American football explained for beginners: downs, scoring, positions and penalties

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American football looks chaotic on first viewing: lots of stopping, lots of people, and a referee throwing yellow flags. Underneath, the rules are logical, and once you understand downs the whole game makes sense.

The basic idea

Two teams of 11 players on the field at a time. The team with the ball (the offence) tries to move it down a 100-yard field into the end zone at the other end. The defence tries to stop it. Play happens in short bursts, called plays or downs, each starting from where the last one ended.

Downs and distance

The offence has four attempts (downs) to gain 10 yards. Gain 10 yards and they earn a fresh set of four downs, called a first down. Fail, and the ball goes to the other team. On screen you will see something like "2nd and 6": it is the second down and the offence needs six more yards. A yellow line on TV shows the target. On fourth down a team usually punts (kicks the ball away to push the opponent back) or tries a field goal if close enough. Going for it on fourth down is a gamble: fail, and the opponent takes over right there.

Scoring

Touchdown, 6 points: carry the ball into the end zone, or catch it there.
Extra point, 1 point: after a touchdown, a short kick through the posts.
Two-point conversion, 2 points: instead of the kick, run or pass the ball into the end zone again from close range.
Field goal, 3 points: kick the ball through the posts during normal play, usually on fourth down.
Safety, 2 points: the defence tackles a ball carrier in his own end zone. The team that conceded also has to kick the ball away.

The main positions

Offence

Quarterback (QB): receives the ball at the start of most plays and passes or hands it off. The most important player on the field.
Running back: carries the ball on running plays.
Wide receivers and tight end: catch passes; the tight end also blocks.
Offensive line: five big players who protect the quarterback and clear space for runners.

Defence

Defensive line: rushes the quarterback and stops the run.
Linebackers: the middle layer; tackle runners and cover short passes.
Cornerbacks and safeties: the defensive backs, who cover receivers and defend deep passes.

Special teams come on for kicks and punts: the kicker, the punter and the players who chase or return kicks.

Kickoffs

Each half, and every score, is followed by a kickoff. The NFL changed the kickoff substantially in 2024 with the dynamic kickoff, which lines most players up close together near midfield to reduce high-speed collisions, and made it permanent for 2025, also moving the touchback spot (where the ball is placed if the kick is not returned) to the receiving team's 35-yard line to encourage more returns.

The season and the Super Bowl

The NFL has 32 teams in two conferences, the AFC and NFC, each with four divisions of four. The regular season runs from September to early January, 17 games per team. Seven teams from each conference reach the playoffs: the four division winners and three wild cards. Only the top seed in each conference skips the first round. Playoff games are single elimination, ending with the Super Bowl between the AFC and NFC champions in February.

Common penalties

A referee throws a yellow flag when he sees a foul; the penalty is usually measured in yards.

False start: an offensive player moves before the snap. 5 yards.
Offside / encroachment: a defender crosses the line before the snap. 5 yards.
Holding: grabbing an opponent to stop him. 10 yards against the offence; 5 yards and an automatic first down against the defence.
Pass interference: illegally blocking a receiver's chance to catch the ball. Against the defence, the ball is placed at the spot of the foul.
Roughing the passer: hitting the quarterback late or illegally. 15 yards.
Delay of game: not starting the play before the play clock runs out. 5 yards.

How to watch your first game

Follow the quarterback at the start of each play, then the ball. Keep an eye on the down and distance in the corner of the screen, and the game's rhythm soon becomes clear. What rule still confuses you, or which team did you pick? Ask your questions and share in the comments.