The Rules of American Football

What is American football?

American football is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players. 🏈 Teams take turns trying to move an oval ball down a long field and into the other team's end zone to score. It is famous for its big plays, clever tactics and strong tackling.

The field is 100 yards long with an end zone at each end. Lines cross the field every few yards to help measure progress.

The aim of the game

Your team wants to score more points than the other team, mostly by scoring touchdowns. One team attacks (called the offense) while the other team defends (the defense). After scoring or losing the ball, the teams swap roles.

How to score

How you score	Points
Touchdown (ball into the end zone)	6
Extra point (a kick after a touchdown)	1
Two-point play	2
Field goal (a kick through the posts)	3

The touchdown is the main goal. You carry the ball into the end zone or catch it there.

The line of scrimmage

Before every play, both teams line up facing each other at an invisible line called the line of scrimmage, where the ball sits. Players are not allowed to cross it until the play starts. Each play begins with a snap, when the ball is passed back between a player's legs to start the action.

Downs: four tries to go ten yards

Here is the rule that makes American football special. The attacking team gets four downs (four tries) to move the ball at least ten yards forward.

• If they make ten yards, they get a fresh set of four downs and keep going.
• If they fail after four tries, the other team takes over the ball.

Why? This rule keeps the game fair and exciting. The attacking team cannot keep the ball forever — they must keep making real progress or hand it over.

Often, on the fourth down, a team will kick the ball away (a punt) to push the other team far back instead of risking losing the ball.

Moving the ball: running and passing

There are two main ways to move the ball forward:

1. Running — a player takes the ball and runs with it.
2. Passing — a player throws the ball forward to a teammate who catches it.

The defense tries to stop them by tackling the ball carrier or knocking the pass away.

Tackling and safety

Tackling means stopping the ball carrier by grabbing and bringing them down. This is strong contact, so safety is very important:

• Players wear helmets and pads to protect their heads and bodies.
• You must not lead with your helmet or hit another player's head.
• You cannot tackle a player who does not have the ball.

Always play with proper gear and a trained coach or adult. Beginners often play flag football, pulling a flag from a belt instead of tackling — a safe way to learn.

Starting, stopping and time

The game is split into four quarters. The clock stops and starts often, between plays and when the ball goes out, which is why a game can take a long time even though the action comes in short bursts.

Why the rules work

The downs system means every play matters, because a team must keep earning yards. The line of scrimmage keeps both teams organised. Together these rules create a game of clever planning, where teams choose whether to run, pass or kick on each play.

Practice activity: flag football drive

Try this safe, no-tackle game with friends and an adult helper:

1. Each player tucks a flag (a scarf or ribbon) into their waistband.
2. The attacking team gets four tries to carry or pass the ball ten big steps forward.
3. The defenders stop a runner by pulling off their flag instead of tackling.
4. Reach the line in four tries to get four more tries; cross the end line to score.
5. Then swap so both teams attack and defend.

This teaches downs, running, passing and teamwork with no rough contact.

Now you know the rules

You understand touchdowns, downs, the line of scrimmage and safe play. Grab an oval ball, some flags and friends and try flag football!

Want more sports rules? Read The Rules of Rugby, and learn about Teamwork and Sportsmanship.