American football knowledge

American Football Guides | Downs, Scoring, Field and Possession

Clear, evergreen explainers of American football fundamentals based on current NFL and NCAA rules, with league-specific differences kept separate.

American football basics

American football rules: downs, scoring, field and possession

A practical guide to the common structure of American football: 11 players per side, four downs to gain 10 yards, how scoring works and how p…

Scoring · touchdown, field goal, try and safety

A practical guide to the common NFL and NCAA scoring system: six for a touchdown, three for a field goal, one or two on the try, and two for…

Positions · offense, defense and special teams

A practical guide to the main player roles in American football: quarterback, backs, receivers, offensive line, defensive front, linebackers…

Penalties · flags, holding and interference

A practical guide to penalty flags, common pre-snap fouls, holding, pass interference and the main differences between NFL and NCAA enforceme…

Timing · game clock, play clock and overtime

A practical guide to regulation time, the game clock and play clock, the two-minute stoppage and the major NFL/NCAA overtime differences.

Possession · interceptions, fumbles and turnovers

A practical guide to how possession changes after an interception, fumble, failed fourth down or punt, and why not every change of possession…

Statistics · passing, rushing and receiving

A practical guide to the box score: completions and attempts, passing yards, carries, rushing yards, targets, receptions and touchdowns.

Kicking game · kickoffs, punts and returns

A practical guide to kickoffs, punts, fair catches, touchbacks and onside kicks, including why NFL and NCAA procedures are not identical.