How to play American football

The basics

• The offence has four tries ("downs") to move the ball 10 yards; then it gets four more.
• A touchdown, carrying or catching the ball in the end zone, is 6 points; the extra point after is 1 or 2.
• One forward pass is allowed per play, from behind the line of scrimmage.
• In flag football, pulling the ball carrier's flag ends the play; in touch, a one- or two-hand touch does.
• Pickup games often skip kickoffs and start each drive at a set line.

What you need

• A football: size 9 for adults, smaller for teens and casual throwing.
• Flags and belts for flag football, or agree on two-hand touch.
• Cleats for grass.

How a pickup game works

Pickup football is usually 5 to 7 a side touch or flag. The defence counts "Mississippi" out loud before it can rush the quarterback, and teams often play "first to 3 touchdowns" or to a time. Everyone is an eligible receiver.

Pickup etiquette

• Agree on one-hand or two-hand touch before kickoff.
• Count the rush out loud and fairly.
• No blocking below the waist, no tackling in touch.
• Give everyone a turn at catching the ball.

Your first games

• Learn to throw a spiral: grip the laces with your fingertips.
• Run sharp routes: change direction suddenly and look back for the ball.
• Find a flag football league; many are mixed and beginner friendly.

Questions