ADVICE TO NEW MOMS OF FOOTBALL:
Don't make plans from August through November. You'll either be at practice, at a game, driving someone somewhere or washing smelly,
sweatsoaked clothes.
When you are out in public with your son, whose body is covered with bruises, don't bother trying to explain to strangers that you didn't put
them there.
It is OK to be the loudest on the sideline. Your kid probably wont hear you anyways and people probably will not move away from you.
Make sure your child realizes that jumping in the pool after practice does not count as a shower.
You are NOT a bad mom if you can't get the stains out of his white pants.
Yes, it does cost over $200 for that "special gear" that he will wear for only 8 games.
Don't make plans from August through November. You'll either be at practice, at a game, driving someone somewhere or washing smelly,
sweatsoaked clothes.
When you are out in public with your son, whose body is covered with bruises, don't bother trying to explain to strangers that you didn't put
them there.
It is OK to be the loudest on the sideline. Your kid probably wont hear you anyways and people probably will not move away from you.
Make sure your child realizes that jumping in the pool after practice does not count as a shower.
You are NOT a bad mom if you can't get the stains out of his white pants.
Yes, it does cost over $200 for that "special gear" that he will wear for only 8 games.
FOOTBALL 101 FOR MOMS (and CLUELESS DADS)
Down... Set... Hike... Or is it "hut?"
Help, my kid plays football and I haven't got a clue!
This information is by no means comprehensive, but it'll get you started. Remember, there's no point in getting
overwhelmed. You just need to know enough to pay attention and be able to toss out some lingo over pizza after the
game. Study up on the basics of football, go to some games, ask lots of questions and you'll be tailgating before you
know it. That's the fun part anyway!
Down... Set... Hike... Or is it "hut?"
Help, my kid plays football and I haven't got a clue!
This information is by no means comprehensive, but it'll get you started. Remember, there's no point in getting
overwhelmed. You just need to know enough to pay attention and be able to toss out some lingo over pizza after the
game. Study up on the basics of football, go to some games, ask lots of questions and you'll be tailgating before you
know it. That's the fun part anyway!
BASICS OF THE GAME:
Let's look at some of the basic rules of football. The rule book is huge, so we will only cover some basic and
common rules.
Although you may find it boring, your child has chosen to play so you need to get excited - or at least learn to
fake it. The goal in football is to score points by the following:
Let's look at some of the basic rules of football. The rule book is huge, so we will only cover some basic and
common rules.
Although you may find it boring, your child has chosen to play so you need to get excited - or at least learn to
fake it. The goal in football is to score points by the following:
- * Touchdown - 6 points, putting the ball in the opponents' end zone
* Field Goal - 3 points, kicking the ball through a set of upright goal posts at the back of that end zone
* Extra Point - 1 point, like a field goal, but from a shorter distance and done right after a touchdown
Accomplishing these goals, as well as preventing the other team from scoring is achieved through a combination of running plays and
passing plays. When a team has the ball they are the offensive team, or offense. (No, it doesn't mean they smell bad... even though they
do) When a team doesn't have the ball they are the defensive team, or defense.
Downs- The offense gets 4 tries to advance the ball 10 yards down the field. These are called downs. So, the offense gets 4 downs to
advance the ball. Once the ball is advanced 10 yards, then the downs are reset. If the offense has taken 3 downs to advance the ball, but
is unsuccessful, then they have to choose to either go for it (try one more time to get a first down), kick a field goal, or punt (kick the ball
to the other team, giving up the ball). If the team is unsuccessful on fourth down to advance the ball the remaining distance, then they
must give the ball to the other team.
Number of players- There must be 11 players on the field. If either team has more than 11 players, then they are penalized. This is a
common mistake during substitutions. Players are frequently switched out for others who are waiting patiently on the side of the field.
Time- A professional football game lasts for quarters of 15 minutes each. That is, fifteen minutes in football time. The time is modified
for youth football games.
