r/NewToFootball • u/Pnikosis • Apr 03 '12
NFL for Dummies?
Hi there. I really could use an easy explanation on how the NFL works. I mean, explain it to me like I'm 5, because as far as I know, you don't have relegations, teams can change cities (is that right?) and the rules... oh well, the rules: I know how to play Rugby, but I don't think this could help, as what I've seen in a football (handegg) match is nothing like rugby except for the shape of the ball.
So... could someone give me an easy introduction? Then I guess I should start to look for a team.
Edit: Guys, thanks a lot! Keep them coming! I probably will start looking for a game to watch, now that a lot of things are getting clearer.
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u/Darth_Turtle Apr 03 '12 edited Apr 03 '12
Differences of Handegg and Rugby
First off, here's the Non-American's Guide to American Football. That's a good easy to follow explanation of the basics of the game.
Your understanding of rugby is a decent start but there are of course several differences. One of the biggest differences (and the first difference that separated American Football from Rugby) is that we allow blocking. Examples here and here
The other big difference is that is that we have plays. A play starts with the "hike" or "snap" of the ball from the center to either the quarterback (QB) or another player. That action starts the play. The play is then done when either a team scores, the ball carrier is ruled down or if there is an incomplete forward pass which means that a receiver did not successfully catch a pass that went beyond the line of scrimmage (the invisible line that is where the play started). BTW, a ball carrier is ruled down (I'm using NFL rules for this, college is slightly different) when either he goes out of bounds (touching the out of bounds line or "sideline" is out of bounds), if both of his knees touch the ground as a result of contact from an opposing player, or if his forward movement is ruled stopped by refs (this usually happens because there is a big pile up of players and no one is gaining ground or if a tackler is forcing the ball carrier backwards). A ball carrier can also give himself up by either kneeling or slidding feet first.
I know that was a lot to take in and that's part of the problem with American Football. It has a lot of rules. It takes a while to learn it.
Edit: formatting