Football Basics

Happy Friday! My husband and I are heading to LA this weekend for a little seminar and some quick hang out time with my cousin and his wife. We're looking forward to a fun visit and some time away, although I'm not so sure how I feel about taking a seven hour drive while seven months pregnant. We'll see how it goes!

One thing we won't be doing is watching the 49er game on Sunday. And I'm okay with that. Even though I've been known to complain about watching football, I've sort of grown to enjoy it over the last few years and I think it's because I've started to understand a bit more about what is going on. Instead of just getting frustrated when men pile up on the field every few feet, I can see the challenge of the offense trying to make a first down. And I think interceptions are one of the most exciting aspects of the game.

Thanks to my husband, dad, and brother-in-law, here are ten basics of the game (from pages 128-129) that I hope will help you enjoy the game a little more too!











1. A touchdown is worth six points. A field goal is worth three points.
2. The line of scrimmage is where the ball is placed before each play.
3. The offense has four downs to get 10-yards. If they gain 10-yards they get a new set of downs.
4. A fumble is when the team with the ball loses it. Either team can recover it.
5. When the quarterback throws the ball and no one catches it, it is an incomplete pass. When caught, it is called a complete pass.
6. When it seems the offense is running the running back aimlessly right into people, they are; they’re trying to break through the line of players on the opposing team.
7. When the team with the ball passes it and a player from the other team catches it, it is called an interception.
8. When a referee throws a flag on the field, it signals an infraction has occured and a penalty may be assessed.
9. A sack is when an opposing player tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage.
10. When the offense is tackled in their own end zone it’s called a safety and the opposing team is awarded two points and possession of the ball.

Have a great weekend!