The Field-
* The football field is 120 yards long and 160 feet wide. The actual playing field is 100 yards.
* There are stripes that mark every five yard intervals.
* The hash marks, are thare shorter lines that mark one line intervals.
* The end zone extends ten yards; there is one on each side of the field.
* There is a goal post in the back line of each eand zone.
* The goal line is the spot where the end zone and the playing field meet.
Stopping the ball- the defense can stop the advancement of the ball in a number of ways, provided they do so in a sportsman like way.
This basically means in a way that does not intentionally harm another player. Too, you cannot tackle the quarterback if he does not have
the ball.
Getting The Ball Down The Field-
In football, each team has 11 players on the field at any given time. The offense has 4 chances, or downs, to advance the ball 10 yards
or more from the spot where they took possession of it. If it succeeds, it gets 4 more downs (chances) to advance the ball another 10 or
more yards. (Note: If the offense has less than 10 yards to go to reach the other team's end zone, it only needs to get there - not the full
10 yards.)
After a play, the officials measure how far the ball traveled a first down for 10 yards or more. The ball resumes in play from the spot
where it was stopped during the previous play. Pretty simple so far, right?
OFFENSE BASICS:
Offensive line- There are generally 5 players on the offensive line. These are the really big guys that are lined up with the football.
Their job is to block the defense so that they can't get to the quarterback before he gets rid of the football. They also try to clear a path for
the runners to advance the ball.
Quarterback- This is the main player that tends to be focused on. He is the one who either hands the ball to another player or throws
the ball. He is the leader of the offense and calls the plays.
Receivers- There are generally two receivers. They are close to the sidelines when a play starts and run in various patterns to catch
the ball and advance it.
Running backs- There are generally two running backs, but can be three on certain plays. There is a half back who is directly behind
the quarterback and the full back who is behind the halfback. The running backs do one of three things- 1. run the ball down the field. 2.
Run down the field and catch the ball like a receiver. 3. Block the defense like the offensive line does.
Offensive line- There are generally 5 players on the offensive line. These are the really big guys that are lined up with the football.
Their job is to block the defense so that they can't get to the quarterback before he gets rid of the football. They also try to clear a path for
the runners to advance the ball.
Quarterback- This is the main player that tends to be focused on. He is the one who either hands the ball to another player or throws
the ball. He is the leader of the offense and calls the plays.
Receivers- There are generally two receivers. They are close to the sidelines when a play starts and run in various patterns to catch
the ball and advance it.
Running backs- There are generally two running backs, but can be three on certain plays. There is a half back who is directly behind
the quarterback and the full back who is behind the halfback. The running backs do one of three things- 1. run the ball down the field. 2.
Run down the field and catch the ball like a receiver. 3. Block the defense like the offensive line does.
Running & Passing-
The offense generally advances the ball by handing it to a runner or by throwing it (called passing) to a receiver. Doing
either is called running a play. An individual play starts when the ball is snapped and given to the quarterback. A play
ends when the player holding the ball is tackled. The player is now down, and one of the chances (downs) has been used
up. The official blows the whistle to halt play. Sometimes a series of forward plays is called a drive.
The offense generally advances the ball by handing it to a runner or by throwing it (called passing) to a receiver. Doing
either is called running a play. An individual play starts when the ball is snapped and given to the quarterback. A play
ends when the player holding the ball is tackled. The player is now down, and one of the chances (downs) has been used
up. The official blows the whistle to halt play. Sometimes a series of forward plays is called a drive.
DEFENSE BASICS:
Defensive line- Just as the offense has five players that line up with the football, so the defense has five really big guys that line up
with the football. Their job is to try to get to the quarterback to either tackle him or knock the ball out of his hand. Too, they try to stop the
running backs from advancing.
