What is American football and how is it played? Rules, game play & penalties

American football started as a variant of Rugby and football and with the passage of time are the rules of the game changed.

American football is a competitive team sport. The object of the game is to score as many points as possible. Most points are scored through one touchdown by the ball in the end zone from the other team.

In this article I will explain exactly what American football is and how the game is played, for beginners!

American football is one of the greatest North American sports. Although the sport is practiced worldwide, it remains most popular in America.

The pinnacle of the sport is the Super Bowl; the final between the two best NFL teams watched by millions of people around the world every year (from the stadium or at home). 

The ball can end up there by running it into this so-called end zone or by catching the ball in the end zone.

Besides a touchdown, there are also other ways to score.

The winner is the team with the most points at the end of official time. However, a draw can occur.

In the US and Canada, American football is simply referred to as 'football'. Outside of the US and Canada, the sport is usually referred to as "American football" (or sometimes "gridiron football" or "tackle football") to distinguish it from soccer (soccer).

As one of the most complicated sports in the world, American football has many rules and equipment that make it unique.

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The game is exciting to play but also to watch as it involves the perfect combination of physical play and strategy between two competing teams. 

What is the NFL (National Football League)?

American football is the most watched sport in the United States. In surveys of Americans, it is considered their favorite sport by a majority of respondents.

The ratings of American football far exceed those of other sports. 

The National Football League (NFL) is the largest professional American football league in the United States. The NFL has 32 teams divided into two conferences, the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). 

Each conference is divided into four divisions, North, South, East and West with four teams in each.

The championship game, the Super Bowl, is watched by nearly half of U.S. television households and is also shown on television in more than 150 other countries.

Game day, Super Bowl Sunday, is a day when many fans throw parties to watch the game and invite friends and family over for dinner and watch the game.

It is considered by many to be the biggest day of the year.

The objective of the game

The object of American football is to score more points than your opponent in the allotted time. 

The attacking team must move the ball around the field in stages to finally get the ball into the 'end zone' for a 'touchdown' (goal). This can be achieved by catching the ball in this end zone, or running the ball into the end zone. But only one forward pass is allowed in each play.

Each attacking team gets 4 chances ('downs') to move the ball 10 yards forward, towards the end zone of the opponent, ie the defense.

If the attacking team has indeed moved 10 yards, it wins a first down, or another set of four downs to advance 10 yards.

If 4 downs have passed and the team has failed to make the 10 yards, the ball is passed to the defending team, who will then go on the offensive.

physical sport

American football is a contact sport, or a physical sport. To prevent the attacker from running with the ball, the defense must tackle the ball carrier. 

As such, defensive players must use some form of physical contact to stop the ball carrier, within certain rules and guidelines.

Defenders must not kick, punch or trip the ball carrier.

They can't either the face mask on the helmet grabbing the opponent's or with their own helmet initiate physical contact.

Most other forms of tackling are legal.

Players are required to special protective equipment wearing, such as a padded plastic helmet, shoulder pads, hip pads and knee pads. 

Despite the protective equipment and rules to emphasize safety, Are injuries common in football?.

For example, it's becoming less common for running backs (who take the most blows) in the NFL to get through an entire season without sustaining an injury.

Concussions are also common: According to the Brain Injury Association of Arizona, about 41.000 high school students suffer concussions each year. 

Flag football and touch football are less violent variants of the game that are gaining popularity and gaining more and more attention worldwide.

Flag football also has more likely to become an Olympic sport one day

How big is an American football team?

In the NFL, 46 active players are allowed per team on game day.

As a result Do players have highly specialized roles, and nearly all 46 active players on an NFL team will play in every game. 

Each team has specialists in 'offense' (attack), 'defense' (defense) and special teams, but never has more than 11 players on the field at any one time. 

The offense is generally responsible for scoring touchdowns and field goals.

The defense has to make sure the offense doesn't score, and special teams are used to change field positions.

Unlike the vast majority of collective sports, where the game is dynamic so that both teams attack and defend at the same time, this is not the case in American football.

What is the offense?

The offense, so as we have just learned, consists of the following players:

• The Offensive Line: Two Guards, Two Tackles, and a Center
• Wide/slot receivers: two to five
• Tight ends: one or two
• Running backs: one or two
• quarterback

The offensive line's job is the passer (in most cases, the quarterback) and clear the way for runners (running backs) by blocking members of the defense.

These players are often the biggest players on the field. With the exception of the center, offensive linemen generally don't handle the ball.

Wide receivers catch the ball or blocks on running plays. Wide receivers must be quick and have good hands to catch the ball. Wide receivers are often taller, faster players.

Tight ends catch the trap or blocks on certain passing and running plays. Tight ends line up at the ends of the offensive line.

They can play the same role as wide receivers (catching balls) or offensive linemen (protecting the QB or making room for runners).

