How To Explain American Football

Describe the difference between the two teams. Tell everyone which is which.

Explain the basic rules in these terms: Each team has four chances — or “downs” — to either score or to reach the first-down marker, which gives them a new set of four chances.

Define a touchdown as getting the ball past the end line on the field, either by running or catching. Ignore the extra points – they’ll learn about those later.

Compare field goals to soccer penalty shots, if there are any Europeans watching for the first time.

Finally, describe that, if a team cannot score, they typically kick it down the field to the other team and the roles switch.

Be patient in answering questions. Learning a new sport is hard; just try to follow a game of cricket.

Don’t get carried away. Screaming and throwing the remote will not leave a good impression in their minds.

Mention that the game is timed, and that it is divided into four quarters.

When people begin to really get into the game, introduce them to the art of making fun of the television announcers. Do your John Madden impersonation.