Defensive Ends- There are generally four defensive ends. These players defend the receivers and try to keep them from catching
the ball. If the receiver does catch the ball, then the ends try to tackle him to keep him from advancing. Too, besides the ones defending
the receivers, there are generally two defensive ends at the back of the defense to prevent long throws from the quarterback. If the ball is
advanced far down the field, then they try to keep the player from the end-zone.
Linebacker- This player is a floater. He stands behind the Defensive line, but moves around to help teammates who are struggling to
defend their opponent. Just as the quarterback is the leader of the offense, the linebacker is the leader of the defense.
Understanding Defense-
Defense tries to stop the offense from advancing the ball by moving it down the field 10 yards at a time. Defensive players are allowed to
tackle any player that has the ball. They also try to prevent passes (throws) from reaching receivers. They can't physically interfere with a
receiver, but they can tackle or hit that player hard enough to make him drop it before it is under control. They can also try to make players
fumble by knocking the ball out of any offensive player's grasp.
Defensive line- Just as the offense has five players that line up with the football, so the defense has five really big guys that line up
with the football. Their job is to try to get to the quarterback to either tackle him or knock the ball out of his hand. Too, they try to stop the
running backs from advancing.
Defensive Ends- There are generally four defensive ends. These players defend the receivers and try to keep them from catching
the ball. If the receiver does catch the ball, then the ends try to tackle him to keep him from advancing. Too, besides the ones defending
the receivers, there are generally two defensive ends at the back of the defense to prevent long throws from the quarterback. If the ball is
advanced far down the field, then they try to keep the player from the end-zone.
Linebacker- This player is a floater. He stands behind the Defensive line, but moves around to help teammates who are struggling to
defend their opponent. Just as the quarterback is the leader of the offense, the linebacker is the leader of the defense.
Understanding Defense-
Defense tries to stop the offense from advancing the ball by moving it down the field 10 yards at a time. Defensive players are allowed to
tackle any player that has the ball. They also try to prevent passes (throws) from reaching receivers. They can't physically interfere with a
receiver, but they can tackle or hit that player hard enough to make him drop it before it is under control. They can also try to make players
fumble by knocking the ball out of any offensive player's grasp.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
* Gunner: Race downfield in order to tackle the kick or punt returner.
* Holder: Catch the football and put it into a kicking position
* KickReturner: Catch the football after kickoff and attempt to return to the other direction.
* LongSnapper: Makes long snaps for punts
* Placekicker: kicks the football on kickoffs
* Punter: Catch the long snap from the center and kicks the football
* PuntReturner: Catch the ball after it's punted and run toward the punting team's end zone
* Gunner: Race downfield in order to tackle the kick or punt returner.
* Holder: Catch the football and put it into a kicking position
* KickReturner: Catch the football after kickoff and attempt to return to the other direction.
* LongSnapper: Makes long snaps for punts
* Placekicker: kicks the football on kickoffs
* Punter: Catch the long snap from the center and kicks the football
* PuntReturner: Catch the ball after it's punted and run toward the punting team's end zone
What's a Punt?
Usually, teams only use 3 of its 4 downs to try advancing the ball at least 10 yards. If it's not successful, it will then punt (kick) the ball on
4th down. The reason is because if a loses the ball does not gain the 10 yards it needs to maintain possession on the fourth try, the other
team gets the ball from wherever the offense loses it. Punting gets the ball further down the field.
Usually, teams only use 3 of its 4 downs to try advancing the ball at least 10 yards. If it's not successful, it will then punt (kick) the ball on
4th down. The reason is because if a loses the ball does not gain the 10 yards it needs to maintain possession on the fourth try, the other
team gets the ball from wherever the offense loses it. Punting gets the ball further down the field.
GLOSSARY:
Defense- the team in charge of preventing the offense from scoring, also called defensive team
Down- one of the 4 chances the offense has to gain 10 or more yards, once in possession of the ball. If the yardage is attained, the
offense gets a first down and 4 more tries for another.
End zone- the scoring area located at either end of the football field, 10 yards deep and the width of the playing area. A team can score by
having a player take the ball into the other team's end zone.