Tight ends are a hybrid mix between an offensive lineman and a wide-receiver. The tight end is big enough to play on the offensive line and as athletic as a wide receiver.

Running backs run ("rush") with the ball but also block for the quarterback in some plays.

Running backs line up behind or next to the QB. These players are often tackled and it requires a lot of physical and mental strength to play in this position.

The quarterback is generally the one who throws the ball, but can also run with the ball himself or give the ball to the running back.

The quarterback is the most important player on the field. He is the player who positions himself directly behind the center.

Not all of these players will be in the field at every attacking game. Teams can vary the number of wide receivers, tight ends and running backs at a time.

What is the defence?

The defense is responsible for stopping the attack and keeping them from scoring points.

It takes not only tough players, but discipline and hard work to execute a defensive game plan.

The defense consists of a different set of players, namely:

• The defensive line: three to six players (defensive tackles and defensive ends)
• Defensive backs: At least three players, and these are commonly known as safeties or cornerbacks
• Linebackers: three or four
• Kicker
• Punter

The defensive line is positioned directly opposite the offensive line. The defensive line tries to stop the quarterback and running back of the offensive team.

Like the offensive line, the players on the defensive line are the biggest players on the defensive line. They must be able to react quickly and play physically.

Cornerbacks and safeties mainly try to prevent the receivers from catching the ball. Occasionally they also put pressure on the quarterback.

Defensive backs are often the fastest players on the field because they need to be able to defend the fast wide receivers.

They are also often the most athletic, as they have to work backwards, forwards and side to side.

Linebackers often try to stop the running back and potential receivers and tackle the quarterback (tacking a quarterback is also known as a "sack").

They stand between the defensive line and the defensive backs. Linebackers are often the strongest players on the field.

They are the captains of the defense and responsible for calling out the defensive plays.

The kicker kicks the field goals and kick offs.

The punter kicks the ball at 'punts'. A punt is a kick where a player drops the ball and kicks the ball towards the defending team just before it touches the ground. 

What are Special Teams?

The third and last part of each team are the special teams.

Special teams check the field position and enter the field in different situations, namely:

1. Kick off (return)
2. Point (return)
3. field goal

Every match starts with a kickoff. The kicker places the ball on a platform and kicks it as far away as possible towards the attacking team.

The team that receives the kick-off (kickoff return team) will try to catch the ball and run as far back as possible with it.

After the ball carrier has been tackled, play is over and the special teams leave the field.

The team that was in possession of the ball will now play in the attack, where the ball carrier was tackled, and the opposing team will play in defense.

The 'punter' is the player who 'punt' or kicks the ball (but this time from the hands).

For example, if the attack has arrived in the 4th down, instead of trying to get another first down, they can points the ball - to send it as far from their side of the court as possible so as not to risk lose the ball too close to their side.

They may also consider trying to score a field goal.

Field goal: There are large yellow goal posts connected by a crossbar at either end of each football field.

A team may choose to attempt to score a field goal worth 3 points.

The process involves a player holding the ball vertically to the ground and another player kicking the ball.

Or instead sometimes the ball is on a raise placed and the ball is kicked away from there.

The ball must be shot over the crossbar and between the posts. So, field goals are often taken on the 4th down or at the end of a match.

How does an American football game go?

An American football game consists of four parts ('quarters'), and the clock is stopped after each action.

Below you can read how a football match generally goes:

1. Every match starts with a coin toss
2. Then there is the kick-off
3. With the kick-off, the position of the ball is determined and the game can begin
4. Each team has 4 attempts to advance the ball 10 yards

At the start of each match there is the coin toss to decide which team gets the ball first and which side of the field they want to start on. 

The match then starts with a kick-off, or the kickoff, which I just talked about in the special teams.

The kicker of the defending team kicks the ball towards the opposing team.

The ball is kicked from an elevation, and is taken from the home 30-yard line (in the NFL) or the 35-yard line in college football.

The kick returner of the opposing team tries to catch the ball and run as far forward as possible with the ball.

Where he is tackled is the point where the attack will begin its drive - or series of attacking plays.

If the kick returner catches the ball in his own end zone, he can either choose to run with the ball or opt for a touchback by kneeling in the end zone.

In the latter case, the receiving team starts its offensive drive from its own 20-yard line.

A touchback also occurs when the ball goes out of the end zone. Punts and turnovers in the end zone can also end in touchbacks.

As mentioned before, each team has 4 downs (attempts) to advance 10 or more yards. Teams can throw the ball or run with the ball to make these yards.

Once the team has advanced at least 10 yards, they get 4 more tries.

Failure to make the 10 yards after 4 downs will result in a turnover (with possession of the ball going to the opposing team).

When does a down of play end?

