How do you score in football
Eleven players constitute a team: a center, two guards, two tackles, two ends, a quarterback, two halfbacks and a fullback. Substitutions may be made at any time, but in the college game, a player may enter the game only twice each quarter.
Play is started with a kick-off of the ball into enemy territory. Determination as to which team shall kick off or receive is made by the toss of a coin. The team receiving must gain 10 yards in four downs (plays) immediately following the run-back play or forfeit possession of the ball to the opposing team at the point of failure. It may give up possession of the ball at any time by kicking to its opponent.
The ball may be advanced (1) by running or plunging and (2) by forward or lateral passing.
The ball may not be advanced by kicking without forfeiture to the other team. However, a score may be made by successful placement or drop kicking.
Points are scored as follows:
6 points for a touchdown, which means when a ball is carried, or successfully passed and caught, beyond the enemy goal line.
1 or 2 points for a conversion. After a touchdown, the scoring side can run or pass the ball for 2 points or kick for 1 point, in any event with the play starting on the 3-yard line
3 points for a goal from the field. This is accomplished by a drop kick, meaning the ball is dropped to the ground and kicked on the rebound, or a placement kick, meaning the ball is passed to one player who holds it on the ground in position for a team-mate to kick it. Drop and placement kicks are successful only if ball clears crossbar between uprights of goalposts.
2 points for a safety. Where a man in possession of the ball is downed back of his goal line, it counts 2 points for the other side provided the impetus that put the ball back of the goal line came from the side defending that goal. Otherwise it is a touchback and no points are given.
The other form of kicking is called punting. The ball is dropped toward the instep and kicked by the instep toward enemy territory. The punt play is made when it is deemed wiser to surrender the ball than to retain possession.