Goal posts- Y-shaped structures at the far end of each end zone.
Offense- the team in charge of driving the ball down the field to score, also called the offensive team
Passing play- an attempt to advance the ball by throwing it down the field
Quarterback- key offensive player in charge of initiating the play that's been called by the coaching staff.
Running play- an attempt to get a first down by having a member of the offense run with the ball rather than throw it.
Snap- the quick movement at the beginning of an offensive play that results in the quarterback getting possession of the ball
Defense- the team in charge of preventing the offense from scoring, also called defensive team
Down- one of the 4 chances the offense has to gain 10 or more yards, once in possession of the ball. If the yardage is attained, the
offense gets a first down and 4 more tries for another.
End zone- the scoring area located at either end of the football field, 10 yards deep and the width of the playing area. A team can score by
having a player take the ball into the other team's end zone.
Goal posts- Y-shaped structures at the far end of each end zone.
Offense- the team in charge of driving the ball down the field to score, also called the offensive team
Passing play- an attempt to advance the ball by throwing it down the field
Quarterback- key offensive player in charge of initiating the play that's been called by the coaching staff.
Running play- an attempt to get a first down by having a member of the offense run with the ball rather than throw it.
Snap- the quick movement at the beginning of an offensive play that results in the quarterback getting possession of the ball
Intentional grounding- The quarterback throws the ball away intentionally to avoid being sacked or pushed back behind the line of
scrimmage which would result in a loss. Penalty is the loss of a down
Holding- a penalty against the offense when they grab on or tackle a defending player (10 yard penalty)
Pass interference- a defensive player keeps an offensive player from catching a pass that has not been touched by anyone else. (this is
when the referee rolls his arms and makes a pushing gesture) Penalty is an automatic first down.
And of course there are other penalties like roughing the kicker, late hit, crowd noise, advancing a dead ball, face mask, celebration (like
throwing up their fraternity sign in somebody's face after making a touchdown)
False start- This occurs when the offense jumps ahead of the ball before the play starts. Too, a false start can occur if the quarterback
moves backwards before the ball is in play, so as the trick the defense.
Ineligible receiver- Some players cannot catch the ball. If they wish to do so, they have to announce it to the official that they are eligible.
The official then announces it to the fans.
Unsportsman like conduct- This happens when a player acts in a way that is not professional. Examples include fighting, taunting the
other team, or excessive verbal abuse of an official. This can result in a player or coach being kicked out of the game or in some cases,
being fined a huge sum of money and not being allowed to play in a certain number of games.
Personal foul- this occurs when a player hits another player in a harmful way. Examples include a blow to the head, hitting the knees, or
hitting a player that is already out of bounds.
Face mask- this happens when a defensive player grabs the face mask on the helmet of the player with the ball. This can cause neck
injuries.
Intentional Grounding- This happens when the quarterback throws the ball towards the ground to avoid being tackled when there is no
receiver around. The quarterback can throw the ball out of bounds without being penalized.
Interference- For the defense, interference happens when a defensive player keeps a receiver from having a fair chance to catch the ball.
They can interfere by tackling them before the ball arrives, by holding them so they can't get to the ball, or by pushing them away from the
ball. For the offense, interference happens when an offensive player keeps a defensive player from either having a fair chance to intercept
the ball or a fair chance to defend the receiver.
scrimmage which would result in a loss. Penalty is the loss of a down
Holding- a penalty against the offense when they grab on or tackle a defending player (10 yard penalty)
Pass interference- a defensive player keeps an offensive player from catching a pass that has not been touched by anyone else. (this is
when the referee rolls his arms and makes a pushing gesture) Penalty is an automatic first down.
And of course there are other penalties like roughing the kicker, late hit, crowd noise, advancing a dead ball, face mask, celebration (like
throwing up their fraternity sign in somebody's face after making a touchdown)
False start- This occurs when the offense jumps ahead of the ball before the play starts. Too, a false start can occur if the quarterback
moves backwards before the ball is in play, so as the trick the defense.