A down ends, and the ball is 'dead', after one of the following:

• The player with the ball is brought to the ground (tackled) or his forward movement is stopped by members of the opposing team.
• A forward pass flies out of bounds or hits the ground before being caught. This is known as an incomplete pass. The ball is returned to its original position on the court for the next down.
• The ball or the player with the ball goes out of bounds.
• A team scores.
• On a touchback: when a ball is 'dead' in a team's own end zone and it was the opponent who gave the ball the momentum that caused it to move over the goal line into the end zone.

Referees whistle to let all players know that the down is over. Downs are also known as 'plays'.

How do you score points in American football?

There are several ways to score points in American football. The most famous is of course the touchdown, which gives the most points. 

But there are other ways:

1. touch down
2. PAT (field goal) or a two-point conversion
3. Field goal (at any time)
4. pick six
5. Safety

You score a touchdown – which yields no less than 6 points – by running with the ball in the end zone, or catching the ball in the end zone. 

After scoring a touchdown, the team that scored has two options.

Either it opts for an extra point ('one-point conversion', 'extra point' or 'PAT'= point after touchdown') via a field goal.

This choice is the most common as it is now relatively easy to score a field goal as the attacking team is not far from the goal posts.

The team can also choose to make a two-point conversion.

That is basically trying to make another touchdown, from the 2 yards mark, and this touchdown is worth 2 points.

The team can also try to shoot the ball through the goal posts at any time (field goal), but teams usually only do this when they are more or less between 20 and 40 yards from the goal.

A team should not risk a field kick if it is too far from the goal posts, as the further away, the harder it becomes to get the ball through the posts.

When a field goal fails, the opponent receives the ball where the ball was kicked.

A field goal is usually considered in the last down, and a successful kick is worth three points.

On a field goal, one player holds the ball horizontally to the ground, and another shoots the ball through the goal posts and over the crossbar behind the end zone.

While it is usually the offense that scores, the defense can also score points.

If the defense intercepts a pass (a 'pick') or forces an opposing player to fumble (drop it) the ball, they can run the ball into the opponent's end zone for six points, also known as a 'pick called six'.

A safety occurs when the defending team manages to tackle an attacking opponent in their own end zone; for this, the defending team receives 2 points.

Certain fouls (mainly blocking fouls) committed by attacking players in the end zone also result in a safety.

The team with the most points at the end of the game is declared the winner.

If the points are tied, extra time comes into play with the teams playing an extra quarter until there is a winner.

How long does an American football game last?

A match lasts four 'quarters' of 15 minutes (or sometimes 12 minutes, for example in high schools).

That should mean a total of 60 minutes of playing time, you would think.

However, the stopwatch is stopped in many situations; such as fouls, when a team scores or on a pass no one catches the ball before it touches the ground (“incomplete pass”).

The clock starts running again when the ball is again placed on the field by an umpire.

A match is therefore divided into four quarters of 12 or 15 minutes.

Between the 1st and 2nd and 3rd and 4th quarters a break of 2 minutes is taken and between the 2nd and 3rd quarters a rest of 12 or 15 minutes is taken (rest time).

Because the stopwatch is often stopped, a match can sometimes last up to three hours.

After every quarter, the teams switch sides. The team with the ball retains possession for the next quarter.

The attacking team has 40 seconds from the end of a given game to start a new game.

If the team is not on time, it will be penalized with a 5 yards decline.

If it is tied after 60 minutes, a 15-minute overtime will be played. In the NFL, the team that scores a touchdown first (sudden death) wins.

A field goal can also make a team win in extra time, but only if both teams have owned the football.

In a regular NFL game, where neither team scores in overtime, the tie remains. In an NFL playoff game, overtime is played, if necessary, to determine a winner.

College overtime rules are more complicated.

What is a timeout?

Each team's coaching staff is allowed to request time-outs, as is done in other sports.

A time-out can be requested by a coach by forming his hands in the shape of a 'T' and communicating this to the referee.

A time-out is a short break for the coach to communicate with his team, break the opposing team's pace, rest players, or avoid a delay or game penalty.

Each team is entitled to 3 time-outs per half. When a coach wants to call a time-out, he/she must communicate this to the referee.

The clock is stopped during a timeout. Players have time to catch their breath, drink, and players can also be substituted.

In college football, each team gets 3 timeouts per half. Each timeout may last up to 90 seconds.

If time-outs are not used in the first half, they may not be carried over into the second half.

In overtime, each team gets a time-out per quarter, regardless of how many time-outs they ended the game with.

Timeouts are optional and do not necessarily have to be used.

Also in the NFL, each team gets 3 time-outs per half, but a time-out can last up to 2 minutes. In overtime, each team gets two time-outs.

How is the ball put into play?

Each half begins with a kick-off or kickoff. But teams also kick off after scoring touchdowns and field goals. 

Except at the beginning of a half and after a score, the ball, also called the pigskin, always brought into play by means of a 'snap'. 

On a snap, attacking players line up against defending players on the line of scrimmage (the imaginary line on the field where play begins).

