This updated primer explains the basic structure of American football: 11 players per side, three units (offense, defense, special teams), the 120-yard field with 10-yard end zones, and how teams advance the ball by runs and forward passes. It covers the four-down system to gain 10 yards, primary scoring methods (touchdown, extra point, two-point conversion, field goal, safety), and the four 15-minute quarters that make up regulation play. For full details, consult the current league rulebook.

Overview

American football is a territorial, point-based team sport played on a rectangular field. Two teams alternate possession, trying to move the ball into the opponent's end zone to score. The team with the most points when the game ends wins.

Teams and units

Each team fields 11 players at a time. Teams divide their personnel into three units: offense (when they have the ball), defense (when they don't), and special teams (for kicks and returns). Coaches substitute players between plays, and many members of the game roster will participate in a typical game.

Field and equipment

A standard field is 100 yards between goal lines and 10-yard end zones at each end, for a total length of 120 yards. The field is 53 1/3 yards wide. Lines mark every 5 yards; hash marks near the middle of the field set the ball's lateral position for most plays. At the back of each end zone are goalposts with a crossbar 10 feet above the ground and uprights spaced 18 feet 6 inches apart.

Start of play and the line of scrimmage

A game begins with a kickoff determined by a coin toss. Most plays begin with a snap: the center passes the ball between his legs to a teammate. Offensive players line up on their side of the line of scrimmage; defensive players line up opposite.

Moving the ball: runs and passes

Players advance the ball by running with it or by throwing a forward pass to a teammate. A forward pass may be thrown only once on a play and only from behind the line of scrimmage. Teams may also toss the ball laterally (sideways or backward) at any time.

Downs and first downs

The offense has four attempts, called downs, to gain at least 10 yards. If they gain 10 yards within those attempts, the referee marks a new set of downs (a first down). If they fail after four downs, the defense takes possession. Plays end when the ball carrier is tackled, a pass is incomplete, the ball goes out of bounds, or a score occurs.

Scoring

  • Touchdown: 6 points (when the ball enters the opponent's end zone)
  • Extra point (point-after-touchdown): 1 point (kick) or 2 points (conversion attempt)
  • Field goal: 3 points (kick through the uprights during a play)
  • Safety: 2 points (tackling an opponent in their own end zone)
After a score (touchdown or field goal), the scoring team must kick or otherwise deliver the ball to the opponent to resume play.

Game length and clock stops

A regulation game has four 15-minute quarters. The game clock stops for events such as an incomplete pass, a player going out of bounds, or an official timeout. These stoppages mean a game typically lasts longer than the 60 minutes of playing time.

Final note

This guide gives a concise introduction to how American football works. To learn detailed rules and exceptions, consult the current league rulebook (for example, the NFL or NCAA rule book) or watch live games to see these rules applied in context.

FAQs about How To Play American Football

How many players are on the field for each team?
Each team has 11 players on the field at a time. Teams substitute players between plays and use specialized offense, defense, and special teams units.
What is a down and what is a first down?
A down is one play. The offense has four downs to gain at least 10 yards. Gaining 10 or more yards earns a first down and a new set of four downs.
How many points is a touchdown worth?
A touchdown is worth 6 points. After a touchdown the scoring team can attempt an extra point (1 point by kick) or a two-point conversion (2 points by a play from scrimmage).
How long is a regulation game?
A regulation game has four 15-minute quarters. Clock stoppages for incomplete passes, out-of-bounds plays, and timeouts mean the real-time duration is usually longer than 60 minutes.
What are special teams?
Special teams handle kicking plays: kickoffs, punts, field goal attempts, and returns. They consist of players with skills specific to kicking and covering kicks.

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