Football is a team sport in which players use their feet to move the ball downfield toward their opponent’s end zone in an attempt to score. There is a goal at each end of the field and a line called the line of scrimmage that separates the teams during play. A match lasts 90 minutes and includes a 15-minute break known as half-time. If the match is tied at the end of regulation, a period of extra time known as overtime will determine the winner.
The game begins with a coin toss to see which team will kick off the game. The team that wins the toss will begin with the ball at their own 20-yard line. The defensive and offensive lines will then line up on either side of the line of scrimmage. Once the center snaps the ball to the quarterback, he can hand it off to a running back who attempts to gain yards or throw the ball to a wide receiver or tight end for a pass.
Each team is allowed a maximum of 11 players on the field. In most cases, a team will have a designated quarterback and running back, as well as wide receivers, tight ends, and special teams players. The ball used must be between 58 and 61 cm in diameter, and it is not permitted to be touched by any part of the body other than the feet.
The main playing area is 100 yards long with a 10-yard ‘end zone’ at each end, which is where teams score touchdowns. There is a smaller rectangular area called the 6-yard box that extends 5.5m inside the field from each of the two goals and around both goal posts, and there is a penalty spot marked 11m away from the centre of the goal.
In order to score a touchdown, the ball must cross both the end zone and go over the goalposts. A team can also score points by kicking the ball over the crossbar and through the uprights for an extra point, or try to run or pass the ball into the end zone for a safety (two-point conversion).
After a successful touchdown, the scoring team can also try to kick a field goal from anywhere on the field in front of their own 2-yard line. A successful field goal is worth three points.
A player may only score a touchdown if the ball crosses the goal-line into the opposing team’s end zone, or if he catches a pass from another player while in the end zone. A team can also score a safety if the defending team tackles an attacking player, or forces him out of bounds, in his own end zone. There are also a number of other ways to score points in football including kickoffs, fair catch kicks, and punts. These methods are not considered to be part of the game’s official rules. However, they are often practiced during games to increase the excitement of the match.