One offensive player, the center, then passes (or "snaps") the ball between his legs to a teammate, usually the quarterback.

The quarterback then brings the ball into play.

After safeties – when the defending team manages to tackle an attacking opponent in its own end zone – (don't confuse this with the safety position!) – the attacking team brings the ball back into play with a point or kick from its own 20 yard line.

The opposing team must catch the ball and bring it as far forward as possible (kick off return) so that their attack can then start again in the most favorable position possible.

How can players move the ball?

Players can propel the ball in two ways:

1. By running with the ball
2. By throwing the ball

Running with the ball is also known as 'rushing'. Usually the quarterback hands the ball to a teammate.

In addition, the ball can be thrown, which is known as a 'forward pass'. The forward pass is an important factor that distinguishes American football from, among other things, rugby.

The attacker can only throw the ball forward once per game and only from behind the line of scrimmage. The ball can be thrown sideways or backwards at any time.

This type of pass is known as a lateral pass and is less common in American football than in rugby.

How do you change possession of the ball?

When teams switch possession, the team that just played in offense will now play in defense, and vice versa.

A change of possession takes place in the following situations:

• If the attack has not advanced 10 yards after four downs 
• After scoring a touchdown or field goal
• Failed field goal
• fumble
• Punting
• Interception
• Safety

If after the 4 downs the attacking team has been unable to move the ball forward at least 10 yards, the opposing team gains control of the ball where play ended.

This change of possession is commonly referred to as a "turnover on downs."

If the offense scores a touchdown or a field goal, this team then kicks the ball to the opposing team, who then gains possession of the ball.

If the attacking team fails to score a field goal, the opposing team gains control of the ball and a new game begins where the previous game started (or in the NFL where the kick was made).

If the (failed) kick was taken within 20 yards of the end zone, the opposing team gets the ball on its 20-yard line (that is, 20 yards from the end zone).

A fumble occurs when an attacking player drops the ball after catching it or, more commonly, after a tackle that forced him to drop the ball.

The ball can be recovered by the opponent (defence).

As with interceptions (see below), a player who picks up the ball may run with the ball until tackled or forced out of bounds.

Fumbles and interceptions are collectively referred to as "turnovers."

On a point, the attacking team shoots the ball (as far as possible) towards the defending team, just as in a kickoff.

Punts - as mentioned earlier - are almost always made on fourth down, when the attacking team does not want to risk passing the ball to the opposing team at its current position on the field (due to a failed attempt to make a first down) and thinks the ball is too far from the goal posts to attempt a field goal.

When a defending player intercepts a pass from the attacking team out of the air ('interception'), the defending team is automatically in possession of the ball.

The player making the interception can run with the ball until it is tackled or goes outside the lines of the field.

After the intercepting player is tackled or sidelined, his team's attacking unit returns to the field and takes over at its current position.

As discussed earlier, a safety occurs when the defending team succeeds in tackling an attacking opponent in their own end zone.

For this, the defending team receives 2 points and also automatically gains possession of the ball. 

Basic American Football Strategy

For some fans, the biggest appeal of football is the strategy devised by the two coaching staffs to increase the odds of winning the game. 

Each team has a so-called 'playbook' with tens to sometimes hundreds of game situations (also called 'plays').

Ideally, every play is a strategically sound, team-coordinated pursuit. 

Some plays are very safe; they will probably only yield a few yards.

Other plays have the potential to gain many yards, but with a greater risk of losing yards (loss of yardage) or turnover (when the opponent gains possession).

In general, rushing plays (where the ball is immediately run rather than thrown to a player first) are less risky than passing plays (where the ball is thrown directly to a player).

But there are also relatively safe passing plays and risky running plays.

In order to mislead the opposing team, some passing plays are designed to resemble running plays and vice versa.

There are many trick plays, for example when a team acts as if it intends to "point" and then tries to run with the ball or to throw the ball for a first down.

Such risky plays are a big thrill for the fans - if they work. On the other hand, they can spell disaster if the adversary realizes the deception and acts upon it.

In the days between games, there are many hours of preparation and strategy, including watching the opponents' game videos by both players and coaches.

This, along with the demanding physical nature of the sport, is why teams play at most one game per week.

Read also my explanation about fantasy football where a good strategy is also very important

What is an American football playbook?

There are hundreds of different plays that players can perform on each down. These are all in the so-called playbook of each team. 

The playbook contains all the strategies of the team to score as many points as possible. There is one playbook for offense and one for defense.

The plays are 'devised' by the coaching staff, whereby the attacking players often run in different directions ('route running') and coordinated movements and actions are performed.

There is also a playbook for defense, where strategies are practiced to defend the attack as well as possible.

The head coach or quarterback determines the plays for the offensive team while the defensive captain or coordinator determines the plays for the defensive team.

How big is an American football field?

