The Basics of American Football

  1. The game is divided into four 15-minute quarters. There is a 2-minute break between the first and second quarters, as well as a 15-minute break between the second and third quarters (half time).

  2. Each side gets four downs to gain ten yards or more. To gain yards, they can either toss or run the ball. The downs and yardage are reset as soon as the team gains the required yards. A turnover will occur if the yardage is not gained after four downs.

  3. Each team is given four downs to gain ten yards or more. To gain yards, they can either throw or run. The downs and yardage are reset as soon as the team achieves the required yardage. After four downs, if you don't get the yardage, you'll have to give the other the ball.

  4. Every game begins with a coin flip to determine which team will receive the ball first and which side of the pitch they will begin on.

  5. The game starts with a kick-off, in which one team punts the ball down field for the other team to run back as far as possible with the ball.

  6. On fourth down, the offense has the choice of attempting to make up the yards lost or kicking the ball. They have two alternatives if they chose to kick: punt or aim for a field goal. Their paly is usually determined by their position on the pitch. A field goal attempt will be attempted if the ball is within 40 yards of the opposition's goal posts. They'll probably take a chance if they're further back.