Basically, the goal of football is to get the ball into the “end zone” of the other team. A team that scores a touchdown is awarded two points. The ball can be kicked through the goal posts, a technique called a touchdown conversion. If a team fails to score a touchdown, they are awarded a safety, which is worth two points.
The field is divided into three quarters and there are two opposing teams on the field at all times. Each team has a playbook containing dozens to hundreds of plays. Each play is called a “down” and the offense has a limited amount of time to perform each play. Each play begins with a snap, and is put into play by an official who blows a whistle. If the offense fails to move 10 yards in four downs, they lose possession of the ball and the defensive team gets the ball at the spot where the play began. If the offensive team advances ten yards, they reset the count and are given another set of four downs.
If an offensive player fumbles the ball, the defense gets the ball and runs with it until they are forced out of the end zone. If the offensive player is tackled in the end zone, the defense scores a safety. The ball is then returned to the offensive team.
The offense also has a limited amount of time between plays. After each down, the offense can either pass the ball to a teammate or run the ball. The ball can be thrown backwards or sideways, but it cannot be thrown forward. It is illegal to block an opponent in the back. It is also illegal to hold an opponent in the back. If the ball is caught by a player, the offensive team is awarded a first down.
The offense can also try to punt the ball to another team. If the ball is punted, the defending team gets the ball at the spot where the previous play began. Alternatively, the offense can attempt a field goal. In the NFL, a touchdown conversion is attempted at the opponent’s 2-yard line.
In a lateral pass, a ball is passed from one player to another, usually between the legs. In American football, lateral passes are less common. However, in the NFL, the offensive team receives the ball at the spot where the play began.
The defensive team can also attempt to intercept the ball. An interception is when a defensive player breaks free and picks up the ball. A player who recovers a fumble can run with the ball until he is tackled.
A defensive penalty is a bluff or a deliberate attempt to interfere with the offense’s play. The offense may be penalized for holding or pass interference. A lateral pass is not an official penalty, but it is usually penalized if it occurs after the snap. The ball is also kicked backwards after a foul is committed.