The most important parts of an American football field are the two end zones, one of which is located at each end of the field.

Each end zone is 10 yards long and is the area where touchdowns are scored. The distance from endzone to endzone is 100 yards long.

An American football field is therefore a total of 120 yards (about 109 meters) long and 53,3 yards (almost 49 meters) wide.

The end zone is often colored differently to be easily identified by players.

There are also goal posts (also called 'uprights') at each end of the field through which the kicker can shoot the ball. The goal posts are 18.5 feet (5,6 m) apart (24 feet or 7,3 m in high school).

The posts are connected by a batten 3 meters from the ground. An American football field is divided into yard lines every 5 yards across the width of the field.

Between those lines you will find a short line on each yard. Every 10 yards are numbered: 10 – 20 – 30 – 40 – 50 (midfield) – 40 – 30 – 20 – 10.

Two rows of lines, known as "inbounds lines" or "hash marks," parallel the sidelines near the center of the field.

All plays begin with the ball on or between the hash marks.

To make this all a bit more visual, you can view this image from Sportsfy.

The equipment (gear) for American football

Full protective gear is used in football; more than is the case in other sports.

According to the rule, each player must wear the appropriate equipment in order to play.

Referees check equipment before the match to ensure players are wearing the necessary protection to comply with the guidelines.

You can read what equipment players use below:

• Helmet
• mouthguard
• Shoulder pads with team jersey
• Girdle with football pants
• cleats
• Possibly gloves

The first and most notable accessory is the helmet† The helmet is made of hard plastic that protects the face and skull from hard blows.

Helmets come with a face mask (facemask), and its design depends on the player's position.

For example, wide receivers need a more open face mask to keep a view of the ball in order to catch it.

On the other hand, the offensive line player often has a more closed face mask to protect his face from the opponent's hands and fingers.

The helmet is held in place with a chinstrap.

A mouthguard is also mandatory, and for an overview of the best models, read more here.

shoulder pads are another striking piece of equipment of a football player. The shoulder pads are made from a hard piece of plastic that is fastened tightly under the armpits.

Shoulder pads help protect the shoulders as well as the breastplate.

The jersey is worn over the shoulder pads. Jerseys are part of the kit, which displays the team's colors and symbol.

The player's number and name must also be included. Numbers are essential, as players must fall into a certain range based on their position.

This helps the referees determine who can catch the football and who can't (because not every player can just catch the football and run with it!).

In lower teams, players are often allowed to choose their own number, which need not have anything to do with their position on the field.

Jerseys are made of a soft nylon material with numbers on the front and back.

The gridle is tight pants with protection that you wear under your competition or training pants.

The girdle offers protection to the hips, thighs and tailbone. Some girdles also have built-in knee protection. For the best girdles click here.

Using players shoes with cleats, which are very similar to football boots.

Depending on your position on the pitch (and the surface you play on), some models are better than others. They provide sufficient grip and comfort.

Gloves are not mandatory, but are generally recommended.

It can help players get a better grip on the ball or protect their hands.

Looking for new football gloves? Read here which are the best.

NFL jersey numbers

The NFL jersey numbering system is based on a player's primary position. But any player - regardless of his number - may play in any other position.

It is not uncommon for running backs to play as wide receiver in certain situations, or for a lineman or linebacker to play as fullback or tight end in short yardage situations.

However, players wearing numbers 50-79 must notify the umpire in advance if they are playing out of position by reporting an ineligible number in an eligible position.

The players wearing this number are not allowed to catch the ball just like that.

Here are the general ement-b20b5b37-e428-487d-a6e1-733e166faebd” class=”textannotation disambiguated wl-thing” itemid=”https://data.wordlift.io/wl146820/entity/rules”>rules for the jersey numbers :

• 1-19: Quarterback, Kicker, Punter, Wide Receiver, Running Back
• 20-29: Running Back, Corner Back, Safety
• 30-39: Running Back, Corner Back, Safety
• 40-49: Running Back, Tight End, Cornerback, Safety
• 50-59: Offensive Line, Defensive Line, Linebacker
• 60-69: Offensive Line, Defensive Line
• 70-79: Offensive Line, Defensive Line
• 80-89: Wide Receiver, Tight End
• 90-99: Defensive Line, Linebacker

In pre-season matches, when teams often have a large number of players left, players may wear numbers outside of the above rules.

When the final team is established, players will be renumbered within the guidelines above.

Penalties in American Football

To keep the game fair, the umpires watch the clock, whistle when a player is tackled (because that's when the game ends), and throw a penalty flag in the air when fouls are committed.

Any umpire may raise a yellow penalty flag near the site of an infringement.

The penalty flag indicates that the referee has detected a penalty and wants to warn the players, coaching staff and other referees. 

Penalties often result in negative yards for the offending team (where the umpire places the ball backwards and the team will lose yards).

