2torial #0544: Learn2 Understand American Football (continued) Get the basic concepts This is the stuff that you really need to understand. To that end, these situations have been simplified just a little bit. Every possible variable is not detailed, but what's described below is what happens in a game 90% of the time.   A coin is tossed before the game. The team that correctly calls the coin flip has 2 options to start the first half of the game: kick the ball to the other team or have the ball kicked to them. Whichever team loses the coin toss has that same option to start the second half of the game.   Each team has 11 players on the field at any given time. They can be frequently exchanged with other teammates who remain on the side of the field while not actually playing.   When a team has the ball in their possession, it is referred to as the "offensive" team, or "offense". When a team does not have the ball in its possession, it is referred to as the "defensive" team, or "defense". Step 3