American football rules for beginners

American football looks complicated, but the idea is simple: the team with the ball has four tries to move it 10 yards forward. If it does, it gets four new tries; if it reaches the other team's end zone, it scores a touchdown. Here is what you need to follow a game or come to your first practice.

The field and the game

• Field: 100 yards (about 91 m) between the two end zones, which are 10 yards deep each.
• Teams: 11 players per side on the field.
• Time: four quarters (usually 12 minutes each in Europe), with a clock that stops often.

Moving forward: downs

The offense has four tries ("downs") to gain 10 yards. Each play starts where the ball was stopped and ends when the ball carrier is tackled, steps out of bounds or a pass falls incomplete. If the offense has not gained 10 yards after four downs, the ball goes to the other team. That is why teams often kick the ball far downfield (a punt) or try a field goal on fourth down.

The ball moves in two ways: running, when a player carries it, or passing forward, usually by the quarterback. Only one forward pass is allowed per play, and it must be thrown from behind the line where the play started.

Scoring

• Touchdown – 6 points: the ball is carried or caught in the opponent's end zone.
• Extra points – 1 or 2: after a touchdown, the team kicks through the posts for 1 point or runs one more play from close range for 2.
• Field goal – 3 points: a kick through the posts during play.
• Safety – 2 points: for the defense, when it tackles the ball carrier in his own end zone.

The positions

Every team has an offense, a defense and special teams for the kicks. That is why American football has room for everyone: tall and short, fast and heavy.

• Quarterback (QB): runs the offense, passes or hands off the ball.
• Running back (RB): runs with the ball.
• Wide receiver (WR) and tight end (TE): catch passes; the tight end also blocks.
• Offensive line (OL): five players who protect the quarterback and open lanes for the runner.
• Defensive line (DL) and linebackers (LB): stop the run and pressure the quarterback.
• Defensive backs (CB, S): cover the receivers and break up passes.
• Kicker and punter (K, P): take the kicks.

Equipment

Helmet, shoulder pads and cleats. They are compulsory for full-contact play; at practice the club lends gear while it is available. More: Join the Bears.

Flag football: the rules in short

Flag football is American football without contact. Instead of tackling the ball carrier, defenders pull a flag from their belt. It is played on a smaller field, most often five players a side, and the only gear is a flag belt and trainers or cleats.

• The offense has a limited number of downs to cross midfield, and as many again to reach the end zone.
• A touchdown is worth 6 points, followed by a play for 1 or 2 extra points.
• Blocking and tackling are not allowed, so the game suits children and anyone who wants to play without contact.

Flag football will be an Olympic sport at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Children from age 5 play flag football with us: Kids' flag football.

Frequently asked questions