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Line 17: − + − [[Image:AmericanFootballPositions.png|thumb|right|300px|Typical offensive/defensive positions at the start of a play. The offensive positions are represented by blue circles, and the defensive positions are in red (note: click on the picture for a guide to position abbreviations).]]+ Line 34:
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→Rules
===Advancing the Ball===
===Advancing the Ball===
The team with possession of the ball (the ''offense'') is given four attempts (called ''[[Down (football)|downs]]'') to advance the ball 10 yards down the field. If the ball is moved at least ten yards during these four attempts, the offense is given a ''first down'', meaning that they have another four chances to move the ball 10 yards (the downs are cumulative; for example, if the offense moves the ball three yards on the first down and five yards on the second down, they only have to move it two yards over the next two downs to gain a first down) If the offense fails to move at least 10 yards over four plays, the opposing team is given possession of the ball.
The team with possession of the ball (the ''offense'') is given four attempts (called ''[[Down (football)|downs]]'') to advance the ball 10 yards down the field. If the ball is moved at least ten yards during these four attempts, the offense is given a ''first down'', meaning that they have another four chances to move the ball 10 yards (the downs are cumulative; for example, if the offense moves the ball three yards on the first down and five yards on the second down, they only have to move it two yards over the next two downs to gain a first down) If the offense fails to move at least 10 yards over four plays, the opposing team is given possession of the ball.
[[Image:AmericanFootballPositions.png|thumb|right|300px|Typical offensive/defensive positions at the start of a play. The offensive positions are represented by blue circles, and the defensive positions are in red (note: click on the picture for a guide to position abbreviations).]]
The yard line on the field where the ball is located is known as the ''line of scrimmage''. The offensive players must line up on the line of scrimmage facing the opponents end zone, while the defense must be behind the line of scrimmage with their backs to their own end zone.
The yard line on the field where the ball is located is known as the ''line of scrimmage''. The offensive players must line up on the line of scrimmage facing the opponents end zone, while the defense must be behind the line of scrimmage with their backs to their own end zone.
Every play begins with the teams facing each other on the line of scrimmage, and the players may move once the ball is ''snapped'' (removed from the ground) by the [[center (football)|center]]. The center usually snaps the ball between his legs to the [[quarterback]] (QB), who may take one of several courses of action;
Every play begins with the teams facing each other on the line of scrimmage, and the players may move once the ball is ''snapped'' (removed from the ground) by the [[center (football)|center]]. The center usually snaps the ball between his legs to the [[quarterback]] (QB), who may take one of several courses of action;
*The quarterback may hand the ball off to a rusher (usually a [[fullback]], [[halfback]], or [[runningback]]), who will attempt to run the ball down the field as far as they can before being stopped by the defense.
*The quarterback may hand the ball off to a rusher (usually a [[fullback]], [[halfback]], or [[runningback]]), who will attempt to run the ball down the field as far as they can before being stopped by the defense.
*The quarterback may opt to throw the ball to a receiver (usually a [[wide receiver]] or [[tight end]]) who is already several yards down the field. Once the receiver catches the ball, he may continue to run until brought down by a defensive player. If the receiver does not catch the ball, it is called an ''incomplete pass''.
*The quarterback may opt to throw the ball to a receiver (usually a [[wide receiver]] or [[tight end]]) who is already several yards down the field. Once the receiver catches the ball, he may continue to run until brought down by a defensive player. If the receiver does not catch the ball, it is called an ''incomplete pass''.
===Scoring===
===Scoring===
[[Image:Fieldgoal.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A kicker attempts a field goal, as the defensive line jumps to block the ball.]]
There are three ways to score in football;
There are three ways to score in football;
*A [[touchdown]] is scored when an offensive player runs the ball into or catches a pass in his opponent's end zone. Unlike Rugby, the ball does not need to be grounded to count as a touchdown ("try" in Rugby).
*A [[touchdown]] is scored when an offensive player runs the ball into or catches a pass in his opponent's end zone. Unlike Rugby, the ball does not need to be grounded to count as a touchdown ("try" in Rugby).