American Football: A Beginner's Guide to the Rules, Positions and Gear

American football is a team sport in which two teams of eleven players try to carry the ball into the opponent's end zone to score points. The offense gets four attempts to move the ball at least ten yards, and the game is built from short, explosive plays rather than continuous running. This guide covers the rules, the positions, the gear you need and how to get started with the sport.

In this guide

• What is American football?
• The rules explained
• The positions on the field
• The gear you need
• How to get started
• Frequently asked questions

What is American football?

American football is played between two teams on a field 100 yards long, with an end zone at each end. The goal is simple: carry the ball into the opponent's end zone, or kick it between the goalposts. The team with the ball is called the offense, and the team trying to stop them is called the defense.

What makes the sport distinctive is that it is divided into clear plays. After each play the game stops, the teams line up again, and the next play begins. That gives the sport its tactical character, because every play is planned in advance. Unlike sports that run without interruption, a team has time to think between each action.

The rules explained

The foundation of American football is the system of attempts, called downs. The offense has four downs to move the ball at least ten yards forward. If it succeeds, it gets four new downs and can continue. If it fails, the ball goes over to the opponent. That is why a team often kicks the ball away on fourth down, a so-called punt, to leave the opponent in worse field position rather than lose the ball on its own half.

A game is divided into four quarters. The clock stops often, so a game takes considerably longer than its playing time suggests, usually around two to three hours in total. Points can be scored in several ways, and it is worth knowing how many points each one is worth from the start.

The positions on the field

Each team has eleven players on the field, split into three units: offense, defense and special teams. You usually play in only one of them, which means there is a place for every body type and every quality. A fast player finds a role just as much as a big, strong one. Here are the main positions.

The gear you need

American football is a contact sport, and the right gear is what lets you play safely and perform. As a beginner you do not need everything at once, but these pieces are the foundation. Many clubs lend out a helmet and shoulder pads at the start, while personal items like gloves, a mouthguard and shoes are worth buying yourself early.

• Helmet: protects the head and is mandatory in all tackle play.
• Shoulder pads: protect the shoulders, chest and back in tackles.
• Gloves: give a better grip on the ball and protection for the hands.
• Mouthguard: a small but important protection for teeth and jaw.
• Cleats: studded boots that grip on grass and artificial turf.
• Girdle and leg protection: protection for hips, thighs and knees.

Always check the product page for current sizes, colors and availability, and confirm the fit before buying if you are matching it with gear you already have.

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Gloves with a strong grip and a close fit, built for receivers who want control of the ball. A good first choice when you buy your own gloves.

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How to get started

Getting started with American football is easier than many people think. You need no background in the sport, and most of those playing today started as adult beginners. Here is how to take the first steps:

• Find a club: look up your nearest team and ask about a trial practice.
• Try a beginner session: many clubs have setups for new players where you learn the basics.
• Get the basic gear: start with gloves, a mouthguard and shoes, and add protection over time.
• Find your position: try different options, there is a place for fast, technical and strong players alike.

Frequently asked questions

What are the basic rules of American football?

The offense gets four attempts, downs, to move the ball at least ten yards. If it succeeds, it gets four new downs. If it fails, the ball goes to the opponent. Points are scored mainly with a touchdown, six points, and a field goal, three points.

How long does a game last?

A game is divided into four quarters. Because the clock stops often, the real duration is usually two to three hours, considerably longer than the effective playing time.

How many players are on a team?

Each team has eleven players on the field at a time. A team is split into offense, defense and special teams, and players are substituted depending on the situation in the game.

What gear do I need as a beginner?

The basics are a helmet, shoulder pads, gloves, a mouthguard and cleats. Many clubs lend out the helmet and shoulder pads at the start, while gloves, a mouthguard and shoes are worth buying yourself early.

Can women play American football?

Yes. There is women's football within the sport, and flag football without tackling is open to everyone. Contact a club near you to hear which teams and practices are available.