Some defensive penalties give the attacking side an automatic first down. 

Additional penalties are signaled by the same referee by tossing a bean bag or his cap.

When the game is over, the injured team has the choice to either take the penalty and play the down again or keep the result of the previous game and move on to the next down.

In the section below I will discuss some popular penalties.

false start

To start a valid game, the players of the team in possession (offense) must come to a complete standstill.

Only one player (but not a player on the offensive line) can be in motion, but always parallel to the line of scrimmage. 

A false start occurs when an attacking player moves before the ball comes into play. 

This is similar to getting out of position and starting a race before the referee fires his gun.

Any move by an attacking player simulating the start of a new game is penalized with a 5 yards setback (with the ball being put back 5 yards).

Offside

Offside means offside. Offside is an offense where a player is on the wrong side of the line of scrimmage when the ball is 'snapped' and thus comes into play.

When a player from the defending team crosses the line of scrimmage before play begins, it is considered offside.

As a penalty, the defense withdraws 5 yards.

Defending players, unlike the offense, may be in motion before the ball is put into play, but not cross the line of scrimmage.

Offside is an offense that is mainly committed by the defense, but can also happen to the attack.

Holding

During a game, only the player in possession of the ball may be grasped. 

Holding a player who is not in possession of the ball is said to be holding. There is a difference between offensive holding and defensive holding.

If an attacker is holding a defender (offensive holding) and that player uses his hands, arms, or other parts of his body to prevent a defending player from tackling the ball carrier, his team is penalized with a 10-yard drop.

If a defender is holding an attacker (defensive holding), and this player tackles or holds the attacking player who does not have the ball, his team loses 5 yards and the attack wins an automatic first down.

Pass interference

The defender must not push or touch the attacker to prevent him from catching the ball. There should be contact only when he is trying to catch the ball.

Pass interference occurs when a player makes illegal contact with another player trying to make a fair catch. 

According to the NFL rulebook, pass interference includes holding, pulling, and tripping a player, and bringing hands in a player's face, or making a cutting motion in front of the receiver.

As a penalty, the team continues to attack from the place of the violation, counting as an automatic 1st down.

Personal foul (personal foul)

Personal offenses are considered the worst offenses in football because they violate the rules of respect and sportsmanship.

A personal foul in football is an offense resulting from unnecessarily rough or dirty play that puts another player in danger of injuring another player. 

Examples of personal offenses include:

• helmet to helmet contact
• helmet against an opponent's knees
• make a tackle off the field
• or anything else that the referee considers anti-sporting

A penalty of 15 yards is given and the injured team is automatically given a 1st down.

Delay game

When one game ends, the next game begins. Attackers must put the ball back into play before the game clock runs out.

In American football, an offensive team is penalized 5 yards for delaying play if it fails to put the ball into play by a snap or free kick before the game clock runs out. 

This time limit varies by competition, and is often 25 seconds from the time the umpire indicates the ball is ready to be put into play.

Illegal block in the back

The rule is that all blocks in football should be made from the front, never from behind. 

An illegal block in the back is a penalty called in football when a player makes physical contact above the waist and from behind with an opposing player who is not in possession of the ball. 

This penalty results in a 10-yard penalty from the place of the infringement.

By 'physical contact' is meant using his hands or arms to push an opponent from behind in a way that affects his movement. 

Blocking below the waist

This involves 'blocking' a player who is not a ball carrier.

On an illegal block below the waist (from any direction), the blocker illegally uses his shoulder to contact a defender below his beltline. 

It is illegal because it can cause serious injuries – especially those to the knee and ankle – and is an unfair advantage to the blocker because the move immobilizes the defender.

The penalty is 15 yards in the NFL, NCAA (college/university), and in high school. In the NFL, blocking below the waist is illegal during kicking plays and after a change of possession.

Clipping

Clipping is prohibited because it has the potential to cause injuries, including to the collateral and cruciate ligaments and the meniscus.

Clipping is attacking an opponent below the waist from behind, provided the opponent is not in possession of the ball.

Clipping also includes rolling yourself onto an opponent's legs after a block.

It is usually illegal, but in the National Football League it is legal to clip above the knee in close-line play.

The close line is the area between positions normally occupied by offensive tackles. It extends for three yards on each side of the line of scrimmage.

In most leagues, the penalty for clipping is 15 yards, and if committed by the defense, an automatic first down. 

chop-block

A chop block is illegal and occurs when a player is blocked by two opponents, one high and the other low, causing the player to fall.

A chop block is a block by the attacker where an attacking player blocks a defending player in the thigh area or below, while another attacking player attacks that same defensive player above the waist.

It is not a penalty if the blocker's opponent initiates contact above the waist, or if the blocker tries to escape from his opponent and contact is not intentional.

The penalty for an illegal chop block is a 15 yards loss.

