The game of football is played between two teams of eleven players. The objective is to score more points than the opponent by getting the ball into their end zone, either by running it in or throwing and catching it. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins. The modern game of football began in the 19th century but there have been many previous variations on “folk football” games that may go back far into antiquity. Today’s professional American football leagues include the National Football League (NFL), which culminates in a championship match each season, and several other regional and amateur leagues.
The players on each team are divided into positions for offense and defense, with one player acting as quarterback. The center snaps the ball to start each play, and then the quarterback can run, throw, or pass it to gain yards. The wide receivers take handoffs from the quarterback for running plays, and they also make catch plays. The tight ends help block players on the defensive line and can also catch passes. The fullback and running backs carry the ball for yardage, and they also block players.
In order to continue advancing the ball down field, the offensive team must move the ball at least 10 yards in four downs or plays, or they will have to turn the ball over to the other team. If they are successful in doing so, they get another set of four downs.
If the offense is not able to move the ball forward 10 yards, they must turn the ball over to the other team, and then the clock stops again until the referees are ready to begin the next play. However, the clock can be stopped in other ways, such as when a player is out of bounds or when a penalty is called, and it will not resume until the officials are ready.
A touchdown is worth six points, and a field goal is worth three. If the defensive team intercepts a pass and recovers it on its own side of the field, it is worth ten points.
When a player is tackled within their own end zone, this is called a safety and is worth two points. A player can also earn extra points after a touchdown by kicking the ball over the crossbar and through the uprights, similar to a field goal.
If the teams are tied at the end of four quarters, overtime is played. In overtime, the winner is determined by a coin toss. The team that wins the toss can choose to give or receive the ball first, and then they must score a touchdown to win the game. If the game is still tied after overtime, sudden death takes place.