Football guide
Football rules for beginners
Football can look like organized chaos from the sideline, but the core idea is simple: move the ball down the field and score more points than the other team. This guide covers how a game works, how points are scored and what usually changes in youth leagues.
The goal of the game
Two teams try to carry or throw the ball across the other team's goal line while stopping the other team from doing the same. The team with more points when time runs out wins. One team has the ball (the offense) while the other tries to stop it (the defense), and the roles switch whenever possession changes.
The field and the clock
In standard rules, the field is 100 yards long between the two goal lines, with an end zone at each end. Each team defends one end zone and tries to reach the other. Youth leagues often use smaller fields, so ask your league what yours looks like.
A standard game is divided into four quarters, with a longer break at halftime. Quarter length varies a lot by league and age group, and many youth leagues use a running clock or special time rules, so check with yours. Standard rules put 11 players per team on the field at a time, but younger divisions and flag football often use fewer.
Downs: how the offense keeps the ball
A down is one play. In standard rules, the offense gets four downs to move the ball 10 yards from where the series began. If it does, it earns a first down and gets four fresh tries. If it fails, the other team takes over the ball. Because failing on fourth down is risky, teams often choose to punt (kick the ball far downfield) or attempt a field goal instead of going for it. Some youth leagues change these rules, so ask your coach how yours handles downs and punting.
How teams score
| Score | Points | How it happens |
|---|---|---|
| Touchdown | 6 | A player carries the ball across the opponent's goal line or catches a pass in the end zone. |
| Extra point (kick) | 1 | A kick through the uprights after a touchdown. |
| Two-point conversion | 2 | A run or pass into the end zone after a touchdown, instead of kicking. |
| Field goal | 3 | A kick through the uprights during regular play. |
| Safety | 2 | The offense's ball carrier is tackled in the offense's own end zone (a few other rare plays also count). The defending team gets the points. |
Many youth leagues change the scoring of conversions or skip kicking entirely, so treat this table as the standard version.
How a play works
- Both teams line up facing each other at the line of scrimmage, the imaginary line where the ball is placed.
- The ball is snapped from the center to the quarterback, and the play begins.
- The offense runs the ball or passes it. The play ends when the ball carrier is tackled or goes down, goes out of bounds, or a pass hits the ground incomplete.
- In flag football, a defender ends the play by pulling a flag from the ball carrier's belt instead of tackling.
Turnovers
A turnover gives the ball to the other team before the offense has used its downs. The two main kinds are a fumble (the ball carrier drops the ball and the defense recovers it) and an interception (a defender catches a pass meant for the offense).
Penalties
Officials throw a yellow flag when a rule is broken. Penalties move the ball back or forward by a set number of yards depending on the foul. Common ones include:
- Offside: a player is across the line of scrimmage (in the neutral zone) when the ball is snapped.
- False start: an offensive player moves before the snap.
- Holding: illegally grabbing or restraining an opponent.
- Pass interference: illegally contacting a receiver or defender while a pass is in the air.
- Unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct: dangerous or disrespectful play.
Yardage for each penalty and how strictly it is enforced can differ by league. For player roles, see football positions explained, and for the lingo, see football terms for new parents.
What changes in youth football
- Smaller fields, shorter quarters and fewer players on the field in some divisions.
- Rules about minimum playing time so every player gets on the field.
- In many tackle programs, teams are grouped by age, weight or both, and the exact classes vary by league.
- Limits on contact in practice and, in some leagues, special rules for the youngest tackle divisions.
- Flag football as a no-tackling option for beginners, with its own rules about blocking and rushing the passer.
Your league should give you a written rulebook. Read it once, and ask the coach about anything that surprises you.
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Frequently asked questions
How many points is a touchdown worth?
A touchdown is worth six points in standard rules. The team can then try for one point by kicking or two points by running or passing the ball into the end zone.
What is a down in football?
A down is one play. In standard rules the offense gets four downs to move the ball 10 yards, and earning a first down gives it four new tries.
How is flag football different from tackle football?
In flag football the defense pulls a flag from the ball carrier's belt instead of tackling. Rules about blocking and contact are also different, so check your league.
How long is a youth football game?
It varies by league and age group. Ask your league about quarter length and clock rules.