American Football:The Basics

American Football:The Basics

The FieldThe Field

The football field is 100 yards long. On both ends there is an End Zone where all

touchdowns are scored. In each end zone there is also a Goal Post for

kicking extra points and field goals.

The football field is 100 yards long. On both ends there is an End Zone where all

touchdowns are scored. In each end zone there is also a Goal Post for

kicking extra points and field goals.

Game DurationGame Duration

A Football game is played in four, 15 minute quarters.

Players switch sides on the field after every quarter.

Between the first two and last two quarters there is a 15-20 minute half-time.

A Football game is played in four, 15 minute quarters.

Players switch sides on the field after every quarter.

Between the first two and last two quarters there is a 15-20 minute half-time.

Points SystemPoints System

A touchdown is worth 6 points.

Every time a touchdown is scored the team gets to kick and extra point for 1 point.

Field Goals can also be kicked for 3 points if a team can’t score a touchdown.

A touchdown is worth 6 points.

Every time a touchdown is scored the team gets to kick and extra point for 1 point.

Field Goals can also be kicked for 3 points if a team can’t score a touchdown.

DownsDownsFootball is run in a

series of plays called Downs.

When on offense, each team is given 4 downs to move the ball 10 yards.

Each 10 yards the offense gains results in 4 more opportunities to move the ball down the field.

Football is run in a series of plays called Downs.

When on offense, each team is given 4 downs to move the ball 10 yards.

Each 10 yards the offense gains results in 4 more opportunities to move the ball down the field.

Line of ScrimmageLine of ScrimmageThe Line of

Scrimmage is based on where the ball is placed for each down.

This is where players on both sides line up for the next down.

The line of scrimmage cannot be crossed by players before the play begins.

The Line of Scrimmage is based on where the ball is placed for each down.

This is where players on both sides line up for the next down.

The line of scrimmage cannot be crossed by players before the play begins.

PositionsPositionsThere are many different positions

for players in Football:QuarterbackLinemenWide-ReceiverRunning BackKicker

There are many different positions for players in Football:QuarterbackLinemenWide-ReceiverRunning BackKicker

QuarterbackQuarterbackThe quarterback (QB) is

the leader of the offensive team.

He is responsible for calling the play in the huddle, and cueing the other players to begin the play by yelling “Hike!”

Huddle: When the team gathers around in a tight circle to discuss the next play.

The quarterback (QB) is the leader of the offensive team.

He is responsible for calling the play in the huddle, and cueing the other players to begin the play by yelling “Hike!”

Huddle: When the team gathers around in a tight circle to discuss the next play.

LinemenLinemenLinemen are the largest

players on a football team.

They line up on the line of scrimmage to block defenders from tackling the Quarterback.

Offensive Line: group of linemen on the offense.

Defensive Line: group of linemen on the defense.

Linemen are the largest players on a football team.

They line up on the line of scrimmage to block defenders from tackling the Quarterback.

Offensive Line: group of linemen on the offense.

Defensive Line: group of linemen on the defense.

Wide-ReceiverWide-Receiver

The Wide-Receiver is one of the fastest and most agile players on the offense.

They receive the majority of the throws from the quarterback and score many of the touchdowns for the team.

The Wide-Receiver is one of the fastest and most agile players on the offense.

They receive the majority of the throws from the quarterback and score many of the touchdowns for the team.

Running BackRunning BackThe Running Back is a

versatile position.Running Backs are

expected to:Receive hand-offs from the

QBCatch PassesBlock

Hand-Off: When the QB hands the ball directly to the running back.

The Running Back is a versatile position.

Running Backs are expected to:Receive hand-offs from the

QBCatch PassesBlock

Hand-Off: When the QB hands the ball directly to the running back.

KickerKickerThe Kicker is responsible for kicking extra

points, field goals and kick-offs.Today many use a kicking stance similar to

soccer.Kick-Off: When one team kicks the football to

the other team to begin a new set of plays.

The Kicker is responsible for kicking extra points, field goals and kick-offs.

Today many use a kicking stance similar to soccer.

Kick-Off: When one team kicks the football to the other team to begin a new set of plays.

VocabularyVocabularyInterception: When a

pass thrown by the QB is received by the opposing team.

Fumble: A dropped ball that is picked up by a defensive player.

Incomplete Pass: A ball that is thrown out of bounds or doesn’t reach the intended receiver.

Interception: When a pass thrown by the QB is received by the opposing team.

Fumble: A dropped ball that is picked up by a defensive player.

Incomplete Pass: A ball that is thrown out of bounds or doesn’t reach the intended receiver.