The Basics of Football

American football is a team sport played primarily in the United States and Canada. The game is played on a 100-yard field, divided by a 50-yard line in the center, with two end zones at either side where points are scored. Each team has 11 players on the field at a time, with distinct roles for offense, defense, and special teams. The primary objective is to score points by advancing the football into the opposing team's end zone for a touchdown (6 points) or kicking the ball through the goalposts for a field goal (3 points).

Strategy plays a huge role in American football, as each team must carefully plan offensive plays to outmaneuver the defense. The quarterback, usually the leader of the offense, either throws the ball to a receiver or hands it off to a running back to advance it. Defensively, the goal is to stop the offense by tackling players or forcing turnovers through interceptions or fumbles. Points can also be scored by the defense through safeties (worth 2 points) or by returning interceptions for touchdowns. Special teams handle kickoffs, punts, and field goal attempts, and their performance can shift momentum in the game.