Instructions
Read each section carefully and answer the questions to the best of your ability. Have fun testing your football knowledge!
Part 1: Vocabulary Match-up
Match the football term on the left with its correct definition on the right. Write the letter of the correct definition in the blank space.
| _____ 1. Touchdown | A. The offensive player who throws the ball to the receivers. |
| _____ 2. Quarterback | B. A score, worth 3 points, that is made by kicking the ball through the goalpost. |
| _____ 3. Field Goal | C. When a defensive player catches a pass that was meant for an offensive player. |
| _____ 4. Fumble | D. A score, worth 6 points, when a player brings the ball into the opponent's end zone. |
| _____ 5. Interception | E. When a player who has the ball loses it before they are tackled. |
Part 2: Fill in the Blanks
Use the words from the word bank to complete the paragraph about the basics of football.
American football is played by two teams of _______________ players on the field at one time. The offense tries to advance the ball down the field by running or _______________ it. They have four chances, called _______________, to advance the ball at least 10 yards. The game is divided into four 15-minute _______________. The main goal is to score a _______________ in the opponent's end zone.
Part 3: Football Math
Solve the following word problem. Show your work!
The Jaguars are playing the Panthers. The Jaguars score 2 touchdowns and make the extra point kick (1 point) after both of them. They also kick 3 field goals. What is the Jaguars' final score?
Touchdowns: _____________________________________________
Extra Points: ____________________________________________
Field Goals: ______________________________________________
Total Score: ____________________________________________
Part 4: Fun Facts - True or False?
Read each statement below and circle whether it is TRUE or FALSE.
- A football field is 100 yards long from goal line to goal line.
TRUE / FALSE - A "safety" is a score worth 3 points for the defense.
TRUE / FALSE - The Super Bowl is the annual championship game of the NFL.
TRUE / FALSE - There are 12 players from each team on the field during a play.
TRUE / FALSE
Part 5: Think About It!
Imagine you are the coach. It is the last play of the game, and your team is on the opponent's 10-yard line. Your team is losing by 5 points. What play would you call: a field goal attempt or a play to score a touchdown? Explain your choice.
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Answer Key
Part 1: Vocabulary Match-up
- D
- A
- B
- E
- C
Part 2: Fill in the Blanks
American football is played by two teams of eleven players on the field at one time. The offense tries to advance the ball down the field by running or passing it. They have four chances, called downs, to advance the ball at least 10 yards. The game is divided into four 15-minute quarters. The main goal is to score a touchdown in the opponent's end zone.
Part 3: Football Math
Touchdowns: 2 touchdowns x 6 points = 12 points
Extra Points: 2 extra points x 1 point = 2 points
Field Goals: 3 field goals x 3 points = 9 points
Total Score: 12 + 2 + 9 = 23 points
Part 4: Fun Facts - True or False?
- TRUE
- FALSE (A safety is worth 2 points.)
- TRUE
- FALSE (There are 11 players from each team on the field.)
Part 5: Think About It!
Sample Answer: I would call a play to score a touchdown. A field goal is only worth 3 points, and my team is losing by 5 points, so a field goal wouldn't be enough to win the game. We have to score a touchdown (worth 6 points) to win.