Players can either run with the ball (called a rush) or throw it to teammates (called a pass). Points can be scored through touchdowns (6 points), field goals (3 points), or extra points (1 or 2 points).

The team with possession of the ball is called the offense, and they try to advance it down the field to score. The opposing team, called the defense, tries to tackle the ball carrier or intercept passes to gain possession.

A game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes. The team with the most points at the end of four quarters wins