The Rules of American Football (Gridiron)

American football is a strategic and physical sport played between two teams on a field. Here’s a basic overview of the game and its rules:

1. Objective of the Game

The main goal is for one team to outscore the other by advancing the football into the opponent's end zone for a touchdown or by kicking the ball through the opponent's goalposts for a field goal.

2. Teams and Players

• Each team has 11 players on the field at any given time.
• Teams are divided into offense (the team with the ball trying to score), defense (the team trying to prevent scoring), and special teams (players handling kicking and return plays).

3. Game Duration

• The game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes in professional play (12 minutes in high school games).
• There is a halftime break after the second quarter.
• If the game is tied at the end of regulation, overtime may be played to determine a winner (rules vary by league).

4. Scoring System

• Touchdown (6 points): Scored when a team successfully carries the ball into the opponent’s end zone or catches a pass in it.
• Extra Point (1 or 2 points): After a touchdown, teams can kick the ball through the goalposts for 1 point or attempt a 2-point conversion by running or passing the ball into the end zone.
• Field Goal (3 points): Scored when the ball is kicked through the opponent’s goalposts during regular play.
• Safety (2 points): Awarded to the defense if they tackle an offensive player with the ball in their own end zone or force an offensive error resulting in the ball going out of the end zone.

5. Advancing the Ball

• The offense has four downs (attempts) to move the ball at least 10 yards. If successful, they are awarded a new set of four downs. If they fail, possession switches to the opposing team.
• Plays can involve running the ball (rushing) or passing it forward (passing play).
• The quarterback usually orchestrates offensive plays, choosing between passing, handing the ball off, or running themselves.

6. Field Layout

• The field is 100 yards long and 53.3 yards wide, with marked lines every 5 yards and numbered every 10 yards.
• Each end has an end zone that extends 10 yards beyond the goal line, with goalposts for kicking.

7. Basic Rules and Penalties

• First Down: Gained when the offense moves the ball 10 yards or more within four downs.
• Incomplete Pass: Occurs when a forward pass is not caught; the ball returns to the previous spot, and the down advances.
• Turnover: When possession changes due to an interception (defense catches a pass) or fumble (dropped ball).
• Penalties: Result from rule infractions, such as holding, offside, or pass interference. Penalties typically result in the loss or gain of yardage.

8. Common Penalties

• Holding: Illegally restricting an opponent's movement (10-yard penalty).
• Offside: When a player crosses the line of scrimmage before the ball is snapped (5-yard penalty).
• Pass Interference: Making illegal contact with an intended receiver before they attempt to catch a pass (penalty depends on the situation).

9. Special Teams

• Kickoffs: Used to start the game and after scoring plays. The receiving team tries to advance the ball up the field.
• Punts: Performed when the offense fails to reach a first down and decides to kick the ball to the opposing team.
• Field Goal Attempts: Kicked to score 3 points if within reasonable distance.

This basic overview covers the fundamental rules and structure of American football, highlighting how the game is played and scored.