Roughing the kicker/punter/holder

Roughing the kicker/punter is when a defending player bumps into the kicker or punter during a kicking/punting play.

Often a roughing the kicker penalty is given if contact with the kicker is severe.

Roughing the kicker/punter occurs when a defending player touches the kicker's standing leg while his kicking leg is still in the air, or makes contact with the kicker once they have both feet on the ground. 

The rule also applies to the holder of a field goal kick, as he is a defenseless player.

It is not an offense if the contact is not serious, or if the kicker puts both feet back on the ground prior to the contact and falls over a defender to the ground.

The penalty for such a violation in most competitions is 15 yards and an automatic first down.

If such a violation occurs, the team about to relinquish possession on a point retains its possession as a result.

If the violation occurs on a successfully kicked field goal, yardage will be assessed on the ensuing kickoff, unless the attacking team elects to accept the penalty and continue the drive in hopes of scoring a touchdown, which is referred to as “taking.” the points off the board”.

Do not confuse this penalty with 'running into the kicker' (see below).  

Running into the kicker

Running into the kicker is considered less severe when compared to roughing the kicker.

It occurs when a defending player makes contact with the kicker/punter's kicking leg or when he prevents the punter/kicker from landing safely with both feet on the ground after the kick.

If a defensive player hits a kicker's swinging leg, it counts as running into the kicker. 

Running into the kicker is a less severe penalty and is a 5-yard loss to the team.

It is one of the few penalties that does not come with an automatic first down, such as offside.

Roughing the passer

Defenders are allowed to contact a player attempting to throw a forward pass while still in possession of the ball (eg a quarterback sack).

However, once the ball is released, defenders are not allowed to make contact with the quarterback unless prompted by the momentum.

The judgment as to whether the contact after the release of the ball was the result of a violation or momentum is made by the referee on a case-by-case basis.

Roughing the passer is an offense in which a defending player makes illegal contact with the quarterback after he throws a forward pass.

The penalty is 10 or 15 yards, depending on the league, and an automatic first down for offense.

Roughing the passer can also be called if the defender performs intimidating acts towards the passer, such as picking him up and pressing him to the ground, or wrestling with him.

It can also be called when the player tackling the passer makes helmet-to-helmet contact, or lands on the passer with the full weight of his body.

An exception to the roughing rule is when the passer re-enters play after throwing the ball, such as in an attempt to block, fix a fumble, or tackle a defending player who has gained possession of the ball.

In these cases, the passer is treated like any other player and may legally be touched.

Roughing the passer also does not apply to side passes or back passes.

Encroachment

Encroachment has a different definition in different leagues/competitions. What corresponds is the penalty: namely a loss of 5 yards.

In the NFL, encroachment occurs when a defensive player illegally crosses the line of scrimmage and makes contact with an opponent or has a clear path to the quarterback before the ball is played. 

The game is immediately stopped, just like a false start. This violation would be an offside penalty in the NCAA.

In high school, encroachment includes ANY crossing of the neutral zone by the defense, whether contact is made or not.

It is similar to offside/offside, except when this happens, the game is not allowed to start.

As with offside, the offending team is penalized with 5 yards.

In the NCAA, an encroachment penalty is called when an offensive player moves past the line of scrimmage after the center has touched the ball but has not yet put it into play.

There is no encroachment for defensive players in college football.

Helmet to helmet collision

This type of contact is finally considered dangerous play by the league authorities after years because of the potential to cause serious injury.

Major football leagues, such as the NFL, Canadian Football League (CFL), and the NCAA, have taken a stricter stance on helmet-to-helmet collisions.

The impetus was a Congressional investigation into the effects of repeated concussions on football players and the new discoveries regarding chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

Other possible injuries include head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even death. 

Helmet-to-helmet collisions are occurrences where two players' helmets make contact with a large amount of force.

Deliberately causing a helmet-to-helmet collision is a penalty in most football competitions.

The penalty is 15 yards, with an automatic 1st down.

Helmet manufacturers are constantly improving their designs to best protect their users from injuries caused by such impacts.

horse collar tackle

The horse-collar tackle is particularly dangerous because of the awkward position of the tackled player, who will often fall backwards in a twisting motion with one or both legs trapped under the weight of his body.

This is made worse if the player's foot gets caught in the turf and by the extra weight of the defender. 

The horse-collar tackle is a maneuver in which a defender tackles another player by grasping the back collar of the jersey or the back of the shoulder pads and immediately forcibly pulling the ball carrier down to pull his feet out from under him. 

Possible injuries include cruciate ligament sprains or tears in the knees (including the ACL and MCL) and ankles, and fractures of the tibia and fibula.

However, horse-collar tackles performed near the line of scrimmage are allowed.

In the NFL, the horse-collar tackle results in a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down if made by the defense.

It will often also result in a fine imposed by the association for the player.