Ineligible receiver- Some players cannot catch the ball. If they wish to do so, they have to announce it to the official that they are eligible.
The official then announces it to the fans.
Unsportsman like conduct- This happens when a player acts in a way that is not professional. Examples include fighting, taunting the
other team, or excessive verbal abuse of an official. This can result in a player or coach being kicked out of the game or in some cases,
being fined a huge sum of money and not being allowed to play in a certain number of games.
Personal foul- this occurs when a player hits another player in a harmful way. Examples include a blow to the head, hitting the knees, or
hitting a player that is already out of bounds.
Face mask- this happens when a defensive player grabs the face mask on the helmet of the player with the ball. This can cause neck
injuries.
Intentional Grounding- This happens when the quarterback throws the ball towards the ground to avoid being tackled when there is no
receiver around. The quarterback can throw the ball out of bounds without being penalized.
Interference- For the defense, interference happens when a defensive player keeps a receiver from having a fair chance to catch the ball.
They can interfere by tackling them before the ball arrives, by holding them so they can't get to the ball, or by pushing them away from the
ball. For the offense, interference happens when an offensive player keeps a defensive player from either having a fair chance to intercept
the ball or a fair chance to defend the receiver.
SOME COMMON PENALTIES IN FOOTBALL:
False start- somebody moves before the ball is snapped and after they have been in their set position. I think the
penalty is five yards? I'm not sure
False start- somebody moves before the ball is snapped and after they have been in their set position. I think the
penalty is five yards? I'm not sure
Don't laugh the first time you see your son in a jock strap.
Don't bother the coaches during a game (they're a little high strung). When they come to you after practice or game,
it's not to talk about your son, they just need aspirin or Rolaids.
Sit with other moms... it helps to join hands when a mom wants to run out on the field for an injury...
or to attack a referee.
Don't bother the coaches during a game (they're a little high strung). When they come to you after practice or game,
it's not to talk about your son, they just need aspirin or Rolaids.
Sit with other moms... it helps to join hands when a mom wants to run out on the field for an injury...
or to attack a referee.
I'm not sure how they split up the teams, but your child will always be matched up with someone who is a foot taller and about 10-15
lbs. heavier (and growls)... It's a fact.
When you can't get him to do homework or brush his teeth, try yelling "HUSTLE !!!... HUSTLE !!!... HUSTLE !!!...".
Don't be mad if he dives into the mud puddle eventhough he was a mile from making a tackle, its a "guy thing".
As a mother, you will never understand how our gentle, sweet child could possibly love football... to be smashed and twisted in ways
nature never intended... but he does. So be happy when he wins, supportive when he loses, and always have the camcorder batteries
charged!
This is a lot to take in if you have no understanding of football. You may have to read this a few times to
get it. The best way to understand football is to do what your husband did. He watched enough games
until it clicked. Ask him to explain what just happened during commercials. Most of all, just accept him for
who he is and be excited that he has something that he enjoys and let him know it's okay to like football.
lbs. heavier (and growls)... It's a fact.
When you can't get him to do homework or brush his teeth, try yelling "HUSTLE !!!... HUSTLE !!!... HUSTLE !!!...".
Don't be mad if he dives into the mud puddle eventhough he was a mile from making a tackle, its a "guy thing".
As a mother, you will never understand how our gentle, sweet child could possibly love football... to be smashed and twisted in ways
nature never intended... but he does. So be happy when he wins, supportive when he loses, and always have the camcorder batteries
charged!
This is a lot to take in if you have no understanding of football. You may have to read this a few times to
get it. The best way to understand football is to do what your husband did. He watched enough games
until it clicked. Ask him to explain what just happened during commercials. Most of all, just accept him for
who he is and be excited that he has something that he enjoys and let him know it's okay to like football.
