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Your Guide to
to the game of
The
DOWNS
Must advance
10 yards
The goal of the entire game is to score the most points.
In order to score points, the team with the ball has to keep advancing towards the opposing team's End Zone.
The team in possession of the ball, is required to advance at least 10 yards in order move forward on the field.
A "down" is a play. Each play to move forward is marked where the ball is placed once you are tackled. You have 3 "plays" to advance the ball 10 yards. On the 4th "play" you have to decide to kick the ball back to your opponent or "go for it".
1.) If you are far from making the 10 yards, punt the ball back to the other team.
2.) If you are close, and especially at the end of the game and you are behind, you can "go for it" to get the remaining yards.
The risk is not making it and turning the ball over at the spot to the other team.
Example #1:
Each team with the ball starts out
1st and 10
It's 1st down and there are 10 yards to go
The team gains 3 yards
2nd down and 7
It's 2nd down and there are 7 yards to go
The team gains 1 yard
3rd down and 6
It's 3rd down and there are 6 yards to go
The team gains 8 yards
The 10 yards have been covered and a new set of downs are given so it will read 1st and 10
Example #2:
It's 1st down and there are 10 yards to go
The team gains 1 yards
2nd down and 9
It's 2nd down and there are 9 yards to go
The team loses 3 yards
3rd down and 12
It's 3rd down and there are 12 yards to go
The team gains 4 yards
The 10 yards have not been met. The team has to give up possession and now must punt the ball back to the opposing team.
Example #3
It's 1st down and there are 10 yards to go
The team has a holding penalty for 10 yards
2nd down and 20
It's 2nd down and there are 20 yards to go
The team gains 25 yards
The 10 yards have been covered and a new set of downs are given so it will read 1st and 10
Example #4
It's 1st down and there are 10 yards to go
The team gains 5 yards
2nd down and 5
It's 2nd down and there are 5 yards to go
The team gains 4.5 yards
3rd down and .5 yards
I'ts 3rd down and 1/2 a yard to go
The team loses 6 yards
4th down and 6.5 yards
The 10 yards have not been met. The team has to give up possession and now must punt the ball back to the opposing team.
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