The game in one paragraph

American football, also called gridiron or tackle football, is played by two teams of eleven on a 100-yard field with an end zone at each end. The team with the ball (theoffence) tries to move it into the other team's end zone by running with it or throwing it forward. The other team (the defence) tries to stop them by tackling the ball carrier. Play stops after every down and restarts with a set play, which is why American football is often described as a game of chess at full speed.

Downs: the core rule

The offence gets four downs (attempts) to move the ball 10 yards. If they make it, they get a fresh set of four downs. If they don't, the ball goes to the other team. That's why teams often kick the ball away (punt) on fourth down instead of risking losing it close to their own end zone.

How scoring works

  • Touchdown, 6 points: carry or catch the ball in the opponent's end zone.
  • Extra point, 1 point: a short kick through the goalposts after a touchdown. Teams can try for 2 points by scoring again from close range instead.
  • Field goal, 3 points: kick the ball through the goalposts during play.
  • Safety, 2 points: tackle an opponent who has the ball in their own end zone.

Positions

Offence: the quarterback calls the play and throws or hands off the ball. Running backs carry the ball, wide receivers and tight ends catch passes, and the offensive line blocks.

Defence: the defensive line and linebackers stop the run and pressure the quarterback, and cornerbacks and safeties cover receivers.

Special teams come on for kicks and punts.

Equipment

Tackle football is a full-contact sport, so players wear a helmet with a face mask, shoulder pads, and other protective gear. That equipment is the main cost of starting. It's also why many players in India begin with flag football, the non-contact, five-a-side version that's on the LA 2028 Olympic programme.

American football in India

American football in India is governed nationally by the American Football Federation of India (AFFI), and at state level by associations such as UPAFA in Uttar Pradesh. UPAFA registers players, referees, and coaches for both tackle and flag football and organises them through district associations. To find out where to play, see American and flag football in UP.