American football, one play at a time
You do not need to memorise a rulebook to enjoy your first game. Start with three questions: who has the ball, how many attempts do they have left, and how far do they need to go?
The aim of the game
Score more points than the other team. In standard 11-a-side tackle football, the team with the ball is the offense. The defense tries to stop it and win possession. The playing field has 100 yards between the goal lines, with an end zone at either end. Ten yards is about 9.1 metres.
Four downs to gain ten yards
A down is one attempt. The offense normally gets four downs to advance at least ten yards. Reach that target and it earns a fresh set of downs. Near the end zone, the goal may be to score instead: you will hear “first and goal”.
Example: “1st and 10” means first attempt, ten yards to go. A four-yard run makes it “2nd and 6”. Gain another six yards and the team gets a new first down. On fourth down, teams often punt the ball away for field position, attempt a field goal, or try to reach the target. Failing to convert fourth down gives possession to the opponent.
How points are scored
- Touchdown: 6 points. Carry the ball into the opponent’s end zone or complete a legal catch there.
- After a touchdown: a successful kick adds 1 point; a successful run or pass into the end zone adds 2.
- Field goal: 3 points. Kick the ball between the uprights and above the crossbar.
- Safety: usually 2 points. A typical example is the defense stopping the ball carrier in the offense’s own end zone.
What happens during a play?
The snap starts the action. The quarterback can hand off the ball, run, or attempt a pass. Only one forward pass is allowed on a play, and it must be thrown from behind the line of scrimmage. That line marks where the play begins. An incomplete forward pass ends the play; a defender catching the pass is an interception. A dropped live ball is a fumble and can lead to a change of possession.
Who does what?
- Quarterback: directs the offense and distributes the ball.
- Running backs and receivers: run with or catch the ball.
- Offensive line: protects the quarterback and blocks for runs.
- Defensive line, linebackers and defensive backs: pressure, tackle and cover receivers.
- Special teams: handle kicks, punts and returns.
Clock, flags and stoppages
NFL games have four 15-minute quarters, but stoppages make the broadcast much longer than an hour. Other competitions can use different timings. A referee’s yellow flag signals a possible penalty. False starts, holding and pass interference are common examples; the officials explain the decision and any yardage penalty.
Tackle and flag football
Tackle football uses protective equipment and tackling. In flag football, defenders stop a ball carrier by removing a flag from a belt. Team sizes, field dimensions and rules vary by competition. Our flag football page introduces the Spartans programme.
Your first game with the Spartans
Watch the ball, the down and the distance first. Positions and tactics become easier to recognise with each game. Check our schedule, explore American football in Sarajevo, or ask about joining a practice. You do not need previous playing experience to ask us how to get started.
This is an introductory guide, not a competition rulebook. For NFL terminology and detailed rules, see NFL Football Operations: terms and the NFL rulebook. Local competitions may follow different rules.