I’ve never been able (or wanted) to follow a football game. There’s always a lot going on. Rules, scores, positions, player statistics. But that being said, I’ve never really tried to. So, I decided to put in the time and effort to create a guide for the people who, like me, don’t give football too much thought. I’ve created a guide to everything you need to know so that you are able to hold a conversation while watching the Super Bowl.
So, we should probably get started. Hut. Hut. Hike.
Field Structure
I’ve drawn a few conclusions following my extensive research into the art of a football pitch. First, they really are not very complicated. Second, you should probably internalize the following features:
- The dimensions are 120 yards by 53⅓ yards.
- The two end zones are the scoring areas at the opposing ends of the field.
- The two goal posts stand directly behind the end zones. They are used for kicks.
- Yard lines occur at 5 yard intervals.
Team Structure
If you know that there are two teams competing against one another in a large stadium, great! If not, great! A maximum of eleven players are allowed on the field at any given time. Players fit into the following three categories:
- Offense: the players that possess the ball and push towards the opposing end zone.
- Defense: the players that prevent the other team’s offense from the above objective.
- Special teams: the players that deal nearly exclusively with kicking plays.
The Game
Both engage in a coin toss. The victors decide which team begins with possession of the ball. Once the players are all on the field and ready to begin, one team kicks the ball off to the other. If caught, the receiving team receives ball possession and begins to push towards the opposing end zone.
Obviously, the team that accumulates the most points wins the game. A game is comprised of four 15-minute long quarters. Players advance the ball by running with it or passing it to their teammates.
What is a play?
A play begins when a player throws the ball through his legs to the quarterback. The offensive team, or the team with possession of the ball, has four attempts to gain 10 yards or more. If the team progresses 10 yards, it is awarded four more attempts. This continues until the ball goes out of bounds, the ball touches the ground, or the defensive team intercepts. Once all attempts are used, the formerly defensive team gains ball possession. It is important to note that is is also called a down. I had never realized this.
How are points scored?
Well, this question does not have an extremely simple answer. That’s because there are several methods for scoring points. Go Team!
- Touchdown: a player carries the ball into the end zone and earns 6 POINTS (wow!)
- Extra-point conversion attempts: After successfully scoring a touchdown, the team can choose to engage this fascinating strategy. I have never encountered this phrase out in the wild. But that being said, it is bipartite.
- The team can try to score another touch down from the two-yard line, earning 2 POINTS (wow!).
- Field goal: a player tries to kick the ball through a field goal, earning 1 POINT (wow!).
- Field goal: if applied outside of the extra-point conversion, this earns 3 POINTS (wow!).
- Safety: a player tackles a ball-possessing opponent in their end zone and earns 2 POINTS (wow!).
Notable Positions
TL;DR: Relevant Jargon
- Line of scrimmage: an imaginary line at the beginning of a play
- Fumble: to drop the ball
- Sack: when the quarterback is tackled
- O-line: a line of five offensive players
- Red zone: region near the end zone
- Blitz: more than four defenders run toward the opposing quarterback
- Rushing: when an offensive player runs with the ball
- Snap: the beginning of a play
Now, you can go to your Super Bowl party with a sense of confidence that you never had before. You can officiate a recreational-level game of flag football for young elementary school students. Or, I bet you could even play right alongside them.
I’m really glad that you made it this far. And I’m positive that you know everything there is to know about football. After writing and revising this article, I think I do too. It’s really not that complicated. How ‘bout them Jets?
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