Generally, a football match is split into two periods, known as halves, of 15 minutes each. Each team has a playbook of dozens or even hundreds of plays.
The goal of each offensive drive is to get the ball across the opposing team’s goal line. A field goal is worth three points. A touchdown is worth six. A safety is worth two.
A player who loses possession of the ball is called a fumble. A player who recovers the fumble is called a recovery. A player who is tackled in the end zone is a safety. Usually, a team will attempt a field goal on the fourth down.
A player who commits a foul is given a yellow card. A red card means a dismissal. Often, a player who is deemed to be too dangerous is sent off. A player is also cautioned. A false start occurs when an offensive player moves after the snap.
A team may be awarded a penalty if they do not gain a first down. This is commonly referred to as a turnover on downs. In addition, the referee will make allowances for the time lost through significant stops.
A player who receives a pass from another player and subsequently fails to catch the ball is called an incomplete pass. An incomplete pass is defined as a forward pass that touches the ground before being caught.
A player who commits a pass interference is penalized for making illegal contact with the other team’s defensive player. An illegal block in the back is a deliberate push of the opposing player in the back.