Football is a team sport in which players run or pass the ball forward toward their opponent’s end zone. In addition, it is an impact sport and can be physically demanding if played frequently.
The game is played by two teams, each with 11 players, on a rectangular field. The playing field is 100 yards long and has a goal line at each end. Yardage markers are placed every ten yards, from the 0-yard mark to the 50-yard line.
In each play, the offensive team must get 10 yards or more by running or passing the ball. They are given four downs (four attempts) to get the ball to 10 or more yards, and play continues until they either score or the defensive team regains possession.
Each player wears a uniform, consisting of a jersey and pants, to identify their team. They also wear shoulder pads and other protective equipment to protect their body from injuries.
There are 17 laws in the official Laws of the Game that regulate the game at all levels. They can be found on the official website of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
The game is divided into two periods of 45 minutes each, known as halves. There is usually a 15-minute break between halves.
Special teams are also part of the game. These are specialized units that use a different set of rules than the regular offense and defense to change the field position.