How does American football work?

The game is divided into a series of plays. Action is halted between plays, and sometimes the clock is halted, too. The offense has I think 30 seconds to huddle and decide what to do, then they line up where the ball was placed. The other team, the defense, lines up opposite.

Play starts when the ball is moved by the "center," an offensive player in the center of the line. He tosses ("snaps") the ball between his legs to the "quarterback" (usually).

The quarterback can do several things, like toss the ball underhand ("hand-off the ball") to a player behind or to the side of him called a "back," who usually runs forward until he is tackled by the defense. Players in front push the defensive line to try and make a hole for the back to run through.

The quarterback can also throw the ball overhand ("pass" it) to a player called a "reciever" who had run forward a bit (or very far, too!). The receiver then runs forward until tackled.

The offense has 4 plays ("downs") to carry the ball at least 10 yards forward. If it fails, the defense gets the ball, and becomes the offense, and they get 4 downs to advance the ball 10 yards in the opposite direction.

Often, if the offense feels it will not make 10 yards by the end of the 4th down, they will "punt," which is a drop-kick of the ball that the "kicker" has dropped in front of him. A defensive player catches the ball and runs the opposite direction until tackled. Then it is 1st down for them.

The offense scores 6 points (scores a "touchdown") when it carries the ball into the defense's "end-zone" at the far end of the field. Or, they can earn 3 points by kicking a "field goal" by using a "place-kick" where one player holds the ball on the ground while the kicker kicks it (like Lucy and Charlie Brown!). They score when they kick the ball between and above the "goal posts."

During play, the defense can "intercept" a pass in mid-air and thus gain possession of the ball. If the offense drops ("fumbles") the ball the defense can grab it, too.

Ad breaks.

They stop for all kinds of reasons....often to pat each other on the butt. And they start again because the game isn't over yet.

There are posters who could probably explain this chapter and verse. They’re likely asleep now. So until someone else comes along you have a Brit, a Canadian and an American who’s clueless about sports. 😄

because downs, they get a number of chances to get a certain yardage before turnover

water break