Never seen a game? After five minutes here you'll follow the next one. Take this page with you to the field.
Two teams of eleven. One team has the ball and tries to get it into the opponent's end zone, by running with it or throwing it. The other team tries to stop them. That's it: the rest is about how far you get, and how.
The field is 100 yards long (about 91 metres) with an end zone at each end. The lines every 10 yards help you see how far the ball has come.
The team with the ball gets four tries, called downs, to move the ball at least 10 yards forward. If they make it, they get four new tries. If they don't, the ball goes to the other team. That's why you hear "third and four": the third try, with four yards still to go. Step through a drive:
The Tribes start on their own 25-yard line. The blue line is where the ball is; the yellow line is 10 yards further, the line you have to reach.
The ball is carried or caught in the opponent's end zone. The big one.
A short kick between the posts is 1 point. Or try one more play from close range: 2 points if it works.
Stuck, but close enough? Kick the ball between the tall posts.
The defense tackles the ball carrier in his own end zone. Rare, and loud.
A football team is really three groups, and players swap at almost every stoppage.
Has the ball. The quarterback starts every play and hands the ball off or throws it; linemen block, running backs and receivers try to gain yards.
Tries to stop them: tackle the ball carrier, knock the pass away or, even better, catch it (an interception) or recover a fumble.
On the field for kicks: the kickoff, the punt on fourth down (kicking the ball far away when going for it is too risky) and field goals.
When an official throws a yellow flag, someone broke a rule. The play carries on; the penalty comes afterwards, usually as yards forward or back. The penalties you'll see most:
A game has four quarters. The clock stops often (after an incomplete pass, a score, a time-out), so a game easily lasts two to three hours. Plenty of time for the clubhouse bar at half time.
Our youngest players start with flag football: no tackles, you stop the ball carrier by pulling a flag from their belt. In 2028 flag football will be at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles for the first time.
During a game you can follow along live on your phone: the score, every play and the down and distance, straight from our press box.
Next game: U20 @ Lions, Sunday 25 October at 14:00.
Izegem Tribes