Introduction
Welcome back to Chicks Picks. Today, as promised, we are diving deep into the world of Football…American football. This is your crash course on every term, definition, and bit of lingo to keep you in the loop on and off the field. So, grab your shaker and boots, deck yourself out in team colors, and let’s dive into the game that has most of our school, and country in a chokehold. Also, be sure to comment and let us know if we left anything off that has you confused!
The Basics
Let’s start with the basics. Obviously, football is a game played between two teams, each trying to score points. Now the points are scored by getting the ball into the opponent’s end zone. The field is marked with yard lines, and each team has four attempts, called downs, to advance the ball 10 yards. If they succeed, they get another set of four downs. If not, possession goes to the other team. This means that the other team will now get the ball. This is why at every NFL football game you hear the exciting voice on the speaker saying, first down to their team of choice.
Positions
Now, let’s talk about the players. A football team is almost like a company in which each player has a very specific role. The quarterback (QB) is like the captain, calling plays and throwing passes. The running back (RB) runs with the ball, while the wide receivers (WR) catch passes. The offensive line protects the quarterback and opens up holes for the running back – meaning giving them space to run and hopefully get a touchdown or atleast a first down. There is also the backfield which is the group of offensive players who line up behind the line.
On defense, linemen try to sack the quarterback (or very aggressively body them to the ground), linebackers stop the run and cover receivers, and defensive backs aim to intercept passes and bring the ball back to their team.
Scoring
Alright, let’s get to the exciting part (and most important)– scoring! There are a few ways to put points on the board:
Touchdown (6 points): When a player carries or catches the ball into the opponent’s end zone, it’s a touchdown. This is the ultimate goal and the highlight reel moment. This is probably the most known part of football and what really gets the fans cheering.
Extra Point (1 or 2 points): After a touchdown, the team has the option to kick an extra point (1 point) or go for a two-point conversion by attempting to score from a short distance. Personally, the two-point conversion is the most confusing, so let me break it down. They basically have one opportunity, unless the other team is penalized (we are going to break down what penalties are as well), to try to score another touchdown, but they do it at the 2-yard-line instead of on the other side of the field.
Field Goal (3 points): If a team is within kicking range but can’t get into the end zone, they can attempt a field goal by kicking the ball through the goalposts. This is a way to get points without getting a touchdown.
Safety (2 points): If the defense tackles an offensive player in their own end zone, the defense scores two points and retains possession of the ball. So, the team that scored two points also gets the chance for their offense to come out and score again.
The Clock and Quarters
Football is a game of strategy, and time management is crucial. A standard game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes. It is important to not that college football has a slightly shorter play clock than the NFL. If the game is tied at the end of regulation, there’s overtime, which is a whole other ball game – literally.
Flags and Penalties
No game is complete without a few penalties, and football is no exception. From false starts to holding, there are rules in place to keep the game fair. When a team commits a penalty, they lose yardage or give the other team an advantage. Some penalties result in a first down for the opposing team, which can be a game-changer.
The Lingo
Football has its own language, and decoding it can be a challenge. Here are a few terms to get you started:
Red Zone: The area between the opponent’s 20-yard line and the end zone. Teams often intensify their efforts to score when they enter the red zone. This is where you want to be – it’s where the big things happen. If you are so close to the touchdown, wouldn’t you work 10x harder?
Blitz: When a defense sends additional players to rush the quarterback, hoping to disrupt the offensive play.
Hail Mary: A last-ditch effort, usually a long, high pass to the end zone, often attempted when time is expiring. They are trying to squeeze out any possibility of some points.
Two-Minute Drill: A strategy used by teams when they have a short amount of time to score before halftime or the end of the game.
Interception: When a defensive player catches a pass intended for an offensive player. Basically, this is when the other team steals the ball away.
Incompletion: A forward pass that falls to the ground because no receiver could catch it, or a pass that a receiver dropped or caught out of bounds.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve just completed Football 101! So, whether you’re attending the games or just trying to impress your friends (or boyfriend) during the next watch party or fantasy week, you (hopefully) know you are completely in the know on the ins and outs of football. So get out there, cheer on a team, and may your weeks be filled with the thrill of touchdowns, the agony of defeats, and the excitement of the game.
