of game | Play not started before the play clock expires |
Rules vary between the NFL, NCAA and high school (NFHS). Always check the current rulebook for your level; the NFL in particular updates kickoff and overtime rules frequently.
Frequently asked questions
How many downs do you get in football?
Four downs to gain 10 yards.
How many players are on a football team?
Eleven on the field per side; NFL rosters are much larger.
What is a safety?
Two points awarded when the offense is tackled in its own end zone, among other situations.
