American football

American football, known as gridiron football or simply football in North America, is a sport that originated in the United States of America. The game is played on a 100 yard field with two endzones that are 10 yards deep. The goal of the game is to score the most points in the alloted time, primarily by advancing the ball into the opponent's endzone.

The National Football League is the premier football league in the world, with all its teams located in the United States.

Methods of Scoring

Touchdown

A touchdown is worth 6 points. A touchdown is scored when a player has possession of the ball and the ball crosses the goal line of the opposing team's endzone. Touchdowns can be scored on offense, defense, and special teams.

Point After Touchdown

A point after touchdown (PAT), or extra point, is worth 1 point. A team can elect to attempt a PAT after they score a touchdown. A PAT is scored when the football is kicked between the goalposts, which stand directly behind the endzone. The line of scrimmage is placed at the 2 yard line for a PAT, and the ball is kicked from the 9 yard line.

2-Point Conversion

A 2-point conversion is an alternative to the PAT that is worth 2 points. After a touchdown, the scoring team can execute 1 offensive play attempting to cross into the endzone. The line of scrimmage is the 2 yard line.

Field Goal

A field goal is worth 3 points, and is scored when the offensive team kicks the ball between the goalposts. This can be attempted anywhere on the field.

Safety

A safety occurs when a defensive player tackles an offensive player in their own endzone and are worth 2 points. The team scoring the safety is also awarded the ball on the following kickoff.

Positions

Standard American football is played with 11 players on offense and 11 players on defense.

Offense

• Quarterback-Takes the snap, and hands the ball of to a running back to run, or makes a pass.
• Halfback -(also known as a Runningback). Usually the best running back on the team, the halfback gets most of the handoffs in the running game. Often lines up the furthest in the backfield.
• Fullback-On running plays, usually acts as a blocker for the halfback, although he may get the ball in short yardage situations.
• Tackle-Offensive line position; cannot handle the ball. There are 2 tackles, right and left, who align at the edge of the offensive line. Tackles are generally the best pass-blockers on the team, because they must block the opposing defensive end, who is usually the best pass-rusher.
• Guard-Offensive line. There are 2 guards, left and right, who align between the center and the tackle on their side.
• Center-Offensive line. Plays at the center of the line, and snaps the ball at the beginning of the play.
• Tight End-The tight end lines up on the line of scrimmage, and usually blocks on running plays, and acts as a receiver on passing plays. Some are very good receivers, whereas some excel more as blockers.
• Wide Receiver-The best receivers on the field. They usually align several yards outside of the offensive line, their primary role is to get open on passing downs.

Defense

• Defensive Tackle-Defensive linemen, they line up in the middle of the defensive line. Also known as a "nose tackle". Usually the biggest defensive players.
• Defensive End-Defensive linemen, they line up outside of the defensive tackles. Often the best pass-rushers on a team.
• Outside Linebacker-Linebackers that line up to the outside. In a 4-3 defense, they are aligned directly behind a defensive end, in a 3-4 defense they align well to the outside of the line. Usually the better coverage linebackers.
• Inside Linebacker-Linebackers that align in the middle of the field. They are usually the best tacklers and run-stoppers.
• Cornerback-The cornerback is a defensive back, and is responsible for covering one of the other team's wide receivers. There 2 on the field at a time. Often the fastest defensive player on a team, but may not be a very good tackler.
• Strong Safety-The safety that lines up on the side of the offense's tight end, generally 7-10 yards from the line of scrimmage. Strong safeties vary widely in their skill, with some "hard hitting" safeties who excel primarily at coming up to stop the run, while others excel more at pass coverage, playing deep zone coverages, or lining up on a man (usually the tight end).
• Free Safety- The safety that aligns on the side opposite of the offense's tight end, usually 8-12 yards downfield. The free safety often plays a deep zone in case one of the cornerbacks or linebackers gets beaten.