Basics of the game

The objective of this game is to score more points than the other team during the allotted time. The game is played with 11 players on one side of the ball and 11 player on the other. The team with the ball (Offense) has 4 plays to advance at least 10 yards, and can score points once they reach the opposite end of the field. If the offense succeeds in advancing at least 10 yards, they earn a "first down" and the number of tries allotted is reset and they are again given 4 tries to advance an additional 10 yards, starting from the spot to which they last advanced. If the offense does not advance at least 10 yards during their 4 downs, the team without the ball regains control of the ball. Games are 60 minutes long, divided into four quarters of 15 minutes each. In addition, each team is allowed 3 timeouts in each half that they may use at their own discretion.


huddle
Offense and defense huddling before a play

Points System

  • Field Goal - 3 points
  • Touchdown - 6 points
  • Extra point - 1 point (or go for 2 - 2 points)
  • Safety - 2 points

Positions

Offense

Position Abbreviation Description
Quarterback QB A player positioned behind the center who directs a team's offensive play
Running Back RB An offensive player, typically a halfback, who specializes in carrying the ball
Fullback FB Larger than halfbacks and in most offensive schemes their duties are split between blocking and running
Wide Receiver WR An offensive player who is positioned at a distance from the end and is used primarily as a pass receiver.
Tight End TE An offensive end who lines up close to the tackle
Left Tackle LT An offensive lineman on the far left to block and physically keep defenders away from the offensive player who has the football
Left Guard LG An offensive lineman on the inside left to block and physically keep defenders away from the offensive player who has the football
Center C An offensive lineman in the center of the line to block and physically keep defenders away from the offensive player who has the football
Right Guard RG An offensive lineman on the inside right to block and physically keep defenders away from the offensive player who has the football
Right Tackle RT An offensive lineman on the far right to block and physically keep defenders away from the offensive player who has the football

Defense

Position Abbreviation Description
Defensive End DE Either of the two defensive players positioned at the end of the players who are linemen
Defensive Tackle DT A player positioned at or near the center of the defensive line
Outside linebacker OLB Responsible for blitzing the quarterback, tackling the running back, covering the tight end and moving into pass coverage
Inside linebacker ILB Responsible for covering, the weakside inside linebacker is typically called the "Will," while the strong side or middle inside linebacker is called the "Mike"
Middle Linebacker MLB Who receives the defensive play calls from the sideline and relays that play to the rest of the defense
Cornerback CB A defensive back positioned to the outside of the linebackers
Free Safety FS a defensive back who is usually free from an assignment to cover a particular player on the offensive team
Strong Safety SS a defensive back positioned opposite the offensive team's stronger side, who often covers the tight end

Special Teams

Position Abbreviation Description
Kicker K Responsible for the kicking duties of field goals and extra points
Punter P Receives the snapped ball directly from the line of scrimmage and then punts the football to the opposing team
Long Snapper LS Duty is to snap the football over a longer distance, typically around 15 yards during punts, and 7–8 yards during field goals and extra point attempts
Kick Returner KR Specializes in returning kickoffs
Punt Returner PR Specializes in returning punts