Learning How to Play Football

American football is becoming a popular sport all around the world. For example, NFL games are now played at Wembley Stadium in London. More people want to play but are unsure on the rules of the game. Check the local newspapers for teams and coaching. Start with non contact if you have never played the game before. American football is a contact sport and will require a certain level of fitness before attempting to play. Sport is good for the body but always take a regular medical examination to make sure you are fit to play.

Things You'll Need

  • Ball
  • Boots
  • Protective clothing
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Instructions

    • 1

      Learn about the field. Lines run the width of the field every five yards until the field meets the end zone. The goal line is where the playing field ends and the end zone starts. The smaller lines on the playing field are called hash marks and denote a yard on the field.

    • 2

      Watch and understand the object of the game. A 'down' is another name for a play and starts when the ball is moved from a stationary position. The team on the offense has four attempts or downs to gain ten yards on the field. The offensive team will gain another four downs if they achieve gaining ten yards. The defensive team takes control of the ball if they fail.

    • 3

      Learn various positions. Eleven players are allowed on the field at any one time but are allowed unlimited substitutions during play. The players are divided into different roles on the field. The positions can be offense, defense or special teams. The offense is attacking players attempting to move the ball up the field. Defense stops the opposition from scoring and the special teams consist of three offensive and three defensive players. They are used for kicking and blocking.

    • 4

      Decide which position to play. The three zonal areas can be broken down into specialist positions. These places will become more prominent as the standard of skill level increases. The positions are made up of the quarterback, offensive linemen, receivers, running backs, defensive linemen, linebackers and defensive backs.

    • 5

      Start the game with a kick-off. One team kicks the ball into the opposition's half of the field. The defensive team attempts to catch the ball and return it as far up the field as possible. The team that kicked off must tackle the opposition as quickly as possible. The play is restarted by the offensive team where the tackle was made. The yardage line of where the play is restarted is referred to as the line of scrimmage.

    • 6

      Score a touchdown and gain the team six points. A touchdown is the highest points total a team can score at one time. A touchdown is awarded to a team if they carry the ball into the opposition's end zone or a player catches the ball in the end zone. Unlike rugby, the player holding the ball does not have to physically touch the ball on the ground. When a touchdown is scored, the offensive team has a choice whether to kick the ball through the posts from ten yards for one point or try to run the ball into the end zone from the three yard line for two points. A field goal is worth three points, when a kicker hits the ball through the posts from a place kick. Two points are awarded when the offensive team is tackled in their own end zone, which is called a safety.