A Simple Breakdown of the Rules of American Football

Gridiron is another term for American football, and it has a complex set of rules. Here is a brief overview of some of the key rules:

1. The game is played with two teams of 11 players each on a rectangular field with end zones at each end.

2. The objective of the game is to score points by advancing the ball across the opponent's goal line, either by running with the ball or throwing it to a teammate.

3. A team can move the ball down the field in a series of plays, called "downs," in which they have four attempts to advance the ball at least 10 yards. If they fail to do so, the other team gains possession of the ball.

4. The game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes, with a halftime break in the middle.

5. Players can be tackled by their opponents to stop them from advancing the ball, but there are rules governing how and where they can be tackled.

6. Points can be scored in a variety of ways, including touchdowns, field goals, and extra points.

7. There are penalties for breaking the rules, and these can result in the loss of yards or a turnover of possession.