Face mask penalty

This penalty can be imposed on players in offense, defense and special teams. Incidental contact with the helmet is usually not penalized. 

No player is allowed the face mask grab or pull from another player.

The penalty extends to grasping other parts of the helmet, including rims, ear holes and padding. 

The main reason for this rule is again player safety.

It is extremely dangerous and can result in neck and head injuries, as the helmet can be pulled up in the opposite direction to the direction in which the body is moving.

It is often left to the discretion of the referee whether the contact is intentional or serious enough to warrant a facemask penalty.

In high school football, a player can receive a facemask penalty simply by touching another player's helmet.

This rule is intended to protect younger players.

In college football, however, the NCAA follows similar rules to the NFL, where grasping and manipulating the helmet results in a penalty.

According to the NFL rulebook, facemask penalties result in a 15-yard penalty.

If the attacking team commits the penalty, it can also result in a loss or down.

If a defender commits the offense, the attacking team can earn an automatic first down.

Suppose the umpires find that the penalty is particularly egregious, then the penalty is more severe.

For example, the offending player rips off another player's helmet or uses his grip on the facemask to throw the other player to the ground.

In that case, the player may be suspended for unsportsmanlike conduct.

American football terms and definitions

To properly understand and get the most out of American football, you need to familiarize yourself with the key terms and definitions.

The following list gives you an overview of the basic American football terms you should know:

• backfield: The group of offensive players - the running backs and quarterback - who line up behind the line of scrimmage.
• Down: An action that begins when the ball is put into play and ends when the ball is declared 'dead' (meaning play is complete). The offense gets four downs to get the ball 10 yards forward. Failing that, the ball must be surrendered to the opponent, usually by a 'point' on the fourth down.
• Drive: The series of plays when the offense has the ball, until it scores or goes 'points' and the opposing team gains control of the ball.
• end zone: A 10 yards long area at each end of the field. You score a touchdown when you enter the end zone with the ball. If you are tackled in your own end zone while in possession of the ball, the other team gets a safety (worth 2 points).
• fair catch: When the punt returner swings his outstretched arm above his head. After the fair catch signal, a player cannot run with the ball, nor must the opponent touch it.
• Field goal / field goal: A kick, worth three points, that can be taken anywhere on the field, but is usually taken within 40 yards of the goal posts. As with an extra point, a kick must be shot above the bar and between the posts. 
• fumble: Losing possession of the ball while running or being tackled with it. Both the attacking and defending team can recover a fumble. If the defense gains possession of the ball, it is called a turnover.
• Handoff: The act of passing the ball by an attacking player (usually the quarterback) to another attacking player. Handoffs usually take place between the quarterback and a running back.
• hash marks: The lines in the center of the field indicating 1 yard on the field. For each game, the ball is placed between the hash marks or on top of the hash marks, depending on where the ball carrier was tackled in the previous game.
• Huddle: When the 11 players of a team come together on the field to discuss strategy. On offense, the quarterback passes the plays in the huddle.
• Incompletion: A forward pass that falls to the ground because the attacking team was unable to catch it, or a pass that drops a player or catches it off the field.
• Interception: An attacking pass that is caught by a defender, causing the attacker to lose control of the ball.
• Kickoff: A free kick that puts the ball in play. A kickoff is used at the beginning of the first and third quarters and after each touchdown and successful field goal.
• Line of scrimmage: An imaginary line extending the width of the field on which the football is placed for each new play. Neither the offense nor the defense may cross the line until the ball is put back into play.
• Point: A kick made where a player drops the ball from his hands and kicks just before the ball hits the ground. A point is usually scored on a fourth down when the offense has to relinquish possession to the defense because it couldn't advance 10 yards.
• red zone: The unofficial area from the 20-yard line to the opponent's goal line. 
• kick/point return: The act of receiving a kick or point and running to the opponent's goal line with the intent of scoring or gaining a significant amount of yards.
• Rushing: Propel the ball by running, not by passing. A running back is sometimes also referred to as a rusher.
• Sack: When a defender tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage causing the attacking team to lose yards.
• Safety: A score, worth two points, that the defense earns by tackling an offensive player in possession of the ball in his own end zone.
• Secondary: The four defensive players defending against the pass and lined up behind the linebackers and wide on the corners of the field opposite the receivers of the attack.
• Snap: The action in which the ball is 'snapped' (between the legs) through the center to the quarterback – or to the holder on a kick attempt, or to the punter. When the snap occurs, the ball is officially in play and the action begins.

Closing comments

Now that you know exactly how American football is played, the games will be a lot clearer for you.

Or maybe you will start training for American football yourself!

Would you like to read more? Check out my extensive post about how the NFL draft actually works

Joost Nusselder, the founder of referees.eu is a content marketer, father and loves to write about all kinds of sports, and has also played a lot of sports himself for most of his life. Now since 2016, he and his team have been creating helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with their sports activities.