American Football: What You Need to Know

If you’ve watched a game on TV and wondered what’s going on, you’re not alone. American football can look confusing at first, but the basics are pretty simple. Below we break down the main rules, the gear you’ll see on the field, and the big ways it’s different from soccer.

Core Rules and Scoring

The game is played on a 100‑yard field with two end zones. Each team gets four chances, called "downs," to move the ball at least ten yards. If they succeed, they earn a new set of four downs. If they fail, the ball turns over to the other team.

Scoring comes in a few flavors. A touchdown, worth six points, happens when a player carries the ball into the opponent’s end zone or catches it there. After a touchdown, the team can try for one extra point by kicking the ball through the uprights, or go for two points with a short run or pass from the two‑yard line.

A field goal is three points and is scored by kicking the ball through the uprights during regular play. There’s also a safety, worth two points, when the defense tackles an offensive player in his own end zone.

Gear and Player Positions

Players wear a lot of equipment to stay safe. The helmet with a face mask protects the head, while shoulder pads guard the upper body. You’ll also see thigh and knee pads, a mouthguard, and special football shoes with cleats for traction.

There are three main groups of players: offense, defense, and special teams. Offense includes the quarterback (who throws or hands off the ball), running backs (who rush with the ball), and wide receivers (who catch passes). The offensive line blocks defenders to create space.

Defense mirrors the offense with linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs. Their job is to stop the offense, tackle ball carriers, and intercept passes. Special teams come on for kicks, punts, and field goal attempts, using players who specialize in those situations.

Unlike soccer, where everyone can play any part of the field, American football assigns very specific roles. Each player usually sticks to one position for the whole game.

Understanding the clock is also key. Games are divided into four 15‑minute quarters, but the clock stops for many reasons: incomplete passes, players going out of bounds, and time‑outs. That’s why a 60‑minute game can last over three hours.

So, next time you hear the roar of the crowd, you’ll know why the players huddle, why they line up in a formation, and what they’re trying to achieve on each play. Grab a snack, watch a few drives, and you’ll pick up the rhythm fast.