What To Know
- Instead of attempting an extra point, a team can try to run or pass the ball into the end zone for two points.
- A safety is awarded to the defending team when the offense commits a foul in their own end zone, resulting in the opposing team scoring.
- A team that is behind in the score might use a “hurry-up offense” to try to score quickly.
American football is a sport of strategy, athleticism, and, for the uninitiated, a bit of confusion. One of the first hurdles for newcomers is understanding how to read the scores. While it might seem daunting at first, deciphering those numbers is actually quite simple. This guide will break down the basics of how to read American football scores, making your next game-day experience more enjoyable and insightful.
Understanding the Basics: Points and Time
The primary objective in American football is to score more points than the opposing team. Points are earned through various methods, each carrying a different value:
- Touchdown (TD): 6 points. This is achieved by carrying or catching the ball into the opponent’s end zone.
- Extra Point (XP): 1 point. After a touchdown, the team can attempt to kick the ball through the goalposts for an extra point.
- Two-Point Conversion (2PC): 2 points. Instead of attempting an extra point, a team can try to run or pass the ball into the end zone for two points.
- Field Goal (FG): 3 points. A field goal is kicked through the goalposts from the field of play.
- Safety (SF): 2 points. A safety is awarded to the defending team when the offense commits a foul in their own end zone, resulting in the opposing team scoring.
The game is played in four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes. A clock stops for various reasons, including plays, penalties, and injuries, making the actual game time much longer.
The Scoreboard: A Visual Guide
American football scoreboards are designed for clarity and efficiency. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:
- Team Names: The names of the two teams playing are usually displayed prominently at the top or bottom of the scoreboard.
- Score: The current score for each team is displayed in large numbers.
- Quarter: The current quarter of the game is indicated.
- Time: The time remaining in the current quarter is displayed.
- Down and Distance: This crucial information tells you how many attempts a team has to gain 10 yards and how many yards they need to gain to achieve that goal.
- Possession: The scoreboard shows which team has possession of the ball.
Dissecting the Score: An Example
Let’s imagine the score is:
Team A: 21
Team B: 17
Quarter: 3
Time: 5:32
Here’s what we can glean:
- Team A is currently winning with 21 points, while Team B has 17 points.
- We’re in the third quarter of the game.
- There are 5 minutes and 32 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
Understanding the Down and Distance
The down and distance are critical for understanding the flow of the game. Here’s a breakdown:
- Down: A team has four “downs” to gain 10 yards.
- Distance: This indicates how many yards the team needs to gain to achieve a first down.
For example, “2nd and 5” means it’s the second down, and the team needs to gain 5 yards to get a first down.
The Importance of Time and Possession
Time and possession play a crucial role in American football. Teams strive to control the clock and keep possession of the ball to limit their opponent’s scoring opportunities.
A team that is behind in the score might use a “hurry-up offense” to try to score quickly. Conversely, a team leading might try to run out the clock by using a “run-first offense” to control the time of possession.
Beyond the Basics: Understanding Penalties
Penalties are a common element of American football. These are rule violations that can result in yardage being added or subtracted from the offense or defense.
For example, a false start penalty might result in the offense being penalized 5 yards.
Winning the Game: Understanding the Final Score
The team with the most points at the end of the game wins. If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, the game goes into overtime. The rules for overtime vary depending on the level of play (high school, college, professional).
Embracing the Excitement: Enjoying the Game
Learning how to read American football scores is just the first step in understanding this exciting sport. With a little practice, you’ll be able to follow the action, appreciate the strategy, and truly enjoy the thrill of the game.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: What happens if a team scores a touchdown and then misses the extra point?
A: The team would receive 6 points for the touchdown, but no additional points for the missed extra point.
Q: How does a team get a safety?
A: A safety is awarded to the defending team when the offense commits a foul in their own end zone, resulting in the opposing team scoring.
Q: What does “fourth down and goal” mean?
A: This means it’s the fourth down, and the team is within the opponent’s end zone, trying to score a touchdown.
Q: What is a “turnover”?
A: A turnover occurs when the offensive team loses possession of the ball to the defensive team. This can happen through fumbles, interceptions, or other situations.
Q: What is the difference between a field goal and an extra point?
A: A field goal is kicked through the goalposts from the field of play, earning 3 points. An extra point is kicked after a touchdown, earning 1 point.
