Last Updated on September 23, 2021 by
American football is a complicated sport and learning it is not as easy as you can possibly imagine. But that’s not to say it is impossible. As an absolute beginner, you should have insights into the rulebook where you’ll know the positions, terminologies, and acronyms so that you can get along with other football fans when they talk about the sport. Also, it will be a smart move to watch the football games weekly. Lastly, joining a Fantasy Football League is another effective way of learning American football. When you join a Fantasy Football League, you’ll get to watch almost all NFL games beyond the team that you support.
Football is regarded as a team sport where two opposing teams play on a rectangular field with the object of getting the oval-shaped football down the field. A football player can either get the ball down the field by passing it or running it, to score a point as the ball gets to the end zone of the opposing team. In the game of American football, there are different rules of play and various positions which you need to know if you’re really interested in learning the game. This article will show to you the basics of the sport to help you have a deep understanding of it.
What Are The Rules Of Football And How Does A Football Game Works?
A game usually starts after the referee flips a coin between the two opposing team captains. A team either chooses to receive the opening kickoff or starts the kick-off when its captain wins the coin flip. However, at the beginning of the second half, the other receiving team is given the same option.
The team on offense does the scoring. An offensive team can either get the ball down the field by passing it or running it down the field, with the objective of scoring a point as the ball gets to the end zone of their opponent.
A “down” in American football is attributed to an attempt to attack with the ball, and a team on offense is only permitted to make four downs when moving the ball 10 yards to the opposition’s zone. If after making four downs and the team on offense hasn’t moved forward to at least 10 yards, then they will lose possession of the ball to the opposing teams.
A team can either do a punt or a field goal before exhausting the fourth down. In American football, a game is divided into four quarters lasting fifteen minutes each with a short break in-between the second and third quarters.
Basic Information About American Football
Field Goal
The field goal is normally positioned at the end zone and it has a bottom measurement of 10 feet high.
Field Dimensions
A standard football field is 160 feet (53 1/3 yards) wide and 300 feet (100 yards) long. The end zone is normally located at each end of the field. The end zones extend the field measurement to 10 yards on each side.
Match Duration
A typical football game is divided into two halves with four quarters lasting fifteen minutes each with a short break in-between the second and third quarter. However, the case is different in high school football. Each quarter is 12 minutes long. It is only in NFL and collegiate games that each quarter is 15 minutes long.
Field Position:
Field position matters the most in the game of football. As a matter of fact, the difference between not scoring and scoring is solely influenced by the field position. This is because the position at which the team on offense starts the play will tell how far they have to run with the ball to score a point. When a team has the best field position it is more likely for them to win the game easily.
Jersey Numbers:
Every football player is assigned a specific jersey number. Each playing position must have a specific jersey number allocated to it in the NFL.
1. Quarterback, kicker, and punter will either choose from jersey number 1 to 9
2. Quarterback, wide receiver, kicker, and punter will either choose from jersey number 10 to 19
3. Running back, cornerback and safety will either choose from jersey number 20 to 29
4. Running back, cornerback and safety will either choose from jersey number 30 to 39
5. Running back, tight end, cornerback, and safety will either choose from jersey number 40 to 49
6. Offensive line, defensive line, and linebacker will either choose from jersey number 50 to 59
7. Offensive line and defensive line will either choose from jersey number 60 to 69
8. Offensive line and defensive line will either choose from jersey number 70 to 79
9. Wide receiver and tight end will either choose from jersey number 80 to 89
10. Defensive line and linebacker will either choose from jersey number 90 to 99
How To Score In Football
Scoring A Touchdown
A team on offense must take the ball to cross the goal line to score a touchdown. A touchdown usually accounts for 6 points.
Scoring Extra Point
To score an extra point after a touchdown, a dedicated kicker from a team must kick the ball above the crossbar and between the goal post. An extra point usually accounts for only one point.
Scoring Two-Point Conversion
When a team on offense takes the ball across the goal line again like they are repeating a second touchdown, they have scored a two-point conversion.
Scoring A Field Goal
To score a field goal, an offensive team must kick the ball above the crossbar and between the goalpost at the fourth down. A field goal usually accounts for 3 points.
Scoring A Safety
To score a safety, an opposing team must step out of bounds in their own end zone when tackled. Safety usually accounts for two points.
FAQs
Is Football Hard To Learn?
Yes! It is a little tricky and complex game to learn. It requires your complete determination, dedication, and commitment. You need to work very hard in the practice field and also at home in your leisure time. Also, you need to build up some muscles and strength because the game isn’t for weak people.
Can I Be Good At Football?
Yes! Though it might seem difficult, it is possible. The game of football is a very athletic and competitive sport that requires you to be physically, mentally, skillfully prepared. You will have to spend a lot of time developing great skills on and off the practice field if you want to be good at football. Within a short period of time, you should get better in the game if you are committed with a competitive mindset.
What Skills Do You Need For American football?
To become good at football, you need to acquire some important skills like top speed and endurance. Also, you need to have the following; physicality and good body composition, tactical ability, flexibility, power, agility, strength, coordination and balance, self-confidence, motivation, reaction time, and the ability to cope with pressure situations.
What Is The Easiest Position To Learn In Football?
If you’re looking for the easiest position to learn in football, we suggest you choose the receiver. The receiver is still the easiest position because there is reduced responsibility and tasks required through the game.
Final Words
American football is a bit complicated to learn most especially for beginners. But as soon as you understand the fundamentals of the game, then you’re good to go. You’re only required to watch some live games and join a Fantasy Football league. We’ve come to the closing chapter of this informative article. We hope you were able to find good and reliable resources in your quest to know the best ways to learn American football. If you have any questions or comments about the article topic, don’t hesitate to contact us. Thanks!
