Whether you’re watching a game or playing yourself, you’ve probably noticed that the game of football can be quite a physical one. The game of football features two teams of eleven players who try to get the ball into the other team’s end zone. They do this by running, kicking and passing the ball to each other. A successful touchdown earns the team six points. A successful field goal earns three points. The team may also score an extra point by kicking the ball through the goal post.
The field of play is 160 feet wide and 100 yards long. The field is divided into 10 yard end zones, called hash marks, for each team. Each team has four chances to gain at least 10 yards, and when the offense fails to gain at least 10 yards, they’re awarded a turnover. When the turnover occurs, the ball is turned over to the opposing team. Depending on how the turnover occurs, the team may try to advance the ball into the opponent’s end zone. If the defense recovers the ball, they can then run with the ball until they’re forced out of the end zone.
At the beginning of each period of play, a coin toss determines which team will receive the ball first. Usually, the team that wins the coin toss will start off on offense. The team that loses the coin toss will begin the game on defense. The offense will have four chances to gain 10 yards, and after each one, the downs will be reset. After each reset, the offense will have another four chances to gain at least 10 yards.
The field is divided into three major categories: the offense, the defense and the special teams. Each team has specialized players called “special teams.” The special teams handle kicking plays and punts. The offensive team is led by a head coach who calls field plays for that team. The defensive team is led by a defensive captain. Each team can have ten outfield players on the field, which can be arranged in any combination. The players on the offensive team are called “midfielders” and the players on the defensive team are called “outfielders.”
The goal line is the end zone that the game of football is played on. When the ball is in the end zone, the offense will be awarded an extra point, while the defensive team will receive two points for a successful tackle. The offensive team can also kick a field goal to score two points. If the defense loses the ball, it is fumbled, and the offensive team has the option of running with it until it is tackled.
A successful kick is made when the ball passes between the upright posts on the goal line. Occasionally, a team may kick a field goal from anywhere on the field. In other cases, the team may kick the ball into the opponent’s end zone.
