Beginner American Football Guides

Learn what a first down means, how an offense earns one, and why first downs allow a drive to continue.

Learn how quarters, halftime, stoppages, timeouts, and other pauses affect the actual length of a football game.

Learn some of the most common football penalties, why officials throw flags, and how penalties affect yardage and downs.

Learn why teams punt, when punts usually happen, and how punting can change field position.

Learn what a turnover is, how possession changes, and why turnovers can quickly affect the direction of a game.

Understand what the offense and defense are trying to accomplish and how their roles change when possession changes.

Learn the major offensive, defensive, and special teams positions and the basic responsibilities of each player.

Learn how touchdowns, field goals, extra points, two-point attempts, and safeties add points and shape the final score.

Learn how downs work, why offenses usually get four attempts, and how teams earn a new set of downs to keep possession.

Understand the yard lines, end zones, sidelines, goalposts, and other important parts and markings of the football field.