American Football Rules Explained for Beginners (2026 Guide)

American football can be confusing if you did not grow up watching it. The game moves fast, the rules are rarely explained out loud, and everyone around you seems to understand what just happened immediately. If you have ever found yourself watching a game and wondering why people are cheering or arguing, you are not alone.

Many people look up the rules right before a big game or watch party, especially around events like the Super Bowl, when casual fans are suddenly in the room. This guide is for moments like that. It explains the basics of American football in plain English. Nothing advanced. Nothing technical. Just enough to follow the game and feel comfortable watching.

The basic goal of American football

American football is played by two teams of eleven players. The goal is to move the ball down the field and score points by getting it into the end zone.

A team scores six points when a player carries the ball into the end zone or catches a pass there. After that, the team usually attempts an extra point by kicking the ball through the yellow goalposts.

If the offense cannot reach the end zone, they may try for a field goal instead. A field goal is worth three points and is often chosen when the team is close to scoring but running out of chances.

What downs mean in football

Downs are one of the most confusing parts of the game for new viewers.

Each team has four attempts, called downs, to move the ball at least ten yards. If they succeed, they earn a new set of four downs. This is why you hear phrases like first and ten or third and short.

If a team does not gain ten yards after four downs, the ball usually goes to the other team. In some situations, teams choose to kick the ball away instead to avoid giving the opponent good field position.

How teams move the ball

The team with the ball is called the offense. The offense can move the ball by running with it or throwing it to another player.

The opposing team is called the defense. Their job is to stop the offense from gaining yards or scoring. This is done through tackling, blocking passes, and forcing mistakes.

When a play ends, the teams reset and the next down begins.

Penalties and referees

American football has many rules designed to keep the game fair and reasonably safe. When a player breaks one of these rules, referees call a penalty.

Penalties usually result in lost yardage or replaying a down. Referees explain penalties using hand signals, which can look confusing at first. The important thing to know is that penalties are a normal part of the game and can quickly change momentum.

What the clock means

Football games are divided into four quarters. Each quarter has a game clock that stops and starts depending on what happens during play.

The clock can stop for incomplete passes, players going out of bounds, penalties, timeouts, or scoring plays. This is why the final minutes of a game often feel much longer than the clock suggests.

Why American football is called football

A common question from new viewers is why American football is called football when the ball is rarely kicked.

The name comes from older forms of football that were played on foot rather than on horseback. Over time, different versions of the game developed in different countries, including soccer and American football. The name remained, even though the games evolved in very different ways.

You do not need to understand every rule to enjoy American football. Once you know how scoring works, what downs mean, and why possession matters, the game becomes much easier to follow.

This guide gives you the foundation. From here, everything else starts to make sense, including strategy, clock management, and why fans care so much about a single yard.

FAQ

What does 1st and 10 mean in football?

First and ten means the offense is starting a new set of downs and needs to gain ten yards to earn another set. First refers to the current down. Ten refers to the yards needed for a new first down.

How many downs do you get in football?

A team gets four downs to move the ball at least ten yards. If they succeed, they get four more downs. If they fail, the other team usually gets the ball.

Why do teams kick the ball instead of going for it?

Teams often kick the ball when they do not think they can gain enough yards safely. Kicking a field goal can score points. Kicking the ball away can improve field position and reduce risk.

How does scoring work in American football?

A touchdown is worth six points. After a touchdown, teams usually kick for one extra point. A field goal is worth three points. In some situations, teams can score two points after a touchdown instead of kicking.

What is the difference between offense and defense?

The offense is the team with the ball and tries to score. The defense is the team without the ball and tries to stop the offense by preventing yardage or forcing turnovers.

Why does the clock stop so often in football?

The clock stops for incomplete passes, players going out of bounds, penalties, timeouts, and scoring plays. This is why games can feel longer than the listed game time.