Click on a question below to be directed to the answer.

• How is football incorporated into ReCharge! activities?
• What are the basics of football?
• What are some basic football terms and their definitions?
• What are the football positions?
• Where do players line up?
• What are the Seven Guiding Principles of NFL Youth Football?
• What teams comprise the NFL?

How is football incorporated into ReCharge! activities?

ReCharge! introduces children to some basic football skills that are also basic to a variety of physical activities — skills such as balance, coordination, agility, stamina and speed. ReCharge! uses football as "a way in" for learning about nutrition concepts, the importance of teamwork and the value of goal setting. As they go through the activities, students are introduced to some of the game-play aspects of football and may be interested to know some background on team positions and roles.

What are the basics of football?

There are three categories of players on a football team: offense, defense and special teams. Each football team has only 11 players on the field at one time. The offense has 11 players and the defense has 11 players for a total of 22 players on the field for every play. Offense scores points by moving the ball up the field to score touchdowns or field goals. Defense is the team that prevents scoring. Their job is to keep the other team from crossing the goal line. They also can try to take the ball away from the offense by causing the other team to drop the ball (fumble) or by catching a pass (interception). Special Teams include punters and field-goal kickers. Students who are interested in knowing more about football and how to get involved in their local community can log on to the NFL Youth Football website.

What are some basic football terms and their definitions?

Here are some basic football terms, positions and NFL facts to provide more background information when talking with students about football:

Blitz: When a defensive back or linebacker runs behind the line of scrimmage toward the quarterback (QB).

Coin Flip: A coin is flipped to determine which team will get possession of the football first. A representative from each team meets before the game in the center of the field with the referee. The visiting team will call heads or tails before the referee flips the coin in the air. If they choose correctly, they will have the option to have first possession of the ball in the first half or to choose the end zone they will defend in the first half.

Defense: The team without the football, which protects its scoring area (end zone).

Down: (1) The offense has four attempts (downs) to gain 10 yards and, if successful, receives four additional downs to attempt to score. (2) After the ball carrier is stopped, he is called "down."

End Zone: The area at both ends of the field 10 yards deep by 30 yards wide. The defense protects this area.

Extra Point/Two Point Conversion: After a touchdown, the offense has a chance to score one point with one play by kicking an extra point; or two points by crossing the goal line with a run or a pass from two yards out.

First Down: When the offense moves the ball past the first-down marker, it earns a first down. An official also can award a first down on a penalty.

Fumble/Down Ball: When the football is dropped ("fumbled") or touches the ground.

Goal Line: The line that must be crossed to get into the end zone for a touchdown or two-point conversion.

Halftime: There are two halves during the game. Between the halves, play is stopped for an intermission. This time can be used for a water break and to discuss strategy. Teams will switch field direction when they return from halftime, and the team that lost the coin toss starts the second half with an option to receive the kickoff or defend an end zone.

Hand-off: A direct exchange of the football from one offensive player to another.

Huddle: A huddle is when the offense and defense gather separately on the field between plays to call plays or discuss strategy. In some leagues coaches are allowed in the huddle with younger players.

Interception: When a defensive player catches a pass intended for an offensive player. The interception can be run back toward the opposite end zone by the defense.

Line of Scrimmage: The imaginary line showing the offensive position on the field. The ball is snapped and each play begins from the line of scrimmage.

Motion: When one wide receiver or running back switches his/her location before the ball is snapped. The running back or wide receiver may run in either direction toward the sidelines but not toward the line of scrimmage.

Offense: The team with possession of the football.

Offside: When either team crosses the line of scrimmage before the football is snapped. This is a penalty.

Pass: When the quarterback throws the football to a teammate.

Safety: When an offensive player is downed or tackled in his/her own end zone with the football. Play is stopped, and the defense is awarded two points. The defensive team also receives a free kick.

Screen: A pass to the wide receiver or running back in the flat. The quarterback usually fakes a pass to a wide receiver or running back in the opposite direction.

Shotgun: The formation in which the quarterback stands three to five yards behind the center to take the snap. This will allow the quarterback more time to look for the wide receivers and watch for a blitz.

Snap: When the center passes the football between his/her legs to a quarterback.

Touchdown (TD): A touchdown is scored when the offense runs or passes the football into the end zone and is awarded six points.

Time-out: Each team is allowed a predetermined number of time-outs per half. This time is used to stop the game clock and discuss strategy.

Toss: When the quarterback pitches the football to a teammate.

Turnover: A loss of possession of the football. When the football is intercepted or fumbled, the defense gains possession of the ball.

What are the football positions?

Quarterback (QB): The quarterback calls the offensive plays in the huddle and receives the snap behind the center. The QB can hand the ball to a running back, run with the ball or pass the ball to a receiver in most leagues.

Running Back (RB): Running backs stand in the backfield behind or next to the QB. RBs can receive hand-offs or run out for passes. RBs also can block and pass the ball.

Wide Receiver (WR): Wide receivers run out for passes and block on running plays. WRs also can take hand-offs on end-arounds and reverses.

Tight End (TE): Tight ends line up beside the offensive tackle. The TE blocks and runs out for passes.

Center (C): The center snaps the football between his/her legs to the QB on offensive plays, punts, field goals and extra-point kicks. The C also blocks downfield on run plays and at the line of scrimmage on pass plays.

Offensive Guard (OG) and Offensive Tackle (OT): Offensive guards and offensive tackles line up on either side of the center. The OGs and the OTs block downfield on run plays and at the line of scrimmage on pass plays.

Defensive Tackle (DT) and Defensive End (DE): Defensive tackles and defensive ends line up on the defensive side of the line of scrimmage. They can tackle running backs and rush the quarterback.

Linebacker (LB): Linebackers line up behind the DTs and DEs. They can defend the run, rush the quarterback or cover receivers.

Defensive Back (DB): Safeties (S) and cornerbacks (CB) play in the defensive backfield. DBs cover receivers and tight ends.

Where do players line up?

What are the Seven Guiding Principles of NFL Youth Football?

The Seven Guiding Principles of NFL Youth Football make up the overall philosophy that applies to all NFL Youth Programs. The principles — which are based on research with kids, parents and coaches — also can be applied to the ReCharge! After-school program activities.

1. Make it fun.
   
   
2. Limit standing around.
   
   
3. Everyone plays.
   
   
4. Teach every position to every participant.
   
   
5. Emphasize the fundamentals.
   
   
6. Incorporate progression of skill development for every participant.
   
   
7. Yell encouragement, whisper constructive criticism.

To learn more about The Seven Guiding Principles of NFL Youth Football and NFL Youth Programs, log onto the NFL's website, www.NFLyouthfootball.com.

What teams comprise the NFL?

The National Football League is comprised of the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). Below are the NFL Teams in each conference: