American football is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players on a rectangular field with a goal at each end. The object of the game is to score more points than the other team by carrying, passing, or kicking the ball into the opposing team’s end zone or by kicking the ball through the opponent’s goal posts.
**The field**
The field is 100 yards long and 53 1/3 yards wide. It is divided into two halves by a line called the midfield stripe. Each half of the field is 50 yards long. The field is marked with lines that indicate the first down markers, the yard lines, and the end zones.
**The players**
Each team consists of eleven players on the field at a time. The players are divided into three positions: offense, defense, and special teams.
**Offensive players**
The offensive players are responsible for moving the ball down the field and scoring points. The offensive positions are:
* **Quarterback:** The quarterback is the leader of the offense. He or she is responsible for calling the plays and throwing the ball to the other offensive players.
* **Running back:** The running back is responsible for carrying the ball down the field.
* **Wide receiver:** The wide receiver is responsible for catching passes from the quarterback.
* **Tight end:** The tight end is a hybrid position that can play as a receiver or a blocker.
* **Offensive lineman:** The offensive lineman are responsible for blocking the defensive players and protecting the quarterback.
**Defensive players**
The defensive players are responsible for stopping the offense from scoring points. The defensive positions are:
* **Defensive lineman:** The defensive lineman are responsible for pressuring the quarterback and stopping the running game.
* **Linebacker:** The linebacker is responsible for defending against the run, the pass, and special teams.
* **Defensive back:** The defensive back is responsible for defending against the pass.
**Special teams**
The special teams are responsible for kicking the ball and returning kicks. The special teams positions are:
* **Kicker:** The kicker is responsible for kicking the ball through the opponent’s goal posts.
* **Punter:** The punter is responsible for kicking the ball away from the opponent’s offense.
* **Returner:** The returner is responsible for catching punts, kickoffs, and fumbles and running them for a touchdown.
**The game**
The game is played in four quarters, each of which is 15 minutes long. The clock stops when the ball is not in play, such as during a play, a penalty, or a timeout.
The object of the game is to score more points than the other team. Points can be scored by:
* **Touchdown:** A touchdown is worth six points. It is scored when the offensive player carries the ball across the opponent’s goal line or catches a pass in the end zone.
* **Field goal:** A field goal is worth three points. It is scored when the kicker kicks the ball through the opponent’s goal posts.
* **Safety:** A safety is worth two points. It is scored when the defensive player tackles the offensive player in his or her own end zone.
The game is played in a series of plays called downs. Each down, the offensive team has four chances to move the ball ten yards. If the offensive team does not move the ball ten yards in four downs, the ball is turned over to the defensive team.
The offensive team can advance the ball by running or passing. A running play is when the offensive player carries the ball down the field. A passing play is when the quarterback throws the ball to a receiver.
The defensive team can stop the offensive team by tackling the offensive player with the ball or by intercepting a pass.
The game is a fast-paced and exciting sport that requires a combination of athleticism, skill, and strategy.