Duffer's guide to the rulespublished at 22:42
Once-a-year viewer? Gridiron ignoramus? Worry not. Whether you want to dazzle friends and colleagues, or simply understand what the heck is going on, here's a quick guide to the rules.
Each team is split into two units, an attacking one (called the offence) and a defensive one (called the defence). The team which has control of the ball will have their attacking players on the pitch and the team without it will have their defensive players on.
Image source, ReutersYou score by carrying the ball into the opposition's end zone (that's called a touchdown) or kicking a field goal. Touchdowns are worth six points, field goals score three.
When your team is in control of the ball you have four attempts to advance it 10 yards up the field.
If you succeed you'll get another four attempts, and that keeps happening until you score or you fail, then the other team gets control of the ball. Simple!
