Game Tips

Tips for Watching the Game

These tips might help you follow what is happening on the field.

1 Before the snap: read the players

• Defenders creep up to the line of scrimmage

  They plan to either blitz the QB or rush into running lanes to stop a running play.

• Only 3 defensive linemen line up

  The defense expects the offense to pass. (See defensive positions.)

• More than 4 defensive backs are on the field

  The defense is preparing to stop a pass completion.

• The offense has 4 receivers on the field

  The QB will probably be throwing the ball. (See offensive positions.)

• The quarterback stands 5 yards behind the center

  He's in the shotgun formation, so he's very likely to pass. Occasionally he'll drop back and hand the ball off to a running back instead.

2 On your TV screen

• Check the scoreboard

  The corner of the screen shows the down, how far the offense needs to go for a first down, the time left and the score. The score and the clock often decide whether a team will run or pass.

• Watch the lines drawn on the field

  TV adds a line for the line of scrimmage (usually blue) and one for where the offense must reach for a first down (usually yellow). The players can't see them!

3 Flag on the play