Your Guide to
to the game of
football
Football can be exciting and fun, with amazing and spectacular moments, shifts of momentum and strategic decisions on every play! The competitive nature of the sport fuels the passion of players and fans alike.
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We want to take the mystery out of understanding the game by breaking it down with the three basics. The site is a comprehensive guide to the entire game and it's been created for young girls and women to learn more about the game of football in one consolidated place so they can feel more confident.
For all your sporting needs....
410 million global fans
With over 410 million fans globally, the National Football League (NFL) is the largest sports property in the world
46% female fans
Approximately 46% of NFL fans are women and girls, and, among girls aged 8 and above, a remarkable 56% are fans of the NFL. In fact, Zeta has seen a significant increase in female viewership for the NFL in 2024 that rivals the number of men that are watching the sport.
53% increase
There has been a 53% increase in teenage girls watching the NFL due to the Taylor Swift impact.
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So, Let's Get Started!
THE GOAL OF THE GAME:
Score the most points!​
Game piece: The football.
Object: The football is moved down the field by either running with it, or catching it. It travels the field until it crosses the opposing teams' End Zone or is kicked through the middle of the goal post.
Start them playing safe...
These are the 3 most important basics of the game to get you started watching with some confidence.
Scoring Points
There are two ways to score points.
1.) Running with the ball or catching the ball and crossing the other team's End Zone. ​
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2.) Kicking the ball through the other team's Goal Posts.
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There are only 6 different points.
The 3 most common: ​
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Touchdown (run or pass) = 6
Extra Point (kick) = 1
Field Goal (kick) = 3
The 2 least common: ​
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2 Pt. Conversion (run or pass) = 2
Safety (Tackled in own end zone) = 2
The Game Field
The field Is 100 yards long. The 50 yard line (midfield) splits the field in half and each team defends their side (territory) during the game.
The numbers decrease by 10 yards and are marked all the way down the each End Zone per side. From the 50 - 40 - 30 - 20 - 10 to the End Zone!
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From the 20 yard line to the End Zone is called the RED ZONE. It's an area where you are expected to score some points.
The field's hash marks are every 5 yards and they are important because they are used to measure how far the ball advances everytime the offense has the ball.
The Downs System
To continue moving the ball down the field to get points, each team is required to advance a minimum of 10 yards. To monitor this, there is a "downs system."
Each attempt to run or pass is called a down. On first down (1st and 10) if you move forward 3 yards, it would be noted as 2nd down and 7. If you move another 2, it would be noted as 3rd down and 5.
Even though there are 4 downs given, its important to note that on 4th down, there are 2 choices at this point:
1.) Either punt the ball back to your opponent
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2.) Try to advance the remaining yards left (However, If you don't advance the final yards, the other team is awarded the ball back at the spot of the ball.)
You need to look good...
If you're excited that you've learned the 3 basics and have actually grasped it, roll up your sleeves to learn more.
The Rules
Yellow Flag Indicates a Penalty
​There are referees on the field who will throw a yellow flag if they see a penalty.
They can be called on the offense or the defense throughout the game.
The Players
22 Men On The Field
​There are 11 men on the offense and 11 men on the defense.
The offense has possession of the ball and the defense is trying to stop them from moving forward.
The Timing
T4 Quarters
Quarter 1 = 15 minutes
Quarter 2 = 15 minutes
Two Minute Warning before halftime
Halftime (12 minutes)
Quarter 3 = 15 minutes
Quarter 4 = 15 minutes
Two Minute Warning before end of the game
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Go grill some wings for the show!
To have girls and women learn the basics of American football so that they can watch the game with confidence.
My Mission:
LM
Pizza and football....
