After attending Homecoming two years ago, my roommate asked, “Don’t they score by throwing the ball through the yellow poles?”
Don’t be my roommate. With this guide, you can follow the game while it’s happening.
The game play
The goal of football is simple: score more points than the other team.
A game consists of 60 minutes of playtime, divided into 4 quarters. The clock doesn’t run continuously, which is why games usually last at least two hours.
Each team is allowed 11 players on the field as they try to score or prevent the other team from scoring. Players are switched out depending on if they’re on offence (they have possession) or defence (they’ve lost possession).
The offence’s goal is to move down the field to the opponent’s end zone. The quarterback receives the ball at the start of each offensive play, meaning their skill and decision-making are vital and they are (normally) responsible for passing the ball.
The defence attempts to stop the offence from scoring. They aim to create turnovers such as pass interceptions and fumbles and prevent first downs (which are like attempts).
In Canadian football, the offence has three attempts (downs) to travel a total of ten or more yards. For example, if a team is at second down and five yards, this means they’re on their second attempt and have five more yards to go.
If the offence succeeds, they get three more downs to go another ten yards. If they fail on third down, the other team gains possession of the ball on the spot.
Scoring
Touchdowns are worth six points and are scored when a player brings the football into the opponent’s end zone or gains possession of the ball while inside the end zone. After scoring a touchdown, a team can gain an extra point by place-kicking the ball through the field goal posts. (In dire situations, teams may alternatively attempt a 2-point conversion.)
Field goals are worth three points. They are scored by successfully place-kicking the ball through the goal posts — similar to the extra point, but can be attempted from anywhere on the field. These are usually attempted on third down or when time is running out.
Safeties are worth two points and are scored against the team with possession if the ball is ruled dead (e.g. if the ball goes out of bounds or hits the ground) in their own end zone.
Rouges are worth one point and can be scored by punting or missed field goals.
And that’s all. Happy watching!
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