2. Basics Rules Of American
Football
Football Rules for Scoring Points:Football Rules for Scoring Points:
• TouchdownTouchdown:: scores six points if the ball is thrown orscores six points if the ball is thrown or
carried into the opponent's end zone.carried into the opponent's end zone.
• Point after TouchdownPoint after Touchdown:: after a touchdown is scored,after a touchdown is scored,
the scoring team has an opportunity to score additionalthe scoring team has an opportunity to score additional
points by either kicking the ball between the goal posts inpoints by either kicking the ball between the goal posts in
the end zone (one point).the end zone (one point).
3. Football Rules for Starting a Game:Football Rules for Starting a Game:
The kickoffThe kickoff:: A football game really does start with anA football game really does start with an
actual kickoff. The football is kicked by the defense toactual kickoff. The football is kicked by the defense to
the offense to start the action at the beginning of thethe offense to start the action at the beginning of the
game, at the beginning of the second half of the game,game, at the beginning of the second half of the game,
and after points have been scored.and after points have been scored.
Football Rules for Playing a Game:Football Rules for Playing a Game:
If the offense fails to move the football forward theIf the offense fails to move the football forward the
required ten yards, they must turn the ball over to theirrequired ten yards, they must turn the ball over to their
opponentopponent..
7. Positions on the FieldPositions on the Field
Offensive Line:Offensive Line:
Center:Center:
The center is the player who begins the play by snapping the ball to a
back. He center usually plays in the middle of the offensive line
Offensive guard:Offensive guard:
Two guards line up directly on either side of the center. Their function
is to block on both running and passing plays
Offensive tackle:Offensive tackle:
Two tackles play outside of the guards. Their role is to block on both
running and passing plays. The area from one tackle to the other is
an area of "close line play" in which blocks from behind, which are
prohibited elsewhere on the field, are allowed.
8. Backs and receiversBacks and receivers
Quarterback:Quarterback:
The quarterback is the player who receives the ball from the center to
start the play. The most important position on the offensive side
Running back:Running back:
Running backs are players who line up behind the offensive line and
are in position to receive the ball from the quarterback and execute
a rushing play
Wide receiver:Wide receiver:
The wide receivers are pass-catching specialists. Their main job is to
run pass routes and get open for a pass
Tight end:Tight end:
Tight ends are considered hybrid players, something between a wide receiver and an offensive
lineman. Because they play next to the other offensive lineman
9. Defensive LineDefensive Line
Defensive tackle:Defensive tackle:
defensive tackles play at the center of the defensive line. Their
function is to rush the passer and stop running plays directed at the
middle of the line
Defensive end:Defensive end:
The two defensive ends play next to the defensive tackles, at the edges
of the defensive line. Their function is to attack the passer or stop
offensive runs to the outer edges of the line
Linebackers:Linebackers:
Linebackers play behind the defensive line and perform various duties
depending on the situation, including rushing the passer, covering
receivers, and defending against the run
10. Defensive LineDefensive Line
Defensive tackle:Defensive tackle:
defensive tackles play at the center of the defensive line. Their
function is to rush the passer and stop running plays directed at the
middle of the line
Defensive end:Defensive end:
The two defensive ends play next to the defensive tackles, at the edges
of the defensive line. Their function is to attack the passer or stop
offensive runs to the outer edges of the line
Linebackers:Linebackers:
Linebackers play behind the defensive line and perform various duties
depending on the situation, including rushing the passer, covering
receivers, and defending against the run
