Football

The Field

A regulation size football field is 120 yards long and 53 1/2 yards wide. The end zones are at each end of the field, 100 yards apart, and 10 yards deep. The middle line on the middle is the 50 yard line. There are also goal posts at the back of each football end zone.

Game Time

Football is a timed sport. The team with the most points at the end of the time period, wins the game.

Each team must start a play on their side of the line of scrimmage.

The team with possession of the ball is called the offense. The offense tries to advance the football on plays. The defense (the team without the ball) tries to prevent the offense from scoring or advancing the football. Offensive plays start with a snap. A snap is when the center passes the football to one of the offensive backs (usually the quarter back). The ball is advanced by running with the football or passing the football.

The offense can lose possession of the football by:

  • Scoring
  • Not moving far enough down field in four downs.
  • Fumbling or dropping the football and the defense recovers it.
  • Throwing the football to a defensive player (an interception).
  • Punting of kicking the football to the defensive team (if they have not advanced down field quick enough).
  • Missing a field goal.

Skills

Throwing

  • Grip -
    • Grip the ball just behind the middle with 2 to 3 fingers on the laces
    • Palm should not contact the palm
    • Fingers should be relaxed
    • Index/pointer finger should be pointed toward the tip of the ball.
  • Ready Position -
    • Non throwing hand support the ball
    • Shoulders should be perpendicular with the line of scrimmage
    • Feet should be slightly less than shoulder width apart
    • Ball held between head and shoulder.
  • Throwing Motion
    • Raise ball toward throwing shoulder
    • Upper arm parallel to the ground
    • Lead throw with elbow
    • Take a long step with foot opposite of throwing arm
    • Non throwing arm pulls back sharply in the direction opposite of the pass
  • Follow Through -
    • Shift almost all weight to the front foot when ball is thrown
    • Throwing hand should finish across the body, over opposite knee or hip

Receiving

  • Tucked Position
    • Cover both tips of the ball - Front nose covered with hand spread and Back point locked into the elbow joint
    • Protect the ball by keeping arm tucked in close to body
  • Chest High
    • Keep thumbs close together with fingers spread
  • Below Chest
    • If the ball is lower than chest put both little fingers together to make a pocket

Vocabulary

Line of Scrimmage: The position of the football at the start of a play and the location where a player was called down or out of bounce.

Out of Bounds: If any part of a player with the football touches outside the side lines or the end zone it is considered Out of Bounds.

Positions/Players

Center: Center lineman who passes/snaps the ball to the quarter back. In flag football this player can receive a pass. In regulation football this player does not go out for a pass.

Quarter Back: Player positioned behind the center who directs the team's play.

Running Back: Typically a player who specializes in carrying the ball.

Wide Receiver: Primarily a pass receiver.