The goal is to score more points than the opposing team. Duh.
The field (gridiron) is 120 yards from one end to the other. On each side of the field, there is an end zone. At the end of each end zone, there are goal posts. The big yellow things, that’s where you kick a field goal and an extra point. The end zone is where you score touchdowns and the end zone you score in switch every quarter. Trust me, it gets easier!
A coin toss determines who gets the ball first. Kickoff is handled by Special teams.
The drive begins when the “starters” hit the field - 22 in total - 11 players on each side, offense and defense. Some players stand at the line of scrimmage, and others in the backfield. Most move around based on the plays that are called.
The offense tries to score. The defense tries to prevent a score. The defense also try to sack the QB and intercept the ball.
The offense gets four tries to get a first down. A first down is when the offense moves the ball at least 10 yards downfield. After they get a first down, the offense gets a new set of downs and has four more tries to make another first down. And so on. And so on. The goal is to move closer and closer to the end zone. And score!
If the offense doesn’t score a touchdown, they can either punt on 4th down, “go for it” and try to get a first down OR kick a field goal if it’s “makeable” or in range. A safe range is 40 yards give or take, but these days kickers are hitting at 50+ yards. If the offense goes for it on 4th down and doesn’t get a first down, the opposing team takes over at that spot and starts their offensive drive.
There are a few ways to score. A touchdown = 6 points. A touchdown can be scored with a pass or a run into the end zone. A field goal = 3 points, the kicker must get the ball over the crossbar and through the uprights.
After a team scores a touchdown, they have an opportunity to score again. There are two options, one is an extra point, kicked from the 15-yard line, kinda like a field goal but usually not as far. The other is a two-point conversion, basically another touchdown, but from the 2-yard line. And lower probability - less than 50%. Which extra point the team goes for is usually determined by the game score.
The only other way a team can score is a safety. It’s worth 2 points and happens when the QB gets tackled in its own end zone. It’s rare. And no good. At least for the offense.
So that’s how football works in a nutshell. Got it?
