Football dominates the airwaves on Sunday afternoons If you can't tell the difference between a first down, fourth down, or touch down, this page can help. Read on the learn how to understand football.

• Whether you need a cram course before attending an NFL game with a date, or you're hosting a crowd for a Super Bowl party, a bit of background will help you understand the game of American football.

If you are interested in learning even more about football, here are some pages that can start you off on your reading and more. To learn more about playing football check out How to Play Football, Football, NFL Rules and How to Throw a Football. To understand the different football leagues check out the following pages National Football League (NFL), American Football League, and NCAA Football. If you are someone who likes to really participate in a sport check out Fantasy Football in the page How to Play Fantasy Football. If you are looking for some football deals and sales on merchandise check out this Football Fanatics Coupon Code.

To find out how you can watch college and regular football on your personal computer check out these pages Watch Football Online, How to Watch Football Online, Watch College Football Online, and How to Watch College Football Online. If your interest is peaked about football and you become interested in taking a holiday trip, here is information about the Pro Football Hall of Fame located in Ohio. Now you are well on your way toward becoming a football expert!

The basics of the game are not complicated.

1. The game is played on a 120 yard field. The area of play is separated into 2 ten yard end zones, and a 100 yard field. All progress is noted in yards.
2. The game is divided in four quarters.
3. 11 players are on the field at a time for each team. Players specialize in either offense or defense, and each position on the team has a different name and assigned role.
4. Teams earn points by scoring touchdowns (6 points), field goals (3 points), safeties (2 points), and extra points or 2-point conversions.
5. Penalties can cost teams yardage.
6. An offensive team can lose the ball by turnovers such as interceptions and fumbles.
7. The team has 4 chances to move the ball 10 yards. Each chance is called a down. When the move the ball at least ten yards, they are said to have made a first down, no matter which try it was.

Football has a language all its own. Here is a list of terms that are essential for beginners:

Defense: The team trying to keep the offense from scoring

Defensive Lineman: A member of the team on defense, whose job is to keep the offense from getting through.

Field Goal: When the ball is kicked over the posts, resulting in three points. Not to be confused with an extra point. This is similar, but only happens after touchdowns, and is only worth one point.

Offense: The team trying to score.

Quarterback: The quarterback calls the plays and executes them by deciding what to do with the ball each play.

Touchdown: The most common method of scoring, it means the ball was either caught in or carried to the other team’s end zone, resulting in seven points.

Wide Receiver: The player whose job it is to catch the ball when the quarterback throws it.

Here’s some links for more:

• Football Plays and Drills: Football Glossary
• First Base Sports: Football Glossary
• RotoExperts: Football Glossary

The best way to learn the game of football is to watch it with a willing tutor. Watching on TV is generally the best way to learn, as the announcers generally explain what's going on. Feel free to ask your companion questions, but try to save them for the commercials!

The NFL has a pretty regular schedule. Occasionally, a game may be shown on a Thursday, but usually games are shown on Sunday, with one game shown on Monday nights. Your local channels may vary on what game is being shown in your area, because multiple games are often going on at the same time. More experienced fans may benefit from watching the pregame, half-time, or post-game shows, since they tend to give a detailed analysis of the highlights of games, but watching these is not essential.

If you have a DVR or TiVo, you can benefit from the pause and rewind feature, especially if you can’t find a willing tutor. Use it to rewatch a play you didn’t understand.

• Introduction
• Step 1: Study Baseball
• Step 2: Keep a Baseball Scorebook
• Step 3: Refer to a Baseball Rulebook