Football is a team sport in which players propel a ball toward their opponent’s goal by kicking or passing it. The game is played over four quarters, each 15 minutes long. The aim is to score more points than your opponent. The match is divided into two halves and there is a break of up to 45 minutes between each half. Each team is composed of 11 players on the field at any one time.
There are many different ways to score a touchdown in football. A typical one involves a quarterback handing the ball to a running back or wide receiver who then runs away from the defense for as much yardage as possible before being tackled. Another popular method of scoring is by kicking a field goal through the uprights at the end of a drive. This is usually attempted on fourth down, when the offense is trying to convert a first down, but can also be done at any other point in the game.
The game is controlled by a referee, who is responsible for all aspects of the match. Two assistant referees officiate from the touchline, or sidelines, to advise him on issues such as whether a player has left the playing area or is offside. A fourth referee stands off the pitch in between both teams’ benches and controls substitutions and keeps track of the game’s goals, bookings and ejections.
During the course of a match, penalties are called when a rule is broken by either an offensive or defensive team. The penalties are marked by the throwing of a yellow flag near the spot where the foul occurred.
Penalties may be assessed for many reasons including: False start: When an offensive player illegally moves after the ball is snapped before he has been given permission to do so. Pass interference: Illegally contacting an opponent to prevent him from catching a forward pass. Block in the back: When an offensive player pushes a defensive player into the backfield before he is given permission to do so.
If a team fails to gain 10 yards on its 4 downs, it must hand the ball over to the defense. During its next possession, the defense is required to protect its own endzone and not allow the offense to cross its line of scrimmage.
If the defending team successfully protects its own end zone, the match ends in a draw. However, if the defending team is unable to do this, it must punt the ball away from its own endzone. If the opposing team then crosses its own endzone, it will receive a touchdown and win the match. If the defending team fails to protect its own endzone, the match ends in a safety and the winning team will receive two points. The losing team will also be penalized by having to kick off the ball for a new series of play. During the penalty, the defending team will not be allowed to touch the ball or use any other part of their body except their feet.
